Danika, One Smart Cookie

Guess who? That's right, Danika!

If you didn't read in the last update, Uncle Chris isn't translating for me anymore. Now it is Loren, the trainer lady. She needs to post more often, I've got tons of things I need to say!

Let's see, here's what's been happening since I started working with Loren.

Well, I've learned a lot! I know how to sit, stay, and walk nicely on a leash. I'm learning how to come when called and how to lay down (I do those for a treat great, though!). I'm also learning how to be nice to chickens and cats, but no promises. They look extra fun to play with, and I like to play rough. I try to tell Loren that I am a poor, sad shelter dog and that I should be able to get away with anything, but she says that all doggies need rules. I'm not sure I believe that, but her dogs says rules are fun, too, so I'll try it.

I am a super fit little girl. I think I could run forever. I like to run next to a four wheeler (Loren says to remind the readers that that can be dangerous, so please do not do that without trainer supervision), and it is great! I also like to play in the big open fields, but I still have to wear a long line for now. Hopefully I'll be off leash soon, because then I could run even faster. A lot of people think I'm too skinny because sometimes my ribs show. Don't let that fool you, I am super healthy!

Oh, oh, I have a new best friend now, too! Her name is Freya and we play all the time! I love to chase her and try my hardest to catch her. Then, when I catch her, I get to wrestle with her. We have a blast playing all the time. She plays tug with me, too. I really hope my furever home has a dog I can play with, because its my favorite thing ever

Oh, here's a video, too! Its kinda short, Loren says she will get more videos of me in the future, she promises.

The pond was very fun, but I didn't really want to swim. Now its too cold to play in the water though. Look at me go. I am so fast, and I don't even get tired. I wish I could find a home that would take me hiking, I would love that! Did I mention how much I love toys? I really do, they are the best. I love to be extra goofy when I play with them.




Okay, I've got to go, Freya is sleeping and she looks like she needs to wake up and play with me. Until next time, buh-bye!

Danika Update!!

Hey Everybody!!  *paw wave*

It's me, Danika!  You heard I got a really super cool opportunity, right??

I'm at a real doggy training school with a real doggy trainer!

And lemme bark - it is SO. MUCH. FUN.

I'm learning all sorts of cool stuff - and then I'm going to get my Canine Good Citizen certificate.  That's a paper saying I passed a test where I am a good girl in a bunch of situations I might find myself in someday - a stranger holding my leash (I'll just kiss 'em!), or a chair falling over and making a loud noise, and other stuff like that.  It's going to be a big accomplishment for me!

And then Miss Loren and I are going to compete in a Rally Competition - it's an easy-going set of obedience trials where I score points!  I'm going to be great at it.

Don't believe me?  Here's what Miss Loren says about me:

Introducing Danika! Danika is an extremely happy mix breed that is looking for a forever home. At a very lean (but fit) 35lbs, she is the perfect size. She has ...plenty of energy to play all day long. I would love to see her go to a home with another young, energetic dog that she could roughhouse with. She is currently in training for her rally novice and canine good citizen while she waits for a home. She is already crate trained and housebroken, up to date on all shots and preventative care, and spayed. Expect plenty of updates about this fun loving little gal. If you are looking for a "guilt-free" already trained dog, Danika is the perfect option for you. She is a shelter dog who was there for over half her life, but you'd never be able to tell. She loves life and wants nothing more than to play with dogs and give kisses to people.

Is that awesome, or what??  (I think she likes me - and I sure like her!)

I'm ready!  What are we learnin' today?

I just wanted to give you a quick pupdate and let you know I'm doing great - and that I'm going to be the best dog ever as I continue my training.

So if you happen to be looking for a well trained dog?  We might have to make a play date!!

Cruisin' around the field - I'm having so much fun!  There's even a pond to swim in!!!

Oh, and one other thing - Miss Loren is going to be posting on here with me.  That way you can get updates and reports about how good I'm doing on all my lessons!

Aren't I a cutie?

