Her name, at the shelter, was Mindy. I instantly became obsessed with her. Her write up said that she had been bred as an experiment- Chinese Crested and Aussie. She was eventually dumped in a shelter in Arkansas. Our local shelter in Illinois brought her here sometime in January of 2021. She would need time to adjust to her new home....
Eventually, I filled out an application because something about this girl spoke to my soul. I cannot even explain it, she was just...perfect. I loved her naked little body, her wispy old man hair on her sides and tail, her boots with the fur, her soulful eyes and her gorgeous face. I adored the way she played with the girl in the shelter's video, she knew how to sit and give paw and just looked so happy.
We were told we would be a good family for her because of our previous experience with a bad dog. Our girl, Lola, was a monster and we only got her because she was going to be put to sleep due to aggression. It took a year of hard core training but she's the best girl ever now!
The following excerpts are from my facebook updates:
We named her Skyzer because she makes us happy when Skyzer grey.
Skyzer needs to choose her people. She cannot have people come up to her. At our meet today, she chose my husband. She is sort of smitten with him and I think it is adorable. She is going to require a lot of work, patience and training. We won't be having visitors for at least two weeks to get her acclimated. So far, she is doing WAYYYY better than expected. She has peed outside twice (she was not house broken), has not barked once and is accepting us. 💜
She doesn't like outside. nobody really knows why, but the guess is that since she came from Arkansas we think she was kept outside 24/7, as is the norm, or so I am told. We are making small trips in and out and making great progress. She is so smart, and really seems to want to please.
Our first 24 hours have gone very well.. small little baby steps in the right direction.
Skyzer is doing well! Her first night went very smooth, she was a good girl in her room and didn't bark. We still haven't heard her bark. She did her first pooper outside today and has had all her peepers out there also! Yeah!! Baby steps with her, we do not want to rush her, and need to give her time to trust us.
This photo shows her at the furthest point in the yard she has been so far. Being outside really freaks her out, but we have made huge progress. She WANTS to please, so using our "no" comands when she tugs (along with a small leash tug for attention only) and "good girl" in our happy psychopath voices when she isn't tugging to go in and/or going potty, she is responding well.
I feel like I had two small victories today. One, I had to put a different collar on her because when the shelter attached the leash it was attached to the o ring and thank GOD I noticed it was starting to pull apart. We did an emergency trip to the store and got a new collar and some dog wipes. I was able to put the tag on the new collar and put it on her neck, although she wasn't too sure about it. The new one is a little big, so I left her other one on for now, and will eventually switch them out. Baby steps though.
The other victory was rubbing a wipe all on her head, neck and back. I even put some coconut oil on her butt, as her skin was a little dry there.
We have all taken turns leading her around and sitting and allowing her to just realize we are not bad guys. Goofy and weird, but not bad. Today, her name was tested...she really did make us happy when Skyzer grey! 💜💜💜
Of course, I would love more pics, but we are limiting interaction time and are trying to just focus on her (and Lola-it can be a two man job with leashes). If we do our jobs right, there will be tons of time for more, and better, photos.
And one more victory for the day: I was able to take off a collar, put on a collar and reattach the leash. Sounds easy. I defied death and can't stop shaking. But we did it with no harm to anyone🤪
#skyzerbutterbody
#bootswiththefur
I wish we would have gotten on video her behavior outside when it was bad...but of course I had to concentrate on her. Basically, she would do a low crawl towards the door, using all her might to pull back to the house. This morning, for her first outside of the day, she had not one tug on the leash. She was such a good girl. We will have to work through a lot of things, as she is too interested in cars and weird things like the garage door, but that is what time and patience will do.
As the day goes on, if there is more to report, I will just update this post.
Afternoon update: We let her check out the garage with the leash dragging. She sniffed around but always came back to me like I was a safe space. It was really sweet.
