Here is an update on Billy Jean’s progress from the Austin Pets Alive! blog.

We have been fortunate enough to be able to pull Billie Jean, a long term adoption dog from TLAC. She was displaying shelter stress after being there for 3 months, and lost her bite inhibition. I am very happy to say, that she has made incredible progress! There is no mouthing on human skin anymore! When she gets excited in play, she can be redirected quickly with just a calm verbal correction, and she then will sit right down and lick you. She has also displayed her gentleness with the other members of the pack! She shows no sign of retaliation if another dog corrects her, and rejoins play in a softer manner. Our most fragile girl, Zaida, has become very good friends with her. They play but Billie uses her head instead of her teeth! Just a reminder that bullies can be taught to be gentle giants!

Tara & pack
http://www.trainingbytara.com

Thanks to Austin Pets Alive!, Billy Jean left the shelter yesterday. The APA behaviorist performed a SAFER assessment on Billy Jean and she passed with flying colors, scoring a 1 - the highest score - on every test. After only 2 corrections she has stopped mouthing the behaviorist. She will be integrated with the pack of resident dogs tonight and we will report to you on her progress and when she becomes available for adoption.

Thanks to Austin Pets Alive and Training by Tara.

The kind people with Austin Pets Alive!/Fogus Rescue have taken Beau into foster care. He will continue to attend offsite adoptions after a little doggie boot camp to help channel his exuberant energy.

4/21/2008 UPDATE: Austin Pets Alive! and CNC Rescue have joined together to start an off-site adoption program for long-stay dogs at Town Lake Animal Center. Livvy will be the first dog in this special program. Because of her short deadline, APA has taken Livvy into one of their foster homes. Livvy is doing great there and is even getting along well with other dogs and interacting well with children. She will go to an adoption event at a local Petco or Petsmart daily until a permanent home is found. To meet Livvy, email pass@austinpetsalive.org or call 512-689-1885.