My basic info
Breed
Leonberger/American Pit Bull Terrier
Color
Tricolor (Tan/Brown & Black & White)
Size
X-Large 101 lbs (46 kg) or more (when grown)
Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Im-Paws-Able pulled Tasha, Cartman's mother, when she was put on the euthanasia list at a WV shelter, because she was within a week of giving birth. It was a heartstick facility; a particularly cruel way to kill a pregnant bitch. Unfortunately, we were unable to secure transport for her immediately because the shelter was closed on the weekend. When shelter personnel arrived that Monday morning, she was in the process of giving birth on the main floor (among all the other dogs). A transporter arrived and loaded her while she was still giving birth! This is generally a death sentence for the puppies. Unbelievably, she and her ten pups arrived and nine lived. We have no information on the father(s).
Cartman appears to be a purebred Leonberger, but of course, we know he's not. He is at least three times the size of the other brindle pups and double the size of the black/white pups, who appear to be Newfoundland mixes. Cartman is the most outgoing of the bunch. He has been given more singular attention, by necessity, as he was crowding out the smaller pups, who were not getting enough nourishment. We had to begin him and the black and white pups, on solids at 3 wks, 2 days, since nobody's nutritional needs were being met by allowing them to remain nursing. These 6 very large puppies were putting a horrible strain on their medium-sized Mom, who was having trouble meeting her own caloric needs. Cartman is easily the biggest of all the pups, so he does get significantly more attention (plus he's a cutie). He appears to be wearing eye shadow and liner. His eyes are still blue.
Because we assumed that the puppies were going to be categorized as 'pit bulls' in adulthood, we initiated a socialization program, in conjunction with Im-Paws-Able Dog Training, to ensure that they would be properly socialized by the time they reached their forever homes. Age-appropriate stimuli were administered and documented since their birth. For instance, Day two through 10, they were exposed to mild stress, ie. handling them upside-down, rubbing their pads and ears. Days 10 - 17 saw tactile stimulation (puppies placed on sandpaper, carpeting or linoleum, touching paw pads with cold cloth, dremeling nails, etc), Days 17, auditory stimulation, different types of music, voices and constant noise of some type. On Day 18, all whelping box bedding was replaced with colored paper and daily novel stimuli was begun, ie.one day, a plastic milk jug was introduced, a cardboard box on the next, etc. On Day 21, a television was placed in the isolation room where they live. This weekend, basic obedience will be introduced, with positive stimuli being a finger soaked in liverwurst in their mouths. Of course, they have frequent handling by people of all types. Our goal is to introduce each to 100 people by the time they are 8 weeks old.
Unfortunately, poor Tasha doesn't appear to be issuing corrective actions that will allow the puppies to learn respect for a pack heirarchy. I believe that she is just such a sweet, sweet girl that she can't bring herself to do it, is overwhelmed, or is simply unable to give them skills that she doesn't have herself. Noting this, we are exposing the pups, two-by-two, to stable dogs in our pack who are willing to give them the appropriate social skills, redirection and how to assume submissive postures. One was a mom, herself (www.facebook.com/FightLillyFight) and the other is an Open B obedience dog (NoLita). Both have excellent social skills. They are able to pick up on inappropriate behavior that eludes us. For instance, one pup was chewing on my hair and they both immediately put a stop to that (at the same time). Although Tasha is the only adult dog allowed to be with the pups unattended, it is of little use if she isn't redirecting inappropriate behavior or teaching the skills they need.
Im-Paws-Able RARELY has puppies. We focus on adults, who are more likely to be euthanized, and place as many as possible as service animals. This litter has been very refreshing for us and has allowed us to focus on developmental stages that we rarely get to experience!
Our goal is to place each pup with the family who best meets that individual's specific needs. If you would like to submit an application, please go to www.impawsablerescue.org or return the attach application. The puppies will not be released until they are a minimum of eight weeks old. Im-Paws-Able Rescue requires home visits and reference checks for all applicants prior to adoption.
