[irkenequine]

So not a week after I lamented that I'd take on a BT in a heartbeat IF I could find one that was good with cats/dogs/horses if I could find one, but that was a mirage in the mist...

http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=313113

Well damnit if I didn't find one chewed up from a dog fight at 1 am in the kill shelter's drop cages.

Stole him, and immediately fell in love. Put him up for adoption with the local no-kill and list myself as a foster. Then we find out he needs both knees done...and he's got some funky auto immune disorder we can't sort out...highly allergic to everything in the universe....has terrible bouts of OCD...but dangit, I still failed.

Kicker for me is how he has knotted himself into my deafblind cattle dog's life...they are inseparable. It has given my older lady a chance to chew bones and sleep in the sun in peace. Now I can't imagine what one did without the other...they are totally joined at the hip.

So meet Catfish! We took him to the beach this weekend as (I assume) he'd never been before...the dogs had a lovely time.

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/5181/26350591.jpg
On our way...of course the boys have to be touching.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/2398/17869664.jpg
http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/6238/64643983.jpg
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/9027/49271923.jpg

Scout and Tovin are ol' beach pro's but Catfish is a true water man...had to keep him on a line because I was afraid I'd loose him

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2993/17521995.jpg
http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/2727/82305247.jpg
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/3479/91613212.jpg

Absolutely crashed after swimming:
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9074/60458608.jpg

And of course, in true Catfish form...we literally come home from the adoption center to sign the papers and he breaks out in massive hives; 2 vet visits later we're home with no diagnosis, and as I'm talking to the SO about him he proceeds to flip the pot of chili off the stove, across the ENTIRE kitchen...then happily began licking it off his own butt. It can only go up from here!

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/3734/97073782.jpg

Welcome, Kitty, we're happy you're here.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9238/77229033.jpg

[Tegan]

That chili picture is hilarious! I LOVE it!

Congrats on your new dog

[jetsmom]

He's adorable! That pic of them crashed after swimming is too cute!

[2tempe]

He sounds like one lucky dog. VERY funny re the chili; and have to say, I LOVE his name........

[lovey1121]

This post has me both giggling and teary. God bless you, Irkenequine, for giving this special goofy but gorgeous boy such a wonderful home! What a truly happy ending despite what you face medically. The chili-butt shot is priceless! Bless you for giving this boy such a loving and fun-filled life!

[irkenequine]

Thanks to all! I had NO, NO NO intention on another dog but the old adage is true, they certainly find you don't they.

And before confusion is caused re: the word 'stole', no I did not cut the fence and take the dog from the pound XD He was removed from the drop box to be taken immediately to the emergency vet with permission of the humane society because of injuries that needed to be seen immediately. Just felt like stealin' because it was 1 am and its not generally a time you go to get a new family member haha.

[abbydp]

You are sooooo stuck with him! What a great find - him of you and vice versa :-) Between the picture of the two crashed together and the fact that you can enjoy the chili butt picture, I think it is a match made in heaven!

[equinelerium]

Yeah, I have always wanted to foster, but have always figured "foster" would be just another word for "adopt" hehe. He is soooooooo cute. Love the name.

[Polydor]

Love it! Super cute and sounds like you have him for life!

P.

[Roxyllsk]

He looks like a great dog - love the chili butt picture, that is funny as heck ...

[shea'smom]

My foster dog has been here over two years. Like she's going anywhere.
Congrats on the new cutie. He's a lucky dog.

[monstrpony]

Presumably he is not allergic to chili ...

I remember the earlier thread, and have been wondering how things are going. Sorry to hear about the medical issues, but it is so worth it for Tovin's sake. Hope it settles down in short order.

I never even considered fostering; I know I'd fail. Instead, my live has been one long string of dogs who needed a place to be.

[LuvMyperch]

It doesnt sound at ALL like a failure to me, bless your heart!

[SquishTheBunny]

LOVE HIM!!!!!!! Congrats - and yes, foster failure but very happy pup

[glfprncs]

Just a share because of his name, Catfish.

Here's a link to a story (a memoir, get a tissue) about another Catfish, the dog owned by humorist Lewis Grizzard:

http://www.lewisgrizzard.com/columns...OfCatfish.html

[paulaedwina]

I think Catfish is the most awesome name I've ever heard!


Paula

[Blinkers On]

Best type of failure EVER!!! What a lucky dog!!

[fooler]

This post has me both giggling and teary. God bless you, Irkenequine, for giving this special goofy but gorgeous boy such a wonderful home! What a truly happy ending despite what you face medically. The chili-butt shot is priceless! Bless you for giving this boy such a loving and fun-filled life!

I 2nd this!!!!

Lucky puppies

[irkenequine]

Presumably he is not allergic to chili ...

I remember the earlier thread, and have been wondering how things are going. Sorry to hear about the medical issues, but it is so worth it for Tovin's sake. Hope it settles down in short order.

I never even considered fostering; I know I'd fail. Instead, my live has been one long string of dogs who needed a place to be.

Yeah I thought I was tough enough to handle fostering, and I HAVE been...but this one bit me and stuck. And thank you for inquiring; Chili seems to be just about the only thing he's not allergic to. We're on a 5 day hive binge that started after leaving the beach, he's been at the vet every day getting Dex injections...but he's happy and comfortable so thast a whooole 'nother day :P

@ glfprncs -- Love that, going to read it now! Thank you!

You know how it is with a foster dog, you jsut name 'em whatever's funny at the time...its not an agonizing decision like when you name one of your own pets forever. Perhaps if I 'd known I would be keeping him from the start he wouldn't be Catfish but it really suits him. Thankfully my roommate overruled me, I originally wanted to call him Cornbread :P He just has that personality to him.

[tallyho392]

i am OH SO jealous of you..........BT has been my fav breed for forever, but never seem to locate any that can tolerate being with a herd of dogs, which is what i always seem to have......i LOVE their looks, personality........LOL....you are so awesomely lucky to have found him, and he is SO awesomely lucky to have found you..............gorgeous guy, just gorgeous!........too bad about all the medical issues...........how old is he?..i must have missed that part......
did i mention how jealous i am?......oooooo, DO keep us updated........catfish is one hilarious name, and certaily seems to fit!!