Evening update: one more poop outside and still no accidents in the house. Yeahhh! She is acknowledging her name and is allowing me to pet her head with two hands and not just one! I can pet all of her, ventured down her legs today, but have not tried any mid rib or undercarriage-even pulled a little on her ears as if I wanted to look at them. I still can't get a good photo, so I'll just upload the best of the worst 🤣🤣
Evening update: It was daddy's first time taking Skyzer out of her room and getting her outside. Sounds easy, but it was a big step. She really has been a joy to watch improve. I was worried she would start that crazy pulling back to the front door, but he followed my instructions and handled her like a pro. They both did a great job! He did even get a pee out of her! 💜💜 Go Skyzer Go!! Also, I finally picked her eye boogers.
#skyzerbutterbody #bootswiththefur
DAY four Skyzer Update post. Post will be updated throughout the day if I have any more updates.
Third night, and she still was such a good girl. She does not bark, at least not yet and this is AMAZING! She has made amazing leash progress, although I imagine it will be a LONG time before we ever go for real walks. Baby steps and no rushing.
I want her to be getting good exercise so I moved the car out of the garage and swept up and now we have a nice play area she can be with the leash dragging for training and just being a dog.
I got her to stay this morning, this is not in the video, but I just wanted to share the video anyhow so you can see she really is trying to be a good girl.
I also got the comb out. I let her sniff it and touched her with it. She didn't seem to mind, so I combed a tiny bit of her head and one of her furry boots. She was great with it. I didn't want to push my luck, so that was all we did for that session.
I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to help her be the best girl she can be. Stressed and blessed 🤣🤣 it is a big responsibility, but she is making it so worth it.
Since she us so nervous abouy people touching her, she seems nervous about putting collars and leashes on. Her leash has been staying on at all times, until we work through it. I just started, today, making her leash click as if I were attaching it before we go out. She seems cool with that. 😁
Afternoon update: today was Celeste's turn to take Skyzer out of her room for outside time. Winning winning! 😁
This is probably my favorite update to date.
We had some really awkward bonding. She has really been allowing me to love on her, even doing that fun little head nudge when I stop. But the best part was she came and sat on my lap. 💜💜💜 instant heart melt and joy. I thanked her for letting me be her mom.
I wiped her down with a wipey, combed more of her fuzzy boots and got some coconut oil on her dry skin on her butt.
Today was daddy's first day back at work since Skyzer joined us. She was SO HAPPY her human came back! 😍😍😍 She loves him so much, she chose him first! 💜💜💜 She was so funny eunning back and forth between us, but then settled on him.
#skyzerbutterbody #bootswiththefur
Day 5 Skyzer Update:
Today mommy and Celeste took me for a car ride so I can get used to going out and coming home. I was a little awkward but I figured it out!
I had some fun bonding with the girls today! I also went further into our yard than I had gone before and didn't even get too scared, because I am starting to trust my family.
Today, I decided to lay. ALL the way down instead of awkwardly laying my front down and keeping my butt in the air like a dork. I guess I am really happy here because I even flipped to my side and showed my belly. I really love pets and snuggles.
After a reset in my room, we went outside for our evening outing. I actually jogged next to my mommy without fearfully trying to go back to the door. I sniffed trees and leaves and just frolicked. And then I showed my sister what I did and I pooped.
I graced both my mommy and my sister with kissies today. Small, delicate and tentative, but kissies nonetheless. I am a good girl. I am Skyzer. I have a family. I am worthy.
So, our Day 6 was kind of a set back. We went back to the shelter to fet assistance with bathing her. It was too chaotic and she shut down. She got to see her friends though, and that was so lovely. She loved on her buddies from the shelter and we left. She was good in the car though, and got in and out easily.
Today is really windy, so she is scared. The wind makes noises she doesn't understand, creaks, blows, bangs, crinkles, all so scary to her. So, combine that with the trip to the shelter, she is not her best self today. She did get in the kiddie pool (it was empty) a few times, and she had been scared of it. We need to get her used to it so we can try and bathe her eventually. She reallllyyyyyy wanted to please me, and worked up the courage to get in even though she was so so scared. I am taking that as my win for today.
