My Pack

I've included this page, dedicated to my own pack of dogs I keep here. They are a part of my everyday life and have taught me so much about pack behavior and dog psychology. They are an inspiration to me and they have dealt with so many foster/rescue dogs that come in to BestFriends Rescue and alot of times taken the back burner just so I could save another dog and devote all my time and energy to the rescue dog. I also want to give you insight to what it's like dealing with a pack of dogs in rescue and join me in the rehabilitation process of Louie. This is my journey! I am not Cesar Millan, with his 50 to 60 dogs, but everyday I pray for his grace and calm, assertive energy when dealing with all dogs I encounter. A special thank you to Cesar for helping me find that missing link!

~Angela Morin

Swifty

The Pooper!

Swifty is a 9 year old Purebred Basset Hound. I actually got Swifty from a breeder. (This is before I got into rescue) Nonetheless, he is a great addition to my pack. Swifty is my "DADDY" to Cesar. Swifty is happy to greet anyone, dogs, cats even rabbits with a warm wag. Swifty is a great role model for any dog! He has gone to an elementary school to teach special ed children all about pet responsibilty. He is also great for welcoming all dogs that come into rescue. He is a mentor to alot of the pups that come in too. He is also my demo dog for dog training and just a great overall spirit of energy! I am currently working with him and hope to make him a therapy dog. He brings so many smiles to everyone's face. His best tricks are sitting up to beg, speaking on and off command. Lol! He loves to wave at you and play dead. He even knows how to roll over! One of the greatest dogs to ever come into and bless my life! I love you Swifty.

Nicknames: Swifter, Nimbus, Pooper, Schlub, Blippie, Boomer, Lowrider, Schloober, Hound and Ba Ba Ganoosh!

Emma

The Goon!

Emma is a 4 going to be 5 year old Purebred Great Dane. Emma was also obtained through a breeder. (Again before I got into rescue) Emma was the runt of her litter and had an attitude to boot. When I brought her home she had so many problems from vaginitis to what we thought was rickets or H.O.D. in her front legs. Emma has come along way and has an amazing amount of energy. After I got Emma, I did a lot of research and found that rescue was for me and I'd no longer "purchase" dogs when so many were dying and adding to the pet overpopulation. I also decided to get into training, as I had a natural knack for it with Swifty. Like the saying goes: If I knew then, what I know now, I probably wouldn't of gotten Emma. Not that I don't love her, but my energy just doesn't match hers. She is a higher energy dog and I...well I am not. I consider it a lesson learned. Besides, Cesar always says, you never get the dog you want you get the dog you need. Boy he couldn't be more right on with Emma. Emma has taught me so much about "alpha/dominant" dog attitude. She is a great Great Dane and is really a very good girl. If I don't exercise her, she is quick to be hyper active. Now that I've trained and rescued many Danes, I've come to really appreciate her and her sweet charm. I understand that she is actually a great dog, and that is only because she keeps me on my toes. I always have to be one paw ahead of her! Thank you Emma, I so love you and all your goofyness!

Nicknames: The Goon, Em, Emmie, Mums, and Brat!

Gertrude

The Slug!

Gertrude is a 4 year old Old English Mastiff. Not sure if she is purebred, but she sure looks like it. We rescued Gertrude from a neighbor who had dogs that were constantly terrorizing her. They would nip at her and chase her into on coming traffic. They were going to take her to the pound, but instead decided to give her to us. Good thing too. I'm sure she would of been a mental mess and a huge breeding machine. Gertrude is my most passive, submissive dog. She will wilt under any fast movements or raised voices. She has also come a long way! She used to tuck her tail under and crouched down everywhere she went. When on leash, she would bolt to shelter quickly to get away. She is still timid and shy but happyily greets all dogs and people. She is not as scared and likes to go on long walks. She is a "mother" figure to all the puppies that come into rescue. She is a great Ambassador for her breed and we've gone to many functions/adoption events and she was always a big hit. Gertrude is the dog that all dog's love and want to play with! Thank you Gertrude for being such a great girl. We love you to pieces!!!

Nicknames: The Slug, Gertie, Trude, Delicate Flower and Sweetie Pie.

Louie

Meathead!

Louie is 6 to 7 years old best guesstimate. He is an Old English Mastiff, maybe mixed with Bull Mastiff? What can I say about Louie? Well, he is definitely not a dog for an inexperienced owner. Or should I say he is not a dog for anyone, unless you are a dog trainer with experience! He is a dog that you need to know how to handle, or he could be potentially dangerous. Louie was rescued from Gentle Giant's Rescue, located in Norco, Ca. Yes a good rescue, had to go in to rescue dogs from this alledged rescue. He was adopted out 5 times through Gentle Giants and returned. Hmmm...I wonder why? I won't go into further details, other than, BAD RESCUE!! Avoid at all costs! I was fostering Louie and during my two day evaluation, he showed signs of human aggression, children aggression and food/toy aggression with other dogs. He had to be muzzled at the vet's office and would try to turn around to bite the vet when a stool sample was trying to be taken. From the first moment I met Louie, I have always possessed a confident, I can do anything attitude. Frankly, he didn't scare me and I wasn't intimidated. This is what I believe he needed. The rescue I was fostering for, said there is no way they could adopt out a dog like this and would euthanize him. My heart bled and I decided to keep him as my own and rehabilitate him. WHAT A CHALLENGE!!! Lol! Through consistent discipline, he is no longer attacking my other dogs, and can eat and play without attacking. My friends can come over to visit, and can also pet him, as long as they do it correctly and not rushing out and cooing him. I'm not going to lie, I have suffered through 7 puncture wounds in the forearm by this dog, and was at a lost with what to do next with him. Maybe euthanasia would be best? Then I came to my senses and told myself...I cannot give up so easily! He is my challenge and I want to prove that aggressive dogs like him can absolutely be rehabilitated. So Louie is my work in progress! He does possess a goofy, playful attitude and this is what we fell in love with. He is a guard dog and will protect our home and territory with his life, no qualms about it. My biggest issue is actually really with my boyfriend. He is constantly rewarding all the dogs with affection, even if they do not deserve it. My ultimate challenge...the boyfriend. Lol! I will continue to update Louie's progress. He is a cool dog with a big attitude that needs adjusting!!

Nicknames: Meathead, Lou, Fattie boom boom.

Update on Louie:
Louie has been making progress with allowing visitors into my backyard for a game of fetch. We are working on him taking food gently, as he tends to alligator snap or take with teeth. Yeowch! Our only set back, was in my absense, my boyfriend allowed all the dogs to mingle and Louie did attack our foster Emma. She is doing fine and he managed to grab Louie and "wrestle" this 170 lb dog to the floor. Only a few scrapes and bruises, but no puncture wounds. My boyfriend creates a lot of excitement for the dogs and should never have allowed the dogs to co-mingle without my supervision. This will not happen again. I am just thankful there were no injuries. Just starting everyday as a new day forward...