REEBS says...

Hi! Reba here again. Are you reading my blog and wondering how I am doing? Thinking I could be the ONE for you? My foster mom says that I would do really well in a couch potato family, because even though a nice walk and visit in yard makes me happy, I am most content snoozing on the couch with my head on someone's lap. If you worry that I won't like your cooking, let me put your fears to rest. Foster mom makes eggs, mixes up a cottage cheese concoction, roasts some chicken pieces, and I eat any of it without complaint. I have learned a couple tricks that my family thinks are useful. One, I know "couch," that means go to my bed on the couch. It works out since I have had to take it easy after surgery. I also know "lay down" and "sit." My foster mom thinks I am a clever lady. I even have enjoyed some outings lately. I was really good at the carwash-so good that a little girl let me lick her lollipop (don't tell mom!) and I go to mom's office. She has a cool couch there that I lay on and greet visitors by beating my tail against the cushions. Talk to you again soon. love, REEBS.

Medical updateon Miss Reba

Reba will be going in for surgery in a week to remove the rest of her mammary masses. My vet is optimistic that all will be well. I have to say that I agree with him. Her xrays and blood work look good, and she is feeling great, full of pointer spirit and exuberance. So what can a family expect post-surgery? Well, according to my vet, they can expect a healthy dog that may or may not ever get a cancerous mass back. Just like any other canine or human, there are no guarantees. But I personally guarantee that you will never have been so loved before! Reba is absolutely a people pleaser and a people lover. A raised voice in her direction practically brings tears to her brown eyes:(
It is my hope that no one look over Reba when searching for their special pet. IBR has done the utmost to care and treat this girl. She is most deserving of a furever home to rest her head.

OK, enough of that, now let me in!

On warm sunny days, Reba likes to hang out in the yard and watch for squirrel intruders, but snowy, cold days... she says-Let me in!

Snow? What is Snow?

We don't think Reba had much experience with snow before she came to Illinois. Our special pre-Easter inches really confused her. At first she walked like on tip toes, but as you can see in the pix, she soon got into it, just like her foster bro and sis.

Reba bunny!

Happy Easter from Reba!

Looking for True Love?

Well,are you?? Looking for love, that is? Have you been searching for a slim, trim, lady to share your life with? This brown eyed southern belle has a heart of gold, infinite kindness and devotion, and a generous spirit to share with you. Reba continues to surprise us with her good manners, not a jumper or a counter surfer. She appreciates fine cuisine, actually, any cuisine! She has been known to gobble down her scrambled eggs before they are completely cool! Reba will make a great addition to a family searching for a mellow, easy going, pet. She enjoys being near her people in a companionable way. If you are looking for a ball chasing, hyper hound-then Reba is not your dog. She is content to watch the action from the sofa. Reba enjoys her yard, simply hunting around doing squirrel patrol. We have the best things to say about our little pointer gal. A fan of pointers in general, and Reba specifically, I have to say that in our opinion, no home is complete without a companionable pointer snoozing on the sofa:)

Our little lady is tough!

Here is Reba, just 2 days post surgery. I am enforcing bedrest, but couldn't resist a little time outdoors in the (relatively) warm air. Reba is doing just super! The vet thinks she was probably in a lot of pain before. But you never would have known to meet her-so sweet and happy. Today she is happy times 10! Her eyes are bright and shining, her tail is going a mile a minute-this bedrest thing is going to get old fast.

yard inspector

Reba and Cole (foster bro) hanging out in the backyard. Unbelievable how fast Reba has bounced back from surgery. This dog has the most amazing fortitude!

Reba-post surgery!

Reba did just amazing with her surgery-tough spay plus removing a mass. She looks slim and trim and seems to walk with a lighter step-relief probably! She spent a little time trotting around the yard-long enough to chase a squirrel off the fence.

What does Reba have to say for herself?