I am pretty stressed out about what we have taken on. Honestly, this is harder than I thought it would be. I am starting to panic at the thought that she could potentially bite someone. So, I set up an appointment with a trainer for friday. Praying that goes well, or that he thinks she will improve.
Also, I found a little patch on her front leg that looks sort of scaley. Not sure what to make of that, but she has a vet appointment thursday, and of course I am stressing about that too, because what if she bites the vet? 😖
Skyzer Day 7: yesterday was a bit rough after the failed bath attempt combined with the really windy day. The wind makes scary noises, and she is scared of every single one of them. It is a good thing I like speaking little kid in that little baby voice cuz she responds well to it, but I am sick of hearing myself. 🤣🤣🤣🤪
I have been getting her used to the click of a leash by pretending I am unhooking it every time I take her out of the room, and putting her in. I also got brave and tried thenother collar again (the one that I used before and almost shat my pants cuz she hated me doing it). She did really stinking good. She didn't like it, but she allowed it.
Skyzer went in the kiddie pool also a few times, empty for now. Today we will try a little warm water in it. It is in the garage, so she isn't scared of outside while doing it. I am thinking peanut butter will help, and also only try to work on one area for now, if she lets me.
Still all potty has been outside and zero barking. A tiny whine I heard yesterday, but it wasn't incessant.
#skyzerbutterbody
Evening update: the fear of the unknown and possible worst case scenarios are what sends me to stress city. I am there. 😬 I am stressing about her upcoming vet appointment, Thursday. I am stressing about her meeting people. I am stressing about giving her a bath. 😩 My body started to shut down a bit and I realized I was really letting this affect me way too much. All I can do is my best, and I am. We have a trainer appointment Friday and will do our best to work with her. I would hate to give up on her, but depending on what happens in the time ahead of us, I may need to return her to the shelter. I think, now that I have allowed myself that possibility, I am handling it a little better. I am not a god, so if my best isn't good enough for her, then I will be good with letting her go.
We have learned up up and down down! Working on dig!
April 2: yesterday we took her to the vet. Our vet rocks and just used the office visit to give her treats and gain trust. She did really good.
Skyzer has her first trainer meeting today! This will be the first time I travel alone with her. She is doing pretty darn good in the car though, and I got a car leash so it helps. She has become quite the snuggler and is getting a little less timid of strange sounds. Bravery isn't gonna happen in just one day, week or month...but she has shown great improvement so I am hopeful that whatever her pace is that she will be able to be a happy and confident dog.
100 days 100 new things is what our trainer said she needs. We were doing at least one new thing anyway, so we are just making sure to keep up with it. Today's new things were chickens (just their sounds) and a paraglider). She ventured further in the yard than ever before and handled it like a champ!
#skyzerbutterbody
I have created a monster. She now loves going in the kiddie pool. She just likes to sit and snuggle in it. Tomorrow I shall put in some water and see what happens.
I have never before had this experience of taking a creature that is so terrified of everything and showing them that it is OK. I can see how it would be scary or aggravating for some. A random leaf, a duck quacking as it flies by, a motor of a car, a child laughing, a chicken clucking...literally everything. With each new thing she learns is OK, she gets a little more brave. Her gate becomes more prancy, her tail more expressive and her gaze more curious. To see the world through her eyes is to see it for the first time. I am sad to think how scary things must have been for her first 4 years to bring us to these past 12 days.
I sure hope we can make her a happy, well adjusted and content girl that she has always deserved to be. And, if that means I sit in an empty kiddie pool on Easter for a half hour giving treats, pets and saying good girl....then that is what I will do. 💜23rd
#skyzerbutterbody
She LOVES HER DADDY!!!
April 7
She got to meet Ross!!
April 8
Today's new thing was walking with Lola. Not too close, but close enough. She did great! We had tried this about a week ago, and she just wasn't ready yet. So, we waited until she became more comfortable with outside and it was a great decision to not push her. The video isn't that great, I needed to be focused on the dogs and training, but wanted to at least get a snippet on video.
