Author: PetMomma

Welcome to PetMomma! I'm a lifetime animal lover, wife, and mom who's had all kinds of pets over the years – horses, snakes, lizards, chinchillas, birds, cats, dogs, you name it! The current menagerie includes a bratty (but lovable) Chi-Rat Terrier mix, a chill bearded dragon, two cats who think they run the place, and one African Grey who actually DOES run the place! I love to write and share our pet adventures, and realized I wasn't doing enough of it. So this blog was born to celebrate all the chaos, cuddles, and comedy that comes with being a pet parent. Join me!

Meet Stanley!

“Henry” the rescue pup is officially settling into his forever home—now with his real name: Stanley! We had a long list of potential names before we brought him home, and Stanley wasn’t even on it. But after trying all our favorites and not finding the right fit, my husband suddenly said, “Stanley!”—and we all just knew. Somehow, it fits him perfectly.

First Vet Visit

Stanley had his first vet visit on Monday, and overall he got a great report. The vet was genuinely impressed with his personality—he couldn’t believe how sweet and calm this little guy is. While he’s definitely underweight, there were no signs of serious malnourishment. His heart, lungs, joints, and everything else looked great.

We did a fecal test and found out he has Coccidia and Giardia—not unexpected for a puppy in his situation. Thankfully, we caught both early, and he hasn’t shown any symptoms yet. I’ll be picking up meds for him today, and both parasites should clear up without much trouble.

Stanley, the Social Butterfly

I’ve had so much fun showing Stanley off. He came with me to get the car serviced and calmly sat in my lap the whole time. He’s already met one of my friends (and her cat) when we picked up a crate, and he even attended a three-hour jewelry-making class with me!

He was a hit—passed from lap to lap, giving out puppy kisses like candy. My teacher loved him and carried him around for half the class. When he wasn’t being doted on, he relaxed quietly in his carrier and chewed on his toy. Stanley clearly just wants to be near people. Even when I sit on the floor to play, he often brings his toy back to my lap to chew. He’s a total snugglebug.

Feeding & Food Plans

The vet recommended feeding him small, frequent meals, and Stanley seems very happy with that schedule. Right now, he’s eating a bland prescription food I started when he arrived, but I’m transitioning him to Dr. Harvey’s, which I still have from Cali. It’s great food—customizable and high-quality—but it does require adding cooked protein and mixing it yourself.

For a puppy who doesn’t need a specialized diet, that feels like more work than necessary. I’ve ordered a trial of The Pets Table, and I’m planning to review a few fresh food options in the coming months. Dr. Harvey’s has been great, but there are so many easier, excellent choices out there now.

Training Progress

I’m following Zac George’s positive reinforcement methods for early training and really liking the results so far. I’ve signed Stanley up for a small dog playgroup and a basic manners class, both starting next month. Until then, we’re building a solid foundation at home.

I’ve also found ChatGPT super helpful for quick, specific training tips—like how to discourage barking at the cats (work in progress!).

Stanley is eager to please but very picky about treats, which surprised me considering his background. He seems to like dehydrated meat the most, so I’ve stocked up. I’m trying to keep spending in check, but… puppies need a lot! He’s also getting a growing wardrobe of sweatshirts—he’s clearly still adjusting to the cold New England weather, and his underweight frame doesn’t help.

Dinner Table Drama

His first night home, he was desperately trying to jump onto the dinner table—absolutely obsessed with our food. For now, we’ve implemented a strict no table food policy, which may evolve later, but right now it’s necessary. The good news? He’s learning fast.

Just last night, I was able to sit on the couch with him in my lap, eating a snack while he slept. That’s huge progress in less than a week!

The Real Talk

I’m happy. I’m exhausted. I don’t regret getting this puppy—but I also knew better. I knew I didn’t want to start over with a puppy.

And yet… here I am.

The work is real. The fatigue is real. But the rewards? Absolutely worth it.

Let’s Hear Your Puppy Stories!

