tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91908642661742237012024-02-07T15:42:11.951-06:00Rescue of a Stray DogDarlin'Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-55962052118185377422015-01-30T13:58:00.002-06:002015-02-01T10:49:28.172-06:00Run free, Darlin' girl, until we meet again. It is with deep sadness and heartache that I write this update. Darlin' crossed over Rainbow Bridge Jan. 29, 2015 at 4:58 pm in our home. One of the the most painfully sad days of my life. My vet was there to assist her. I did not want her last half hour to be terrifying in the car. It was not how her story was suppose to end. Not in my mind anyway. In six weeks she would have lived with us for six years. I fed her six months on the streets before trapping her on March 11, 2009. One of the happiest days of my life. A day I will always cherish.
Darlin' was estimated to be 9-11 years old. She has started showing her age. She's left all of her fears behind and she took with her all the love any dog could ever want, and then some. "You're my Darlin' girl." " I love you, Darlin' Girl" Those words made her happy. I will think on those words every time I think of my sweet girl.
Thank you to Darlin's readers and followers. I'm going to honor her memory by finishing her story through this blog or in a book after I work through the pain. Most recent picture of Darlin, as beautiful as ever.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE9KrD1EZ44Vu4q0d1MeNXISyb92uyXJZqfZOQ_1EC_WmBgac82UQagAdXm5ic4v6vHrmukvi8KaGM9MRc2H_E0cZLboNDDkbVpVfC2FmKsUtx1MPXfOjpYi3V0Lmv7IinpFrybyPlpk/s1600/Darlin+last+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE9KrD1EZ44Vu4q0d1MeNXISyb92uyXJZqfZOQ_1EC_WmBgac82UQagAdXm5ic4v6vHrmukvi8KaGM9MRc2H_E0cZLboNDDkbVpVfC2FmKsUtx1MPXfOjpYi3V0Lmv7IinpFrybyPlpk/s400/Darlin+last+day.jpg" /></a></div>
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-89972890557253918502010-09-09T19:35:00.009-05:002010-09-09T20:02:38.599-05:00Animal Behaviorist AppointmentWe scheduled an appointment for a behaviorist to come to our home to evaluate Darlin'. He's a Professor at a widely recognized school of Veterinary medicine in Alabama with more than 35 years experience. He was here two hours last Saturday, however, he made a recommendation for Darlin' within seconds of entering our home. <br /> <br />I put the dogs outside, but left Toby, our broken coat Jack Russell, in the house so he wouldn't bark for me to let him in. Toby is a velcro dog and doesn't want to be away from me very long. <br /> <br />Darlin' doesn't usually bark when a stranger enters our home. I thought she would run and hide. Not this time. She barked her head off when I invited the behaviorist inside. She was loud and the hair stood up on her neck so I walked over and had her sit and told her to hush, which she did. He watched her out of the corner of his eye. Darlin' then ran to the couch and jumped up turning her body side-ways away from him. She sat quietly on the couch, she turned her head in avoidance and was trembling fiercely as I told him a little about her history with us. He remarked that she was probably born feral and probably didn't have any socialization with people. He was surprised when I let him know that she was spayed sometime before I trapped her. We agreed that given she was spayed and so afraid of people, she was probably on her own a long time and may have suffered some abuse. He handed me some papers to sign and we sat together at the kitchen table. Once he sat down at the kitchen table, Darlin' ran back to our bedroom. <br /> <br />I discussed our concerns about her barking at my husband and kids. If this is your first time reading this blog, Darlin' has become very attached to me, but she barks at my family. Her barking started about a year ago, after living in the house about 6 months. She doesn't only bark when they come home from school or work. She barks every time they move in the house. She barks when my son comes home from school, when he opens my office door, when he goes to the bathroom, when he fixes a snack, if he helps bring in groceries, or if he's downstairs and comes back up. Literally! It's like that for everyone in the house except me. It doesn't matter if they are home all day. If she hears or sees them she barks at them. Darlin' does not bark when she's in the backyard unless my husband or one of my children open the back door. I also told him about her body language when she's barking. She appears to be in an excited state; her tail is high and wagging back and forth. Sometimes her hair stands up the back of her neck. He told me not to worry about her body language unless her ears are straight up and tail is high and centered between her ears. I'm familiar with that posture from books on canine behavior. The dog may be aggressive or even dangerous. Darlin' does not show any aggressive behavior. I think if she were going to bite we would have seen this long