Skyzer is getting more and more brave. Our other new thing for today was big boxes. A shipment from Rock Auto came today and Jaime had to break down the boxes. They were big, scary and made lots of noise. She was unsure, but kept her tail wagging instead of getting hysterical about it. We spoke to her softly to reassure her and it was so fun to watch her be brave and poke a box with her nose.
#skyzerbutterbody #100days100newthings
April 10
Today's new thing was putting on a shirt mommy made. Mommy had to modify the pattern because I am a big chested girl with a little neck and no fur to add inches. Mommy picked a design that was easy on and off because I am not quite ready to let anyone manipulate my legs into armholes. This was a prototype, so now my mommy can buy me fun fabric designs and make me a supermodel. I don't really like the chill in the air. If I feel a chill in the wind I shake and ask if I can go back inside. I am liking my new jacket, it keeps me cozy.
#skyzerbutterbody #bootswiththefur #100days100newthings
Today we also reaffirmed that I am a good girl in the car...we went on a car ride to nowhere. Treats were had and I am such a good girl!
April 11
Today's new thing was that dhe was able to have free range in the kitchen and hallway. I got some gates so she can come out and mingle more. She got to help load dishwasher, put dishes away, and watch me pee. We also picked up a prescription from CVS.
Before we got Skyzer, I was working on a patriotic romper...I finally was able to finish it today...then I made one for her to match 🤣🤣🤣🙈
April 12
Skyzer got her jacket from Etsy today! She loves it! Her new thing today was having her room door open with a gate separating so she can start getting more acclimated to the sounds in our home without the door as a buffer. She did pretty good, but after a while I had to close it again as she started barking and growling. Her Ausshole is starting to show (Australian Shepherds are notorious for being aussholes)...she has started giving me a hard time when play time is over and she needs to go back in her room. I don't blame her at all, but I'm not gonna let her win, I'm more stubborn.
Today's new thing was hanging out with me in the kitchen area, which is connected to her little room. I was making my healthy cookies and preparing some homemade dog food. Lots of the sounds really scared her so she would run back in her room and just peek out. Awwww 😍😍😍 She got brave and came out when the dishwasher was on, she was pretry proud of herself, and mommy was proud too! We also walked with Miss Lola all the way to the back woods and back to the house, they got within a few feet of eachother and nobody was phased at all. 🫀🥳🥳🥳 pic of Lola is from 2012 a few months after we got her. That MOUTH! 🤣🤣
Homemade Dog Food
6 cuos water
1 lb ground turkey
2 c. Cooked brown rice
1 tsp dried rosemary
8 oz. Frozen mix of carrots, broccoli and coliflower
Place all in pot and stir till turkey is broken up.. simmer 20 minutes. Refrigerate
April 15
Today's new thing was chillin'. Chillin' in the kitchen....Chillinn' outside...And chillin' in the living room, and even fairly close to Lola. This time we let Lola walk around like normal and Skyzer did really well. Baby steps in the right direction. Skyzer loves when daddy is home. He really is her favorite human.
Why is chillin' something we chose today? Well, daddy works lots of days and very long hours...we don't see him much. So, Skyzer has been a little stinky and barking at him when she is in her room. Really, this time was important so Daddy realizes Skyzer just has issues and doesn't actually want to eat him. She cannot help the way she is, and it is our job tobhelp herbovercome her insecurities.
#skyzerbutterbody #bootswiththefur #100days100newthings #adoptdontshop #furkid #dogs #chinesecrested #aussie #determination #love #family #babysteps
April 16
Terrrrible pics but today's new thing was going for a walk on the road with Lola. We have been working her into this by taking her to the end of the driveway and watch cars go by. Our neighbors have a gazillion cement trucks going in and out of their driveway (which had I known we would have waited). She did REALLY well, and was so brave. She even walked next to Lola for a few paces a few times. Our attention was focused on the doggos so the photos are just awful, but they are our snapshots of this monumentous occasion. Noodle even joined us for a spell on our journey, although I didn't get a pic of that.
