Been Awhile......

So it has been awhile since we have posted on the Kal blog because we have been in constant motion around here. Since spring is upon us, Broken Hearts Mended Souls has been out in full force at area pet expos, events and fairs. We have been educating the public on the breed and the importance of spay and neuter. Kal has been a great part of this but has not quite made ambassadog status. We are definitely getting there but she is WAY too excited to meet anyone and everyone that we are still working on manners. What else would you expect from a 11month old pup ? So to tide everyone over, Kal thought it was important for everyone to see how she has grown into a 'big girl' now. She is starting to fill out and has become the gorgeous dog she has been meant to be. More to come abut her activities and just wait until we can get some weight pull pictures up! Yes, my 37lbs little monster is starting to suit up!

Someone Got a Care Package !

So the other day a big box arrived to the Erickson household with precious cargo for the bully babies here. ANTLERS ! The kids' grandpa rounded up as many antlers that he could find on his property that the deer had shed this season.

These guys are in heaven ! So am I since we got a couple hundred dollars of free antlers just because their grandpa is awesome and wants to make sure the kids are taken care of.

Kal is the most interested in the new toys but even Bug wants in on the action.

Antlers are a FABULOUS chew toy for your heavy chewers. You usually can not find racks these size at the stores but you can always find sections of 6-8 inches at your local specialty pet store.

First Day on the Dock

Kal's first Dock Dogs event was Feb 11th at the St Louis Boat Show at the Edwards Jones Dome. It is a huge event, with people everywhere inside the dome that can be very loud.

Kal walked into the dome like she owned the place. Every trip onto the dock her confidence grew, but we did not get an official jump. Indoor events are very hard even for the most veteren jumper. Clear, cold water, bad accustics and just a stressful environment.

We spent the time on the dock building Kali's confidence and drive. Kal was MUCH more interested in the people and the goings on, not her wooba.

We are looking forward to many events to come. We are not giving up on this drivey girl yet, she will learn to love it !

Mardi Gras !

Members of Broken Hearts participated in the Barkus Parade kicking off Mardi Gras here in St Louis. There were thousands of people and thousands of dogs.

Kali and Bean were our breed ambassadors for the day and they did us proud. Both decked out in appropriate attire and doing well presenting the breed in a favorable light.

Kali had an even more important role showing the crowd where a bust dog can come from, and what they can become. She was a perfect little lady, minding her own business and showering those with kisses that would stop to get them. She followed Bean's cues and knew with her best friend and momma by her side, there was nothing to fear.

Lots of breed information was handed out, to the crowd, lots of people impressed with our kids' get up and how well behaved they were. Not bad for some throw away Pit Bulls !

We had to deal with some irresponsible dog ownership but the day was all about education, education to become a better owner and advocate.

Despite the chaos our kids did exceptionally well.

Kal did become tired towards the end and became the cuddly pup she is known to be. Carrying her for just under 10 blocks made me realize our baby is growing up fast !

Poor Baron

Kali's foster brother Baron was featured on PBRC's Pitter Patter this week..........as you can see everyone around here is extremely abused. Keep in mind, Baron is up for adoption and has been for 8 months !

Kal, the teacher

We have been a safe haven for many of the MO 500s until they can move on to their more permanent landing place. Kal has been friends to them all but the relationship she has with the current stow away is something I am proud of.

Kali has definitely had her ups and downs here; house breaking, separation anxiety, basic house manners etc. With Bug being here I have begun to realize how far our little girl has really come.

Bug has been going through our 2 week shut down since being here. She has been allowed to go at her own pace, hang out in her room and not forced to do anything she didn't feel ready for. Bug is still quite shell shocked from her experiences but has a real want to be part of the family here.

Ever since Bug has come here she has had a real interest in Kali. Their crates share the 'bust dog' room and every time one of them is out they are play bowing and carrying on. Never a snark, never a stink eye, just a genuine want to play. Because of both their back grounds and because we were only days into Bug's stay with us we haven't allowed interaction.

Bug has been here for two weeks now and we thought it was about time to go ahead and allow these girls to have some fun. It was instant zoomies, instant kissy face, instant friends. All of this was obviously closely monitored and will continue to be so.

Since the play time Bug has found it is ok to venture into other parts of the house, has learned to jump on the couch and has learned that it is just OK to be a dog. This whole time I had it all wrong with having Bean show her the ropes, what Bug actually needed was Kal. Another dog from the fighting bust situation just being a dog.

Who would have thought Kal would be a role model !

Fabulous news.........

Kal's sister was transferred to Family Dogs New Life Shelter in Portland Oregon a couple months ago. And it looks like she has found her forever home ! Best of luck to Daphne and the new life she is beginning.