ago. She did bite me during a fight with Bonnie, but I do not believe she knew she bit me. She's been living with us for 18 months. I just realized this last week that I have known Darlin' for two years! <br /> <br />I asked his opinion about the dog fights between Darlin' and Bonnie. I showed him the scars on my arm from the fight a few months ago. I felt like he brushed it off. He said he wishes he had only been bitten once in his life and that "you're going to have the fighting as long as you have a dog that is anxious." <br /> <br />He also viewed a few videos that I have on youtube and my computer. He was surprised when he watched a video on youtube where I pointed to Darlin' and told her to hush and sit outside. Darlin' listens to commands unless she is aroused. Usually I walk over to her and tell her "that's enough" and to "sit down" and she will. He ask me to continue to document her behavior using videos. He told us that most people need to see him twice --an initial appointment with a follow-up, but that we will probably need to see him more than that. That's when my husband told him about the extensive progress Darlin' has made since we brought her home. <br /> <br />He was surprised that I asked for a home visit. That was his secretary's idea after I told her how fearful Darlin' is and that she would probably cower under my chair at his office. I will take Darlin' for an office visit and follow-up in three to four months. <br /> <br />His diagnoses was that Darlin' is in a constant state of anxiety and his recommendation for Darlin' is anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs. The anti-anxiety medicine is actually another antidepressant. She is not in a constant state of anxiety. She is a very calm and well behaved dog when no one is around, but she shows a lot of anxiety when my family members are home. He mentioned several drugs, but we are going to try something mild to begin with per my request. I want her to calm down, but I do not want her to experience weight gain, dizziness, or any possible negative side effects. Of course we can wean her off of the medicine after a while. He will contact my vet so I'm sure I'll need to see him with Darlin' as well. Once I have the prescription I will update that we have started the drug therapy. The drugs are Wellbutrin or the generic form of Bupropion, and Elavil, also known as Amitriptyline.<br /> <br />The crate has been a life saver! All of the dogs enjoy napping in it. Now, instead of rotating Darlin' and Bonnie during the day using bedrooms, I ask one of them to go in the crate while I let the other outside. It took about two days to teach Bonnie and Darlin' to go in the crate. I will never use it as punishment because I do not want them to associate it with something negative. My dogs are good dogs. I can't remember having to "punish" them for anything. I correct them daily if they get loud or too rambunctious in the house. I try to rotate them in my office so that they each have time with me. I'm pretty certain that Darlin' has claimed my office as part of her territory. I bought another crate for my office because eventually I want to leave my office door open again and allow all of the dogs to be with me at once. Right now all of the dogs get along in my office as long as I remove Darlin' or Bonnie. One has to stay out to avoid conflict. I did put Darlin' in the office crate once and she whined because she couldn't see me! She also whines if I leave her in the crate in the living room and go in my office. She shows signs of anxiety when I am out of her sight. She's fine in the crate if I'm in the kitchen because she can see me. She's also been jumping at my bedroom door, barking and whining when I arrive home. She's fine when I leave though. The behaviorist said the separation anxiety will get worse so hopefully the medications will help that as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUEaR0cgT80AXW_iaSL5fObdvHWONAjS52Nbma6JnSkLO1RTecPkyZEVIML8xKO6D54sEA_rVDs8CqfZ0NHBo9gcK-_JWIZ1jh__HyrCfQhg9hnPQXkBeSCptcXF75quW0Sab4sxD6IE/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUEaR0cgT80AXW_iaSL5fObdvHWONAjS52Nbma6JnSkLO1RTecPkyZEVIML8xKO6D54sEA_rVDs8CqfZ0NHBo9gcK-_JWIZ1jh__HyrCfQhg9hnPQXkBeSCptcXF75quW0Sab4sxD6IE/s400/019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515081706102298338" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5guOZ9kIL2JgFxwIQL6xsB9Y447g8e9cs06EJbGLumADCoaVYi4hIL4IBRQpMaDh-f5TC3IQ1LGxHuttd7CW_rZc_w2AzmkjWjiAj0Rtx4WjSgauN00u3vzzXs8OAWD0i49oHTuKJ8iA/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5guOZ9kIL2JgFxwIQL6xsB9Y447g8e9cs06EJbGLumADCoaVYi4hIL4IBRQpMaDh-f5TC3IQ1LGxHuttd7CW_rZc_w2AzmkjWjiAj0Rtx4WjSgauN00u3vzzXs8OAWD0i49oHTuKJ8iA/s400/012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515082000306430466" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwDHjos877DDrUPBG7Hid03SCz9DkpE1FoI9vah7v90bemXT-T-xschpLy17Qb_CvTFPZHUe6390tB7rRLdc8VZMVE3nGrErNNKjOlYYWXXRyf5y1bWt7vZdlBuuPRSO_bjrZfmvl6FM/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwDHjos877DDrUPBG7Hid03SCz9DkpE1FoI9vah7v90bemXT-T-xschpLy17Qb_CvTFPZHUe6390tB7rRLdc8VZMVE3nGrErNNKjOlYYWXXRyf5y1bWt7vZdlBuuPRSO_bjrZfmvl6FM/s400/010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515082436340577394" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fB7cPERmEibOhJrZyDHwGk68Y14qfWcMzr41gGMeUca_PRJVJGfPrglq6uXTJkM6o9MoXlxOSGp4Q2BR1_cAd1YigIL1CZ8OAMvJvxdKRjhNfRK_pEGxyO7NhN3h2BXDBwn15xXwAuQ/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fB7cPERmEibOhJrZyDHwGk68Y14qfWcMzr41gGMeUca_PRJVJGfPrglq6uXTJkM6o9MoXlxOSGp4Q2BR1_cAd1YigIL1CZ8OAMvJvxdKRjhNfRK_pEGxyO7NhN3h2BXDBwn15xXwAuQ/s400/003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515082940173227794" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsssUOf6lVyYx5ToEqk8WFne5BxyvY0_-5V5WkuUkLHXWQEYDlLDv8veWEzSVJK4gLWn0euzu_fciEBNWOHRVlxsSkGvzhAON-YwcT20ucJCqtuEgNdarxPPEFgmaMPn9WIGGxbPtrvr4/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsssUOf6lVyYx5ToEqk8WFne5BxyvY0_-5V5WkuUkLHXWQEYDlLDv8veWEzSVJK4gLWn0euzu_fciEBNWOHRVlxsSkGvzhAON-YwcT20ucJCqtuEgNdarxPPEFgmaMPn9WIGGxbPtrvr4/s400/002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515083623834322034" /></a>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-5731423904878190152010-07-04T12:03:00.007-05:002010-07-29T18:26:45.314-05:00That Barking Dog!I’ve been more active in animal rescue over the last six months, which is why I haven’t been posting. I’ve been promising my family and my dogs that I would take a break. I had a rescue in June that nearly did me in emotionally. Check out our <A href="http://5-dog-blog.blogspot.com/">Dog Blog for Five Dogs</A> for the story of Earl – coming soon. <br /><br />Darlin’ has been living in our home almost 16 months. She seems like a normal dog when no one is around, but she still has many fear issues. We have two problems that must be corrected or I’m going to have to think of an alternative solution for her. <br /><br /><STRONG>Fighting with Bonnie</STRONG> <br /><br />Last year we had a terrible dog fight here between Darlin’ and Bonnie, our Jack Russell Terrier. I rotated them and kept them separated for several weeks. I introduced them slowly in the house, eventually allowing them time out in the yard together. Both dogs are dominant females, but they were back to sharing food and resting together so I thought we had everything worked out. Not so. <br /><br /><A href="http://s592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/?action=view&current=011.jpg" target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt="Bonnie and Darlin" src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/011.jpg"></A> <A href="http://s592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/?action=view&current=016.jpg" target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Photobucket src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/016.jpg"></A> <br /><br />One afternoon in May I had the dogs out back. I was throwing the ball for Gizmo, a recent rescue and foster. Bonnie looked bored so I decided to throw the Frisbee for her and the ball for Gizmo. In this video you will hear me telling Gizmo, “No!” She was another dominant female, a senior that lived to play ball, but she wasn’t possessive. I knew if Gizmo grabbed the Frisbee, that Bonnie might start something. Bonnie and Gizmo got along fine, but they were not playmates. Darlin’ has some pushy behavior with a few of the dogs except with Bonnie. The dogs usually ignore her and look at me when Darlin’ pushes past them. She and Bonnie know that they are a threat to the other. Darlin’ treats Toby like her puppy. She doesn’t pay much attention to Chloe at all. Chloe usually runs after Darlin’ to mark Darlin’s spots out in the yard or vice versa. Darlin’ didn’t pay any attention to Gizmo. Gizmo seemed well respected within the pack. <br /><br /><A href="http://s592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/?action=view&current=008-1.jpg" target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Photobucket src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/008-1.jpg"></A> <A href="http://s592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/?action=view&current=004.jpg" target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Photobucket src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/004.jpg"></A> <br /><br />In the video below you’ll see that Darlin’ got pushy with Chloe. She has head-butted her before which was similar behavior that particular day. I stopped the video a second before a terrible fight broke out. I thought that Darlin’ head-butted Bonnie. I remember Bonnie looking stunned for a split second, and then they turned on each other. It was the following day that I realized I had what happened on video. I slowed the video down and saw that Darlin’ grabbed Bonnie by the neck and flipped her. If you