Another first: an ALMOST bath 🤣🤣🤣 i sat in the kiddie pool, she was outside of it and I used washcloths...shes sort of clean...and got some sunscreen on for the lovely day.
#lolathetoofydog
#loladontcare #skyzerbutterbody #bootswiththefur
We also had an "almost bath". Skyzer let me wash her legs and the top of her head. I used some buckets of water, oatmeal shampoo and washcloths. It worked pretty well. She made a big mess all over the garage, I was as wet as her, and I kept all of my fingers, so I am calling it a win! Her hair is so nice and soft now!
Today's new thing was not getting on furniture and being able to survive even if mom is on the couch. 🤣🤣 She is doing SO WELL. I am so blown away by her progress. She is doing great on the leash and walks as well.
Our other new thing was staying home alone when mommy and daddy and Celeste went to McBride's.
Also, Jaime has become quite rhe dog magnet. 🤣🤣🤣💜
#skyzerbutterbody #bootswiththefur
#100days100newthings
April 18
To truly feel alive is to see your life flash before you, knowing that death is imminent...to truly feel blessed is to swab a rescue dog's cheeks for 15 seconds two times and still have all 10 fingers and your life. I don't think I really thought this DNA test through when I ordered it...🤣🤣🤣🤦♀️
Lots of new things today!!!! I thought we would just view the forest preserve and go home...bit she was good, so we went on a trail...then another trail! Over two bridges and up and down a big hill. We jumped over logs, heard boats and kids. We still need to work on not wanting to get inside all the parked cars...but baby steps hahaha!
#skyzerbutterbody #bootswiththefur #100days100newthings
April 20
Yesterday's new thing was not pooping in the living room. She has been great in her own little room, and under my supervised watch, but Jaime doesn't speak dog and she tried to poop on the rug during his watch.
Today, I saw she was sitting by the back door and asked if she wanted to go outside and she got exicted, took me to her poopoo spot and went. Yeahhhh!!!
We still need to work on her and Lola in the house when Lola is up and walking around. Lola sleeps a lot and Skyzer is fine with that, but when Lola is up and moving inside the house Skyzer gets really bad. They have been ok walking together though Baby steps...we may never get to the point where they can be fully integrated but we will keep on working at it.
#skyzerbutterbody #lolathetoofydog #bootswiththefur #100days100newthings
April 21
Today's new thing is peeing on snow and pooping on a walk. That was actually pretty cool because she never really wanted to go potty on walks. No real milestones because she has gotten a bit whacko. She actually bit Jaime yesterday and almost did again today. 🤦♀️😬😬😬 So, the trainer has been called...This is really rough man. When she is good She is SO GOOD. I don't want to give up on her, so we will keep on pushing, and hope for the best.
April 22
Today's new thing was not biting anyone 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ Seriously, though, we did some other new things besides that. We went for a walk, and realized there were like 5 random large bones along the road in various places. She learned that we do not eat them...but then she snagged one and started chomping down. Omg. I was so scared cuz NO WAY was I gonna take that thing out of her mouth. I did our "eye" command that we have been reinforcing over and over and golly gee-IT FREAKING WORKED! She looked at me and dropped it. For a treat of course, but that is what positive reinforcing is!
We also worked on obeying trick commands when on the road and having other distractions. Today was a good day. Yesterday was a hiccup. Sunday the trainer comes.
#skyzerbutterbody #bootswiththefur #100days100newthings
April 23
From Skyzer: Today's new thing was sitting in the vet's parking lot and ignoring dogs and people. A pitbull was mean mugging me and he wouldn't look away. So I told him a thing or two. Mommy told me I wasn't supposed to do that (which I find incredibly stupid) and she wanted me to look her in the eye...so I did, but only cuz she had that yummy bacon treat. Anyhow, I got controlnof myself and stopped acting like an idiot, so mom claimed she was proud of me. We followed that up with a trip to the post office and I stayed in the car with daddy. Daddy told mommy I was a good girl, but mom seemed pretty sus about that.