If you’ve brought home a puppy recently—or remember the chaos and cuteness from years ago—I’d love to hear your stories! What worked for you when it came to training, feeding, or just surviving those early days?

Also, if you’ve found a fresh dog food brand you love, especially one that’s puppy-appropriate and convenient, I’m all ears. Stanley and I are on the hunt for the right fit, and your recommendations could make a big difference.

Drop your stories, tips, and food recs in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

He’s HERE!

After many sleepless nights filled with nerves and excitement, I finally picked up our new pup yesterday! The whole process was so smooth—huge thanks to Live Free Pet Rescue for the seamless transport and organization.

We had a 2.5-hour drive to the pickup location. The rescue gave us a four-hour pickup window, then texted a more exact ETA the morning of—earlier than expected, so we had to hustle! I met a friend partway, hopped in her car, and off we went. I was excited but also nervous. I’d never adopted a pet sight unseen before. What if he wasn’t a good fit? What if he didn’t like me? So many questions—but I trusted the rescue and what I already knew about this little guy.

At the meeting point, we checked in, finalized payment, and picked up his paperwork. While waiting in line, I chatted with other adopters and watched excited families meet their pups—it was so fun seeing names I recognized, including some of my pup’s siblings!

When it was finally our turn, I gave his rescue name—Henry—and handed over his new collar. The moment they brought him out, I got teary. He was so tiny. So skinny. But full of puppy kisses. The rescue snapped a photo of our first moments together, and then we were off.

He was a total angel in the car, curled up asleep in my lap. Later, as I switched cars for the final leg home, he gave my friend plenty of kisses to thank her for the ride, and settled quietly into his carrier.

At home, he greeted my husband and son with tail wags and cuddles. He played, explored, and climbed into everyone’s laps—he’s truly an equal opportunity napper.

He had a good dinner but wasn’t thrilled about the cold outdoors. Potty training will take some patience, but we’ll get there.

That night, he slept straight through in his crate. I checked on him a few times—he was out cold. At 7 a.m., I tried to wake him to go outside, but he just burrowed deeper and went back to sleep. I let him snooze another 90 minutes before he was ready to start his day.

He’s had a full day of snuggles, and we even made a quick trip to the pet store—carried the whole time, of course, until our vet clears him for dog interactions. I needed to fit him for a harness since his martingale collar was too big. No way was I risking a loose collar outside!

So far, he’s eating well, adjusting to outdoor potty trips, and using his indoor pads too. He loves his little sweatshirts and definitely needs some time to get used to New England weather.

Tonight, he’s already excelling as my work-from-home buddy—and we’re still working on choosing his forever name.

Vet check-up is tomorrow. Fingers crossed it all looks good!

Have you ever adopted or rescued a pet without meeting them first? I’d love to hear your stories—did it work out for you too?

Planning for “Henry”

Losing Cali has been incredibly hard. The past few weeks have felt like an emotional roller coaster—grief and sadness one day, joy and purpose the next. Taking care of a foster dog brought real happiness, even though saying goodbye when she was adopted came with a twinge of sadness too. I was thrilled for her to find her forever home, but part of me missed her already.

Now, I’m facing all the questions that come with opening your heart again: Am I ready for a new dog? What kind of dog is right for me? When is the right time? Male or female? Short hair or long hair?

A Familiar Face
I spent countless hours scrolling through adoptable pups, but one little face kept popping up—Henry. A tiny Chihuahua mix, around 8 months old and just 5 pounds, he showed up again and again in my social media feeds. It felt like a sign.

About ten days ago, I gave in to the feeling that I needed him in my life. I submitted my application late one night, and by the next morning, I got a call from the rescue—Henry was still available, and my application was pre-approved.

The rescue contacted my vet, called a reference, and asked for photos of my home and yard. If all went well, Henry would be arriving on a transport from the South in a couple of weeks. I’d need to head to Connecticut to pick him up—but I was all in.

A Change of Heart
But it was all just too much, too fast. I panicked and backed out. I told the adoption counselor I wasn’t ready—that it felt overwhelming and rushed.