hold the play button down and scroll through the last two seconds slowly, you will see what I mean. <br /><br />When Bonnie landed on her feet she was stunned and the fight broke out. I managed to get Bonnie off the ground immediately, but Darlin’ continued to lunge for her in my arms! At one point Darlin’ grabbed Bonnie’s back leg and I heard her squeal. I had to hit her so she would let go! She acts like a wild dog during a fight! She doesn’t hear me or see me, all she cares about is getting to Bonnie! I grabbed the outdoor broom and used it to keep her away from me so I could get up the stairs and put Bonnie in the house! When I closed the door Darlin’ was there head-butting the door wanting inside! <br /><br />I'll try the video tonight, it would not upload. <br /><br />I kept them separated for two weeks, rotating them out in the yard and in different rooms in the house. Dr. Ian Dunbar says that most dogs will forget a fight right away. He was right in saying most and not all because Bonnie and Darlin’ do not forget. If my husband walks through the room carrying Bonnie and she sees Darlin’, she will growl and threaten, sometimes acting like a devil dog. If Darlin’ goes in the bedroom after Bonnie has been there, she smells everything like she is hunting. She does not do that when any of the other dogs have been in a room. <br /><br />Two weeks after the fight and now rotating, I was in my office one afternoon with a couple of the dogs lying in their beds. Darlin’ was lying in the floor not far from the door. I had the door open because it gets stuffy with the door closed so much. My husband is supposed to let me know when Bonnie comes inside so that I can close my door. He forgot. I looked up from my desk and Bonnie was standing in the doorway shaking her little butt and wagging her tail. She did not cross the threshold. She was saying “Hi Mom.” I said Hello and then knew what was about to happen. I saw Bonnie look at Darlin’ lying in the floor. I could not see Darlin’ but I knew where she was. Bonnie turned to leave and turned back around. Bonnie and Darlin’ made eye contact, Darlin’ jumped up and charged at the door and Bonnie turned back because she won’t walk away when challenged. This happened in a second and I didn’t make it around my desk before there was another fight in my office doorway! Again I was able to get Bonnie off the floor, but Darlin’ kept lunging for her in my arms. I also had all of the other dogs at my feet, all wanting to take part in the fight! Misplaced aggression! I pushed them back, Darlin’ lunged, and somehow I got tripped up on a rug in the hallway and fell backwards. It was about the same time Darlin’ bit my arm! I dropped Bonnie and the fight was on! My husband came running to help me. He did exactly what you shouldn’t do! He held Bonnie’s jaws until she let go of Darlin’s lip and it took a while with Darlin’ whimpering. As soon as Bonnie let go, Darlin’ ran under my desk because she’s still afraid of my husband. <br /><br />Darlin’ had bites on the side of her mouth, one that bled until late in the night. The side of her face was swollen for several days. I can’t believe she lived on her own and came to me without any scars on her face, but in my home she’s had several bite marks! She still has one scar that’s missing hair, but in time the hair should come back. Hopefully! Bonnie had bite marks on her legs and limped for a day or so, but no bleeding. They were puncture wounds. <br /><br />Two terrible dog fights in two weeks! I’ve heard of people that have kept dogs separated for years because of fighting. I simply cannot live that way. In addition, I can’t put that kind of responsibility on my husband and children. It’s not fair to my family, who have already sacrificed so much because of my dogs. <br /><br /><A href="http://s592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/?action=view&current=008.jpg" target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Photobucket src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/008.jpg"></A> <A href="http://s592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/?action=view&current=020.jpg" target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Photobucket src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/020.jpg"></A> <br /><br />My arm hurt! It was swollen and infected over a week. My first and last bite wounds, I hope! <br /><br /><A href="http://s592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/?action=view&current=021.jpg" target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Photobucket src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/021.jpg"></A> <br /><br />My husband and children cannot speak in the house without Darlin’ barking at them. I wrote a trainer and asked for help with Darlin’s issue of territorial barking. Her suggestion was to put Darlin’ away every time she barks. I can point my finger and tell her to “Go!” and she will run