We got to walk in the forest preserve again and this time thwre were prople on the trail. I listened to mom and did not embarrass the family.
#skyzerbutterbody #100days100newthings
#bootswiththefur
Today's new thing was going for a walk with Grandma! Also, I learned to not eat roadkill, no matter how deliciously scented the rotting carcass is. I wanted that soldier squirrel with no eyeballs so bad, but mommy said no. And darnit, I listened. On the way back I didn't even make eye contact with it because I am mostly a good girl.
I heard that Amazon is bringing me a new monkey squeaky toy and a puzzle game and this new jacket came from Etsy yesterday. Mommy also ordered me a new fancy collar that will have my name and her number embroidered on it so I don't have a clunking tag whacking me when I shake.
The video shows me obeying the "eye" command. I am just so stinking awesome.
#skyzerbutterbody #bootswiththefur #lolathetoofydog #loladontcare #100days100newthings
April 25
From Skyzer: The trainer comes in one hour. I have already tried a treat puzzle and had a long walk with Queen Sniffer (my parents call jer Lola). My mom took me for a solo walk, but we decided to run since we didn't have dead weight in the form of Daddy and Queen Sniffer. I did a fantastic job and Mommy huffed and puffed but ahe kept up. Good thing she boxes at 5 AM on weekdays!
update: the trainer meeting at home went really well. We are filled with confidence and hope!
#lolathetoofydog #loladontcare #skyzerbutterbody #100days100newthings #bootswiththefurWell folks, y'all have followed along in our Skyzer journey and I have been so happy with our progress and milestones. Today, however, I came to a really rough decision. She will not be continuing her journey with us.
After our trainer session yesterday, we were filled with hope and confidence and things were moving smoothly...until they weren't. She decided to bite Celeste, who was doing nothing but sitting. Thank GOD she was wearing a hoodie (so no blood just bruises) and thank GOD she remained calm as the dog bit down on her biceps multiple times with her scary growl.
I am confident I gave it my best shot, and actually, the whole family did. Jaime was so much more involved than I ever thought he would be. We gave it our all, and unfortunately, it wasn't good enough.
I think, she needs a one person, no other animal home. She is usually fine one on one, but add another person and she gets weird. Now, maybe this is something that can be worked through, but it isn't something I am going to work through, nor will I ask my family to. I honestly believe this dog may be too far gone to live out a normal life as a family pet, but that won't be my decision. I have contacted the shelter and am awaiting their response as how to move forward. I would be willing to keep her temporarily, until she can be found a suitible place, but nothing long term.
I am pretty sad, because I feel like I failed. I failed her and I failed my family. But, at the same time, I am trying to be rational and accept that not all stories have a happy ending, but there are silver linings. Maybe we are just going to be her stepping stone to a better life. Maybe we prevented someone else from getting a demon dog. Not sure what our silver lining is, but I do know I have been blessed with an amazing and supportive family and I am so thankful for them.
Here is a video from this morning. She is so stinking smart!
#skyzerbutterbody #bootswiththefur
April 27
He a rd back from the shelter...we will bring her back in two days. I feel so bad for poor Skyzet having to go back to the kennels and barking....but I know she cannot stay here. I really hope that they can find the perfect match for her. Maybe a one person and no dog house would be best...I cannot say because I am not the professional. I am just the lady who listened to my heart and wantes to help this sweet angel. I really hope wr have helped her. Her amazing progress in so many ways will hopefully continue on with her. Her confidence in outside is probably one of my accomplishments with her I am most proud of. I will be sending all of her little jackets, toys, coconut oil, wipes, heartworm meds, blanket, treats and whatever elese I have gotten for her.
I will continue to love on her and work with her as long as she is here with me, and I will always treasure our time together.
I love you so kuch Skyzer Butter Body!
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