A week went by. But Henry kept showing up. His little face was still everywhere. And the house? It felt so empty.

I missed it all—the morning walks, the quiet companionship during the day, the routine of feeding a dog, the warmth of a snuggle on the couch. The absence was loud. And the feeling that maybe I was ready started creeping back in.

Back to Henry
By Wednesday, I’d had enough. The emptiness, the second-guessing—I was ready. It was time for a new dog.

That night, I talked to my husband, then messaged Henry’s adoption counselor: Any chance he’s still available?

She replied almost immediately—he had just become available again. She said she’d call me in the morning.

All In (and a Little Freaked Out)
Yesterday was chaos. I was making a video tour of the house, fielding rapid-fire questions about the dog, the adoption process, the costs, vet info, pick-up day and location. Sending the deposit. Confirming everything. It seemed crazy that Henry had been adopted, and then the people had to cancel, the very day that I reached out about him again.

And then—I panicked.
How can I adopt a dog I’ve never met? What if he hates me? What if he hates Dave? The stress hit hard. I made myself physically sick just trying to process it all.

Thankfully, my daughter and a few close friends talked me through the spiral. By last night, the panic had softened into something else—excitement. I was still nervous, but I felt that spark of joy and anticipation.

I made plans to pick him up. I ordered the martingale collar the rescue requires. I started a list of supplies to bring for the car ride—everything I could think of to make him feel safe and comfortable on his way home.

This Morning: Clarity
This morning, I woke up to two videos from Henry’s foster mom—and just like that, I knew. I’d made the right decision.

This little boy is perfect. His tiny paws, his dark eyes, that little face… I’m already in love.

We’ll figure it out together. He’ll learn our rhythm, and we’ll learn his. He’ll adjust to our home, and we’ll make space for each other. It’s all going to work out.

See you soon, little Henry.
(Or… whatever your new name will be!)

Has anyone adopted a dog without meeting it? Have you picked up from a transport? Send me your advice, thoughts, tips, etc.

The Hardest Part of Fostering

Today was Emory’s adoption day. Without question the hardest part of fostering is letting go. Cleaning up a messy crate, training, walking, feeding, it’s all easy compared to letting go.

So many people tell me they would love to foster, but it’s too hard. Letting go is hard, but I know I made a difference in this dog’s life. I gave her a chance to decompress after her transport from the South. I gave her the chance to be part of a home, to learn our routines, to ride in the car, to visit stores, to walk on a leash.

This girl was so sweet. The shyness she showed at first, quickly dissipated as she got used to the sites and smells of my home and yard. It’s hard to believe that when I brought her home two weeks ago, she was so scared she wouldn’t walk into my house. We spent half an hour together walking around the outside yard, smelling everything spooking at the wind, chewing up a stick, and then finally she was ready to check out the inside.

Why do I foster? I foster for so many reasons. Selfishly, I love dogs and I love the experience of working with them on such a close basis by fostering. I love the chance to get to know their different personalities. I also love animals in general, and I know that dog overpopulation is a continuing problem. I know that when I foster an animal, it helps make room for another one. I know that fostering helps the dog adjust to home life and makes it more adoptable.

I also volunteer at the shelter and love seeing all the new dogs and puppies that come through there. Friday I got to take care of a batch of puppies for a couple of hours. They ran and played in the mud. I made sure they didn’t escape the yard or get too rough with each other. I also gave the littlest one warm snuggles when she got cold.

I also sat with a shy little guy who wasn’t eating well. I patted him and encouraged him to eat his dinner. I walked him into the yard to sniff the air. I snuggled him up in his blankets and just sat with him while he ate.

Spending time with these dogs gives me a sense of peace. I do it for me as much as I do it for them.

The other night I met a woman who told me she used to have a dog, but lost him to old age several years ago, and didn’t get another. I asked her if she missed having a dog and she said she did, but that she couldn’t go through all the “end of life stuff” again. It seemed so sad to me that this person was missing out on the joy that having a dog can bring because dogs life spans are so much shorter than ours.