to our room, but seconds later she comes back growling and barking. I’ve closed the door, waited a minute and brought her back out – it’s the same every time. Yesterday I used a squirt bottle of water! The trainer said she is guarding her most valuable resource – me! She feels threatened by my husband and children. My kids are 17 and 21! They stay in their room when she is eating because she barks at them. When my daughter walks upstairs Darlin’ barks. When my son comes in from school at three o’clock she goes off. When my son opens his door to go to the bathroom she starts barking. If she hears my husband’s recliner downstairs she barks. She won’t bark if the mailman rings my doorbell, but let one of my family members make a noise and she barks her head off! It’s awful and no one should have to live in a home where they can’t speak because a dog is barking louder than they can talk! <br /><br /><STRONG>Bark Off – As seen on TV</STRONG> <br /><br />When I told my Dad about Darlin’s barking issue he sent me the link to Bark Off. I’ll try anything so I ordered it. I think we are the perfect household for testing this new method of stopping your dogs from barking. Does it work? Yes! Does it work for all of my dogs? No! I kept telling my husband that Chloe, our Eskie, is going deaf. Bark Off has proved me right! She doesn’t hear it. Bonnie (Jack Russell) never barks indoors so her barking was not an issue. Sam (blue heeler) is reactive to outside noise, but usually quiets down right away. Toby (Jack Russell) has dominance barking. He would bark when I came in the front door, jumping and barking all the way to the table until I put my groceries down. It’s his way of saying, “Pick me up, pick me up!” As soon as I reach for Toby he stops barking and melts in my arms. Toby also growls and barks during play with Bonnie or Darlin’. Not with the Bark Off on! <br /><br />Sam stopped barking immediately. Bonnie doesn’t bark. Chloe continued to bark, she is usually first to start and last to finish. I still believe she is losing her hearing. Toby immediately quit barking. He still ran next to me, but not a sound out of his mouth! It actually scares him. I coughed one day and he jumped in my lap quivering. I knew then that Bark Off isn’t going to work if it scares one of my dogs. Toby has no phobias so I don’t want to give him any! Another day he quickly ran under the couch! <br /><br />What about Darlin’? No! We think she is more afraid of my husband and kids than she is of the noise. If she would stop barking, we could live with Chloe’s barking because it isn’t nearly as loud as Darlin’. <br /><br />My friend, also in rescue, offered me some advice. She suggested that I move Darlin’ to my husband’s side of the bed and that I rotate her (in a crate) in my kid’s bedrooms at night. She said to move her out of her comfort zone. My son is away for a few weeks so I will do this when he returns. My daughter is away as I type this, but we will try it in a week. Darlin’ will turn over and give my husband her belly every morning and she will take a treat, but only if she is on the couch or in her bed. She will not go to him. I have asked him not to give her a treat if she will not go to him. I’m constantly correcting him too, but he only does it because he’s trying to help her overcome her fear of him. If he sits too close to her she will shake and has anxiety with labored breathing. <br /><br />I went and bought a crate for her yesterday. She was in it last night during the fireworks at a nearby park. The fireworks were too close to our home because I could see our back deck light up. The dogs were barking as though someone was beating on the door, but we managed to quiet them down. They were scared. Bonnie jumped in my husband’s lap, Toby and Chloe were next to me, Sam went to his dog bed next to Darlin’ in the crate. We put Darlin’ in the crate last night to allow us more freedom of movement in the house, without having to leash Bonnie and so she wouldn’t bark at my husband if he walked through the room. It was the first time in months that we sat in the same room completely relaxed! Darlin’ was shaking because she was separated from me. It took her several minutes before she calmed down and relaxed in the crate. She did stand up during the fireworks, but she did not bark. <br /><br /><A href="http://s592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/?action=view&current=016-1.jpg" target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Photobucket src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/016-1.jpg"></A> <A href="http://s592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/?action=view&current=015.jpg" target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Photobucket src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/015.jpg"></A> <br /><br />My friend also suggested I find a sanctuary for Darlin’ where she can live out her life. I started crying when she