I'd like to say a huge thanks to all my friends from the shelter for all their love and care - you guys are the best!  And thanks to Uncle Chris and Auntie Kate for helping me get started in this whole school thing.  And most of all, thanks to Miss Loren for all her time and effort making me the very best dog I can be!

See you soon!

~ Luvs Danika

I'm ready for adoption!

I've got you Mr. Octopus! There's no escape now :-)

Hi Everyone!  It's me, Danika!  How have you been?  Me?  Thanks for asking.

I've been Busy!!

Gosh, there's so much tell.  Let's start with the really important stuff you want to know...

I'm House Trained.  Completely.  When I need to go do my business, I go to the door I've been taught to use - that's my signal.  Then I go out and do my business.  Everyone always wants a house trained dog, right?  All you need to do is teach me where I need to go and we're set!

I'm super good with my commands.  Sit?  *Ka-Thump* (that was my butt hitting the floor :-) ).  Down?  I'm down here, will you rub my belly?  Please?  I sit for all my meals, treats, chew bones, cookies, and even to go out and in the door for walks.  Next up is "Stay" - I'll keep you posted.

I get along with other similar sized dogs.  I love other dogs - Let's Play!  I love to wrestle and chase and play - I did great at the dog park this past weekend with a Shepard mix and a Great Dane.  It was so much fun!

People are often looking for younger, energetic dogs without needing to deal with puppies.  Hey, that's me!  I'm living out the puppyhood I never got as a stray or shelter dog - but I'm house trained and know my basic commands.

Picture time!!

I'm sitting to ask for love from Uncle Chris - and he's taking pictures.
The nerve of this guy!

Right after that picture Uncle Chris and I had hugs and scritches and love.  I'm very affectionate and enjoy a good round of kissy-face!  Will you love me?

Aaahhhhhhhh, that's better!

This set of photos shows how much I love to be outside in this great weather!  Rolling around in the (artificial) grass feels great on the fur...

Play?  You really need ask?  You must not spend much time on the Foster Dog Facebook Page.  Let's see...

Here's one of me playing with a new toy I got at Nooga Paws (they love us shelter dogs and support us all the time).

Or Maybe this one of me playing with the Pheasant toy?

STILL not convinced?  Okay, I'm a little embarrassed to show this one, 'cause it's so silly.  Here's me trying to "bury" a rawhide chew bone in the house - I don't bury it, just try to hide it.  I seem to think pushing at it with my nose makes it disappear or something...

So let's review, shall we?

• I'm House Trained.
• I know some basic obedience commands (and I'm smart, so I'll learn new ones fast!)
• I get along well with other similar sized dogs.
• And I have a Puppy-like personality without all the puppy baggage.

Sounds like a winner, am I right?

Guess what?  The Humane Education Society is having a 12 Hour adoption event on Friday, December 18th from Noon-Midnight.  I'm going to be there - I'll let you know when.

Or you can just contact Uncle Chris through his Foster Facebook Page, or you can contact the nice people at www.heschatt.com and they'll get you in touch.

Still not convinced?  How about the sad story part?  I was picked up as a stray about a year and a half ago.  That means I've spent more than half of my life in the shelter - I'm ready to be a family dog, let's do this!!!

~ Luvs Danica

I've Got Skills!

Ack! The Grinch - Save me, Uncle Chris!!!

Hi again!  It's me, Danika.

I wanted to tell you about the last couple of days - I've been really busy.  I've been working on my skills that will make me an awesome addition to my Forever Family, and I have had a couple of adventures, too!

Did you see that photo above?  I got to be in a Parade!!!  I marched in the Southside's MAINx24 parade on Saturday.  Did you see me there?  It was so much fun - I got to meet so many nice people and they all gave me love and scritches!  And then after the parade, I got to meet the Grinch!  I might have been just a little bit scared of him...

Let's see, what else...

Oh!  My Skills!  Let me list them out so you can see how impressive they are (and I just like those cool little dots that appear like magic!).