I can’t understand why she focussed on the last couple of months and how hard it was, rather than focussing on the joy the dog clearly brought her for so many years. She said she had the dog for almost thirteen years!

Every single day I miss Cali. Something will inevitably remind me of her, and I get sad, but I try to replace that sadness with a happy memory, maybe my daughter dressing her in cute clothes or cuddling her up in soft blankets. Maybe it is memories of Cali as a puppy chewing on our Yellow Lab, Cheese’s ears. I guess some people just chose to focus on the negative.

I’m going to focus on the positive. With fosters that means enjoying the time I have with them, being thankful to be a positive stop in their lives, and enjoying the joy of their new people when they get adopted.

And yes, I’m going to get another dog one day. Yes, it is a bit of a hassle to make arrangements for pet care when I travel, but it’s worth it. I miss the companionship. I miss the walks, and I definitely miss the cuddles. I’m not in a rush. I know my next best friend will find me when the time is right, and I’m keeping my eyes open so I don’t miss him or her!

Foster Emory Update

She’s such a good girl! This pup has come so far in the two weeks I’ve had her! From the scared baby that cowered when I reached for her leash the first time I met her, to the brave girl that meets new people at adoption events in new places!

Emory just fits into the house now. She knows the routines, and she knows her part in them. The only negative I can say about her is that she still chases our cats sometimes, but she is improving. Last night the cat was on the kitchen counter, and Emory was able to sit calmly on the floor and ignore him. Big progress!

The first few days with her were a little rough, and I mean a little. She messed in her crate the first few nights. Kinda understandable with all the changes she had been going through, and with all the snow on the ground at the time, I think this Southern girl wasn’t sure where she was supposed to do her business outside!

Now this girl is settled and ready to find her forever home. She loves all the kids she has met at adoption events. She has also been good with all the other dogs she’s met. When we go for walks, she is interested in other dogs that we pass, but greats them with a wagging tail. She’s never aggressive. Oh, and did I mention that she is great on a leash?

This girl walks the neighborhood right by my side on a loose leash, such a pleasure to walk! She also seems to understand when it is OK to stop and sniff, and when I’m trying to actually get some exercise and up the pace a bit. She is fine with either!

This how Emory sits and waits for me to make her dinner.

Emory likes hanging out and watching TV at night. She’s also a great work from home buddy. In the morning, we go for a walk, she gets her breakfast, then I settle into my desk, and she just curls up next to me. She only bothers me if she needs to go out. Did I mention that other than her crate the first couple of days she hasn’t had a single accident in the house?

I’m really enjoying having this girl as a foster. I am hoping she finds her forever home soon. She is getting very comfortable here, and it makes me feel bad knowing she has another transition coming, but hopefully after finding her best self here, she will be ready to move to her next home with an easy transition!

That little tongue sticking out is the cutest!

If anyone is looking to adopt, this good girl and many other great dogs are available from Mary’s Dogs.

Grieving and Fostering

Grieving is hard. Letting go is harder. Everything in the house reminds me of Cali, but I’m healing slowly. Trying to focus on the happy memories.

A rescue I volunteer for put out a call for fosters yesterday. They needed seven fosters. I looked through all the little faces, all the different colors, and one caught my eye. She wasn’t a chubby little 3 month old puppy. She was a one year old lab mix that looked like she was holding the weight of the world on her little black shoulders.

I knew I wasn’t ready for a puppy, but maybe I could deal with this older dog? I wrote the volunteer coordinator and offered to come meet the dog, but someone had beaten me to it. OK, that’s good I thought, at least she found a foster home.

A couple of hours later, I got a message that the other foster family picked a puppy, and the other dog was still available. I replied right away and said I would come get her. It seemed meant to be!

When I went to pick her up, she was leaning into the legs of the volunteer that brought her out. She seemed so scared. Who knows what this sweet girl has been through in the past year?

