Hi,
Just wanted to introduce myself and my newly adopted dog Starbuck. A few of my nieces went to Arkansas to volunteer at an animal shelter over the school vacation week in February. They loved the experience and fell in love with quite a few dogs up for adoption. They posted pictures for everyone to see, and were trying to get the dogs adopted. When I saw the picture of Starbuck, I just fell in love. When I spoke with the woman who ran the shelter, she knew my other dog (as we adopted her from them as well) and said he would be a great match for our family. So we adopted him. We don't know what happened to his leg, as when he came to the shelter it was just a mess, and the physician said it would be better to take the leg. He has adapted so easily, I watch him run and try and keep up with our other dog, he just started going up the stairs a couple days ago, we've had him now for two weeks. I have ordered the Ruff Wear Harness, and should be getting it later this week. I'm so glad that I found this site, as we are first time dog owners. I had dogs growing up, as did my husband, but this is our first experience ourselves. Starbuck is not totally house trained yet, he does really well with stools, but does have the occasional urine accident in the house. I've been showing it to him, and then saying NO and bringing him right outside. Sometimes he will have an accident right after being outside? He does fine over night though, We will take him out right before bed. So any tips or advice?? I feel like I've such a sore spot for him, because he is a tripawd, but it is important to be firm too. Any comments suggestions on this as well. I watched the video on massage . . how often to you massage your dog as it sounds like they need time to recover. Thanks so much for being here! I'm so looking forward to being a part of this great group.

Starbuck is a very good looking man and I am sure that with patience and time he will blend in quite nicely into the routine.  Emily and I have often recommended "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners" by The Monks of New Skete. The Monks breed and "train" GSD.  Actually, they deal with many behavioral problems and use very gentle techiniques.  Personally, I love what they do and how they do it.

Wishing you nothing but the very best,

Spirit Cherry's Dad