• I know how to Sit on command - I knew this one before I got here, but I've perfected it.
• I learned "Down" in less than TWO minutes - I'm really smart.  This is a great skill for me to have for my new family.
• And I'm HOUSE TRAINED!  I haven't had a single oops since I got here, and I now go to the door to tell Uncle Chris I need to go out to potty!  I know that's really important to people when they adopt new pets - but it isn't really hard to teach, just ask Uncle Chris and he can help.
• I'm good on a leash - I got a new walking harness and I'm really good on a leash.  I'm going to keep working on it so I'll be super good!
• I'm super fun - Just check it out in the video below!
• And I'm a lover - I love everybody.  I'll give you kisses, and lie down so you can rub my tummy!

Here's a great video of me working hard on my training:

Was that good or what?  I'm awesome!

Here's another one of me playing with my cool new toy - it skeeks!

And then there's this one of me getting some snuggles and belly rubs from Uncle Chris - Aren't I a cutie??

Okay - That's it for now.  It's a nice day outside, so I'm going to go for a walk with UN and Auntie Kate.

Would you like to meet me?  Just comment below, or contact Uncle Chris on the Facebook Page.  Or you can contact the wonderful people at the Humane Educational Society.

See you soon!

~ Luvs Danika

Hi! I'm Danika!

Hey - It's me!

Whoa.  This is the coolest thing ever!  I'm famous?  Reely?  Have I ever been famous before?

I don't think so...

This is all so new - and I love new things!  They are so much fun to experience :-)

Let me tell you a little about myself so we can be friends, okay?  Let's see, ummm...

• My name is Danika and I'm two-and-a-half years old.
• I'm sweet and fun.
• I'm a boxer mix.
• I love toys!  And to play!
• I love to try new stuff (I saw electric windows in a car today for the first time - boy was that weird!)
• I'm available for adoption from the Humane Education Society in Chattanooga, TN.
• And I just got to Uncle Chris's house today!

Hey, where did those weird dots come from?  I didn't woof that.  But they look good, we'll roll with it!

Today has been an exciting day.  It was pretty much normal routine to start, but then my best girlfriend came to see me.  We've been pals for over a year!  Anyway, instead of our normal walk time, she took me upstairs and gave me a bath!  No, I'm not kidding!  A BATH.

All Clean!!

I was a good girl, but I was less than amused with bath time.  Usually Miss Rebecca and I go for a walk, or go play in the yard.  But I love her, so I let it slide.  Well then this guy shows up - I think I met him the other day - and he puts a new collar on me.

With a tag!  I've got a tag!  Woohoo!  See, that's the goal of every animal in the shelter - to get your very own collar with an ID tag on it.  And I got one! 

Did ya see my TAG??  Omigosh!
Thanks UC!

Turns out this guy is Uncle Chris, and he's my new Foster Dad.  I've heard rumors about other dogs that have gone to his house and now they all have Forever Families that love them.  Sign me up, my friend.  I've been waiting for half my life for my Forever Family to come get me...

I'm an excellent hopper-in-the-truck-er!

I hopped right into UC's (Uncle Chris) truck and then said goodbye to my bestie, Miss Rebecca (it's okay, I'm going to see her again on Saturday), and we were off!  I was a good girl on the ride and then we got to UC's house. 

Loves you, Miss R!

I checked out the yard really good - it has lots of doggy sniffs from the last foster dog (and UC said to tell you that Tucker is doing great).  Then we came inside.  By this time I was 'zausted.  That's a lot of excitement for one day!  So I took a little nap :D

ZZZzzzzZZZZzzzz...
(hey, I don't snore - watch it there, UC)

It's going to be so fun to share all my adventures with you here!  Uncle Chris is supposed to be a pretty decent teacher, so I can't wait to see what I'm going to learn.  I already know how to sit, and sometimes I remember how to shake.  Pretty proud of those things, thanks!  But there are so many more nuanced skills and manners I can learn.  It's going to be awesome!

Think I might be a good fit for your family?  Just comment below or on UC's Facebook page.  Or you can contact the nice people at the Humane Education Society and tell them you'd like to meet me.

And I'll be at MAINx24 this weekend!  I'll be in the parade, and probably just hanging out meeting people.  Come see me!

Okay - I gotta roll, there's learnin' to be had!

See Ya Soon!

~ Luvs Danica