I bent down to her and diverted my eyes, eventually she approached and I was able to pat her velvety, soft ears. She was reluctant to leave the safety of the shelter, but she followed me with a little reassurance. We walked outside for a couple of minutes before I tried to convince her to get in the car. She wasn’t interested, but she let me pick her up and put her in.

The drive home was a little chaotic. She was clearly scared and talking to her helped, but not enough. She tried to climb from the backseat to the front, then she climbed in the back. I cracked a window for her and she calmed a little as she sniffed the air.

Once we got home, she got right out of the car, but didn’t want to go in the house. We walked around the yard for 20 minutes or so, sniffing the air, the snow, the mud. Eventually we approached the door again and she followed me inside.

I did what I needed to do while she basically stayed glued to my legs. I fed her dinner, but she seemed too nervous to eat. Eventually we settled in the living room, where she immediately jumped up and snuggled on the couch. We try to keep the couch as a cat safety zone, so I set up a blanket on the floor for her, and sat on the floor with her. I had to correct her a couple of times, but she eventually figured out that the floor was her place. As I put on the TV and relaxed, she stayed close, but sniffed her way around the room, and eventually ate her dinner.

We had a nice quiet night, lots of pats and snuggles. She didn’t want to go into her crate to sleep, but with some treats and coaxing, she went in. She barked a few times and settled down.

This morning we went for a nice walk around the neighborhood. She’s pretty good on a leash, stays right by my side. The hard part is not tripping over her because she wants to be SO close. She’s currently sitting next to me while I type, I think this girl would be an amazing companion for someone who works from home. She’s a perfect medium size, calm and so very sweet.

My heart is so happy to be able to help this girl, and selfishly to have a dog to take care of, and collar tags to jingle in the house. I hope she finds her forever home quickly, but maybe not too quickly!

Updates and a Vet Visit

The house is quiet. I was trying hard to fight the grief, but realized it was a losing battle. I’m giving it its time and place. Cali will always be missed.

My cats had their yearly checkups today and I almost cancelled. I wasn’t sure I was ready to go back to the vet’s office, but I did and it was hard but fine. The staff is so wonderful and caring.

Bean didn’t want to stay on the scale for the vet, but he did like hiding out behind it. Poor little Puck was very shy. He stayed in his carrier until we had to take him out for his exam and then he scurried right back in.

Both cats got clean bills of health, Yay! Their vaccines were updated, and they were checked over. Puck may need his teeth cleaned at some point in the near future, but he is good for now.

Puck’s recovering from his traumatic car ride and vet visit in his cozy crate!

The Dragon enjoyed a sink bath yesterday. Usually she swims around for a bit and then tries to get out of the sink, but she spent a good 20 minutes in there yesterday, and still didn’t want to come out, so I had to just take her out and go do something else. I’ll give her a chance for another bath in a couple of days.

Hector is doing well. She’s such a great comfort. She’s always there to whistle and keep me company.

I’m starting to think about another dog. Part of me was thinking that maybe I wouldn’t get another dog ever, that I’d free myself up to travel, but the truth is I hate not having a dog. I had to walk to the neighbor’s to return a piece of mail that was accidentally delivered to us the other day, and it was so awful to me to go for a walk without a dog. I miss all of it, yes the snuggles, but I even miss taking care of a dog, playing with a dog, the feeding, grooming, putting her out, all of it. I’m not in a rush. I want to make sure I find the right new friend, but I think with some patience, the right rescue will find its way to me. For now, I’ve got kitty, parrot, and dragon friends to keep me busy!

Our Spicy Little Cali Girl

It’s so hard to type this, but we had to say good bye to our Cali this morning. I hate how quiet the house is.

Last week was rough. It was basically a full time job taking care of her, but we made it work, and enjoyed every second we had with her.

She went to the vet every day last week for IV fluids. We tried meds to stimulate her appetite, and even an injection of anti-nausea med on Friday, but nothing was helping.

