Leveling the playing field

I still remember being astounded, and then giddy, the first time I witnessed self-handicapping during dog play. That is, when a bigger/stronger/faster dog holds back a bit (or a lot) in order to make it a more fair — and more fun — game for the smaller guy.

The phenomenon is downright adorable, and with Mighty Tiny around, I get to see it all the time. The latest was yesterday’s three-way-tug fest between Tiny on the left, Kasbah in the middle, and Bonnie at right. When he first arrived at the Barn, Kasbah had a thing or two to learn about impulse control. But you’d never know from this scene — Kasbah could've easily yanked the toy right out of Tiny's mouth:

A few seconds later, Tiny has not only pinned the big dog to the ground, he's literally rubbing Kasbah's face in it as Bonnie looks on. 

And then as if planned, Bonnie strategically seizes the moment and runs off with the prize. I think Tiny and Kas are too busy rolling around and giggling to notice that it's gone.

Tiny, who's still a puppy, was even tinier when he first showed up at the Barn a few weeks ago. Soaking wet, he weighs about as much as one of Rhonda's dew claws. But here they are, tuggin' it out. With one whip of her head, the big girl could've sent Tiny flying. Instead, she keeps it challenging enough for her to feel like it's worth it, and easy enough for him that he stays in the game. Finally she seems to tell him, "Hey kid, can't win 'em all." Fair enough.

work.......play (happenings at the barn on labor day)

 
Mighty Tiny:  Hey, aren't there puppy labor laws about having to work this hard?

Isn't this supposed to be a holiday?  

And yes Aunty, I do talk a lot but look.... I am LEAVING IT!  See how good I am? 

Now when can I get those yummy treats?















 



 



Puddles:  Hey Aunty, can we play with this flirt pole, please please please please?  Can we, huh, can we??

late night tete-a-tetes

Recently had the chance to do a midnight shift and was not surprised to find that, late at night, the Rescue Barn is a cozy and peaceful haven. The barn residents do what many of us do in the evening - they relax and enjoy a little quiet canine conversation before getting tucked in for the night to drift off to sleep and dream happy doggy dreams.

Mighty Tiny and his lanky friend Kasbah exchange secret hopes during their pre-bedtime tete-a-tete and wonder.... what their new families will be like?

Harpo rests outside young Bonnie's kennel, watching intently as she lays back and contemplates the future - que sera, sera.                                                                                                                                 And our junior volunteer......


....oops, she couldn't quite make it to the end of the shift.
 
She too enjoys the comfy couch and dreams a little dream of happy pooches and equally happy kids. 

Awkward Family Photo Day at the Barn

Rhonda strikes a regal pose, Kasbah plays coy behind the lavender.













Getting the giggles out...

Smile pretty.

 *YAWN* Are we done yet?

Almost....

Ta-Da! 

Boys in Black and White

Harpo and Mighty Tiny wish you a happy Friday and a fun long weekend.

Tuffy's selfie

Barn dogs have grown accustomed to cameras constantly taking pictures and videos - dealing with the paparazzi is just a part of a rescue dog's life.  So this weekend while the Bad Rapper's were out at the Rat's Clubhouse with the Nut Truck taking care of the under-served pooches in West Oakland, Tuffy decided to try her paws at some amateur photography.  And since so many Bad Rap followers are big on social media, she decided to try a Facebook favorite.....the selfie.

First attempt - whoops, better try again.

Second time....hmmm, better, but let's try one more time. 

Yup, not bad.  Tuffy's selfie - pretty darn good for a furball with no opposable thumbs....she's one talented pooch (smile)

hiking with a friend

The best kind of update, from Sassy's new mom Kristine...

"Sometimes, we have to help our best friends finish the hike. She kept licking my face as we finished the hill. Love love love her."

a very big peek inside the 'tiny cabin'

For several years, the good folks at Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar have donated their proceeds to support our project and others. It's been such a blessing, and has helped us forward in so many ways. In 2012, they did the same, and gave us a gift that keeps on giving...

Since we're a "teach a man to fish" org, we knew we had to create places for fishes to sleep while they were here learning and helping us help the dogs. I'd been glued to blogs and Facebook postings that detail the "tiny house movement," so knew right where to look when it was time to shop a modest guest quarters for our visitors. What a thrill to see the photos of BADRAP's cabin in the Tiny House Swoon blog today. A cyber-dream comes full circle.

Since the cabin landed next to the Rescue Barn, it's housed true hearts from all around the country - motivated shelter workers, impassioned rescuers, bright authors, our first fabulous month-long intern and recently, a BSL fighter from Australia. We hope the tradition of sharing and connecting on behalf of the dogs can continue.