Hey ya'll, Reba here: "I appreciate that all you good folks have read my story on Petfinder and now you are visiting my blog! As you know I will be having surgery in a few days (today is March 6). I trust my new doctors-I was there the other day and I was wagging my tail and giving kisses left and right! Illinois is cold compared to Georgia, but the people make up for the weather:) Foster mom and her daughter cook yummy meals that I can't get enough of-I even turn my empty bowl over to see if there is food on the other side. I am very interested in our family's huge standard poodle. He is a handsome guy. Mom says I am getting spayed Monday, so don't even think about it! My foster sis is a gsp who steals my toys. None of this bothers me too much. I am pretty easy-going. I follow Mom and her daughter Annabel all over-they keep a really good eye on me so I can practice "going" outside. Wherever my new humans are, I curl up near them. I walk pretty well on a leash, and even on my first day here, I was going for a long walk. I enjoy walking with my new pack-I do not bark at cars or people or other dogs-mom says I am a good girl that way. I also like to ride in the car-nice and quiet! I have been thinking about where I want to end up forever and I think I see myself in a home with any number of people (even kids), a dog or 2 is fine (even kitties), a couch or chair to call my own, a yard to jog around in, and more than anything some kisses and cuddles! Talk to ya'll soon!"

time for a mid-morning nap!

Reba is definately a mellow girl. She sleeps all nite in her crate, laps up breakfast, has a little trot around the yard, and then time to hit the couch for some beauty rest:)

couch time!

With Summer, another IBR foster doggie that we are dog-sitting! It is a full house for a few days!

REBA, quick stats

Our little lady is probably 3-5 years old, according to the vet. But that is just his best guess! She is about 40 pounds-nice size, bigger than a beagle, but smaller than our gsp and alot smaller than our standard poodle! As you can see, liver and white coloring, big brown eyes, short and soft fur (especially after a nice warm tubby). LOVES-sitting on couches and chairs, wants to be by her humans, eats every morsel of food, interested in her new gsp sis, has been looking in every mirror she can find!

becoming a house dog...finally

Well Reba will be an inside dog probably for the first time in her life. We know she will treasure having comfy furniture to lay on, warm food, and plenty of cuddle time. She has to work on her inside manners, too. Reba is housetraining thanks to my dogs showing her the ropes. She has figured out where to wait for her food bowl at mealtimes. Reba crates beautifully, and sleeps quietly all nite, thank God! She doesn't know what to do with dog toys yet. We threw her our gsp's fave, a big green squirrel, but no reaction. That's ok, Ceres quickly stole it back and is showing by example how to "kill" the toy.

Reba's medical situation

Illinois Bird Dog Rescue heard about a lady pointer in GA that had been kindly taken in by some kind GA folks on the very day she was supposed to be PTS. The story from Carolyn and Mike Taylor-this dog was found running down the street with a chain still attached, skinny, rough looking! The Taylors rescued her from certain death at the county animal control and took her home. Calling her Gracie, they removed 200 (!) ticks from her, gave her her first of many good meals, let her spend days recouping on their front porch while they waited for IBR to come and get her. The Taylors had only the kindest words to describe Reba, giving her high marks for staying in range (they have a big yard and no fence), getting along with their two boy bird dogs, walking on leash, being well trained with guns and basic hunting dog commands, and generally being a real sweetheart!
So, this is where her story takes a dramatic turn. Reba, our name for a southern gal with true grit, has mammary cancer! Of course, you would never know to look at her-sweetie pie disposition and plenty of spunk. I just got her today, and whisked her off to my vet for the expert diagnosis. My vet is suggesting a radical masectomy and spay next week! Well, of course, IBR says, go for it! This little lady will most likely heal up beautifully and start life anew as someone's treasured pet. It will be a tough surgery with a long road to recovery, the cancer will mean she is cut practically from one end to another! Reba already has a special place in our hearts-her tail wags easily-for even the slightest bit of attention.
I will document her recovery, yes I am optimistic, on her blog. IBR will be offering fundraising items. I urge everyone to keep Reba in their thoughts and prayers. Our family will be here to offer the best post-surgery care we can.

MY chair...

Our house has one dog couch and one dog chair. Wouldn't you know, the first nite, Reba has claimed her spot. Notice that even though it is technically a really BIG chair and she is a pretty small 40 pound dog, she has stretched herself out so NO ONE else can fit, clever girl!

Reba, our georgia peach

We want to welcome Reba to Illinois. She had a nice Southern couple who held onto her and fed her and showed her some sweet southern hospitality. But now she is in the big city, well not all that big, but still... We sure are happy you made it here, little lady!