I tried all her favorite foods, chicken, deli turkey, ice cream, whipped cream, popcorn, gatorade, broth, she didn’t want anything. She ate a spoonful of whipped cream on Saturday and that was about it.

She really enjoyed the fireplace this weekend. On Saturday, she grabbed the closest spot to the fire, so we let her have that spot, and put our chairs next to hers. Yesterday, she slept most of the day, and then got up and walked into the living room and snuggled up by the fireplace, waiting for us to light a fire for her, which of course we did!

Thankfully, she seemed comfortable over the weekend, she was lethargic and slept a lot, but she was able to go outside to pee and enjoyed sniffing the air and walking in the snow.

Last night, I slept in my daughter’s bed with her. When my daughter was home, Cali always slept with her and she was very comfortable there.

We headed to the vet this morning. We talked about rechecking her kidney values, and maybe giving her more fluids, but for what? She wasn’t eating, or even drinking on her own. Her kidneys weren’t coming back. We FaceTimed our daughter who couldn’t be with us, but Cali got to see her and hear her voice, and she got to say goodbye. Goodbye is so freaking hard. With the vet’s help, she passed peacefully snuggled up in my lap.

When we got home, the cats were howling at us, and even Hector the parrot seemed upset. I had to snuggle the cats, and explain to Hector what was going on. She was listening to me so intently, tilting her head to take in every word. I think she understands. I think the cats also know and understand.

As my daughter said, our lab Cheese will no doubt great Cali with open paws, even if she feels the need to chew on his ears like she always used to. Love you Cali girl! Please give all your pets an extra snuggle from me today.

My Cali Girl

I’ll be the first to admit that Cali can be a handful. She bites my husband’s ankles. She barks too much. She growls if you try to move her when she is settled on the couch, and she’s always been a pick eater, but I love her.

She’s not feeling well, and I would appreciate any good, healing energy be sent her way. She stopped eating two weeks ago when I was traveling and she was staying with a friend. I didn’t think too much of it, she can be really picky about her food.

My friend did what she could, tried chicken and rice, the usual things, but when I got home, I found Cali still wasn’t eating. I tried forcing her to eat her normal food because sometimes she just gets sick of something and doesn’t eat it until I changed it up, but this was different.

She absolutely loves popcorn, and when I had some the other night she ate a piece or two and then curled up and went to sleep.

Something wasn’t right. She had a check up scheduled for yesterday anyway, so I didn’t bother calling the vet on Friday. Maybe I should have, but I still wasn’t totally convinced that she wasn’t just being stubborn about her food. She ate treats, she ate some chicken, I waited until Monday.

The vet was very concerned. She had lost a pound and a half and that vet said that was most likely something going on and not just her not eating. We did blood and urine tests and the results came back today. Her kidneys are definitely in distress.

Unfortunately there isn’t a ton that can be done. I brought her right back to the vet, and they are giving her fluids. They want to keep her for 48 hours and give her intense fluids to try and kick start her kidneys. Maybe it’s just a flare up? or maybe the kidneys aren’t working so well, but the intense fluids and another blood test should give us an idea of what is going on.

I hated leaving her this morning. I made the vet promise to call me if she was anxious or upset and I’d come get her and keep her at home tonight and bring her back in the morning for more fluids. I brought her bed and treats to the vet for her, so hopefully she will do OK there.

Please send your healing vibes her way. I’m not ready to lose my bratty little princess.

Update: She’s coming home for the night tonight and going back in the morning for another day of fluids. Vet thinks it would be best for her to sleep in her own house tonight to minimize stress. I’ll be happy to have her home!

Earthquake!

Seems we had a bit of an earthquake this morning. No damage, but it was definitely felt! Interesting to see how the pets reacted.

Hector D. Byrd didn’t seem to care. Cali the dog barked at it. No surprise there.

The cats had different reactions – Puck went into hiding. Bean screamed for pats.

Surprisingly, the Dragon was the one most upset by it. She woke from brumation and is now hanging out giving me dirty looks like it was somehow my fault!