Take a peek at the big fat photos the BADRAP Tiny Cabin

Below, probably the best use of the Tiny Cabin that we can imagine. The barn dogs get to leave their kennels and sleep with visitors for a night of real life comfort. Mr. Puddles loved every minute of his time with Rafael and his mom, author, University of Florida professor and pit bull rescuer Anna Peterson. Thanks again Unexpected Pit Bull people, and to everyone who supports them!

A Four on the Floor Salute! Join us August 3.

Barn Crew trainee Tina Broder is making sure Tuffy gives her a good 'wait' with all four paws on the floor before leaving her kennel for fun time in the yard. How much do we love this? The smallest bits of training add up to such nice dogs.

On August 3, we're gathering our crew of volunteer handlers, foster moms and Pit Ed trainers to meet with the public for a little Howdy event. It's a great chance to learn about volunteer opps while nuzzling the dogs that benefit from their TLC.

If you're in the SF area, we'd love to see you! More info here: Lifesaver Salute Open House

say 'uncle'

Attention Rascal Dogs!

Rude and rowdy behavior will not be tolerated around here! ...

Unruly barn residents who persist will be held down and squished until further notice! ...

Squished, I tell you!

(Yes, he did let her up to breathe .... Eventually.)

roll'em!

Summer energy at the barn is big and rowdy, so let's just keep the cameras rolling!

Showdown on Dog Mountain, courtesy of Auntie Smudge's babysitting service...

And with Uncle Corky, hours before Corky left for his new home...

Smallest, Biggest!

Mighty Tiny, Rhonda Girl.

Mighty Tiny, feeling his destiny

It took Corky three days to gain enough confidence to climb Dog Mountain. 

Mighty Tiny, however .... five minutes. 

C'mon boy. You can do it.

Agility contender anyone?

Tuff(y) Love

Elliot usually gets the accolades for helping us baby sit bouncy little puppies, but this week we're all singing the praises of Tuffy, who kindly gave us ALL a break from chewed toes and lips. Mixed-breed-something Mighty Tiny came to us from a Yolo County shelter full of piss and vinegar, with a double helping of both. This confident dyna-pup is going to be an exceptional dog when he's grown. Right now, he's, um ...... cute.

Tuffy is set to be spayed tomorrow and we're 99% sure she's pregnant. When asked if she thought she might miss being a mom, she silently chewed on her ball and continued ignoring the puppy. 'Nuff said.

Way to go, Tuffy.

Goooo Mighty Tiny!

Rhonda the Explorer

Early last Saturday morning, Newbie Rhonda Girl & the Kikster surveyed the yard from the comfort of the barn couch. 


 "Hmmmm" thought Rhonda Girl, "this looks like a fun place. I think I'll go explore".








 

 



"What's this blue thing?  Is it a giant sized water bowl?  And where's the water?"

"I know, this looks like a big empty puddle thing!  I bet this would be a nice cool place to sit if there was water in here.  Maybe these barn people will fill it up so I can play in it!"

"Ahhhhh, it's a beautiful garden just for us!  This is a good place for rescue dogs to stay until their forever families come for them; I approve".


Yes Rhonda Girl, we approve too.

Its OK, Tuffy

Don't worry, pretty girl.

You can de-stuff all the toys you want here.

a day in the life of Smudge

Guest blogged by Smudge, with a little help from intern Laura Mundy. Thanks, ladies!
___________________________

Hey-oh! Smudge here. Since it was recently revealed that I'm a BAD RAP blogger, thought I'd go ahead and elaborate a smudge about my doings for all of you wonderful folks out there. I should preface by saying that the humans here understand dogs need a variety of life too, just like them. So we engage our senses, have many adventures, and play games. And as you may have heard too, staying active, mentally and physically, keeps you young. You don’t have to ask me twice to subscribe to this theory! A recent “Day in the Life of Smudge” went a little something like this: After breakfast, I knocked out some work, as I think most clearly in the morning.   I played with the funny-looking dog.   I basked in the sun and had many deep thoughts. That day’s deep thoughts drifted to global commerce, social justice, and how to manipulate Intern into giving me more food.  I initiated a road trip to visit the goats. I told Intern, "Let's go see the goats! She was more than happy to oblige, being a goat-lover herself. There was some dispute over the best driving route, and Intern called me a “backseat driver,” whatever that means. Goats! Goats! Goats! To ward off our mid-afternoon slump, we grabbed a Venti Iced GreenTea at Starbucks. I made Intern hold me while I sipped it. It's cool to be held like that. Really. A nice man and his son came up to give me pets and treats. That was the best. Back at the barn, I thoroughly removed all the peanut butter from the Kong someone had so thoughtfully left in my kennel. There’s a rumor floating around here that if you are well-behaved, the Kong Fairy will pay you a visit. I'd say that rumor is true. Zzzzzzzzzz. Sweet dreams. And before I knew it, the big beautiful sun was setting, and it was nearly time for bed. Intern and I had a quiet game of hide and seek, just before she tucked me in for the night.