said that. Deep inside I know it is wrong for me to expect to live this was another 10-12 years. We haven’t taken vacation for over two years and I cannot be gone too long during the day because Darlin’ will not go outside to potty without me. I did seek rescue for her before I brought her home, but no one wanted her. I love her and she loves her life here so I want more than anything to get past the fighting and barking. <br /><br />The crate may help Darlin’ get use to my family. If she barks in her crate, I don’t know what I will do next. It will also allow Bonnie and Darlin’ time together in the same room where they can learn that they are not a threat to each other. It also means that Darlin’ will not be right next to me, taking her out of her comfort zone and hopefully help her get use to living in our home without being so attached to me. <br /><br /><A href="http://s592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/?action=view&current=025.jpg" target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt=Photobucket src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt10/caninecrusader/025.jpg"></A>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-54088698559236817762010-02-06T13:36:00.006-06:002010-02-06T14:07:04.933-06:00Dogs that need us - with videoA year ago this coming week was when I made the decision to get Darlin’ off the streets. I couldn’t go on driving to feed her every night. It was getting old, especially for my family. <br /><br />I sent out this email to Best Friends in Utah and to three local rescue groups in our area. My husband thought I had lost my mind wanting to bring another dog into our home so I did what I could to reach out for help. <br /><br />One year before (2008) I lost my cat after we moved 650 miles. She ran out of our new home and I never found her. I grieved for a month, I hurt so badly. I ran ads, had signs everywhere, had her registered online, and we even set traps in our neighborhood. <br /><br />Exactly a year later I was trying to trap a stray that I refused to turn away from. Again, I was crying out for help and crying is no exaggeration. I shed a lot of tears over this situation. <br /><br /><br /><em>Dear Friend,<br /><br />The last thing you need is another plea to take a dog, but please take a minute to read my email. I am heartbroken and don't know what I will do with a dog I feed that's been living on the streets and taking shelter in the woods. <br /><br />I have been feeding a stray for 6 months. I drive 6 miles to her every evening at dark and take her food. This started late last summer or early fall. She came about an hour after dark, when the time changed she changed with it, crossing traffic at 6 pm!<br /><br />She was very close to emaciated when this started. After eating every night that it doesn't rain (she doesn't come then) she looks like a healthy dog now. My intention was to keep her alive through winter which has worked, although it's amazing she hasn't been killed by a car as she crosses a major highway through my area every night.<br /><br />I contacted Animal Control 2/9/2009, we have one Police Officer in our area. He has agreed to ask permission to work a night shift to observe and catch this stray dog for me. I can't go on doing what I'm doing. She will NOT come to me; she is very cautious and keeps her distance until I move away from the food I leave by a tree. This has become The Real Giving Tree as I taught her by repetition that there will be food at the tree when she comes to it! She waited for me 3 hours when I was delayed in December and it was freezing! I can't eat dinner when I know she crossed a highway and is waiting for me!<br /><br />She looks over her shoulder with every bite of food, very cautious. I also started bringing her pig ears and other chews around Thanksgiving. You should have seen how happy she was the first time she found it there!! I sit in my car and watch her; I also watch her run back across the highway right in front of bumpers with her chew after she has eaten!<br /><br />Six months is a long time to try and get a dog to come to you. Sometimes I wonder if she's deaf because when I talk to her she just stands back away from me with her head low, but it just could be how she protects herself from harm. Maybe she's not deaf either because she sometimes gets spooked by cars in the parking lot. She'll grab her chew before finishing her food, run back to wherever she hides out and comes back for the food later in the night. The Police Officer said she may have been abused in her life by some of her actions, but she shows no signs of aggression at all. She is a lovely 40-45 lb mixed breed dog (maybe some Australian shepherd), but I can't judge her age, although I don't think she is very young. <br /><br />I have sat at my computer and cried over your dogs that have been waiting for years for a home! I want a farm so bad! My house is barely big enough for a family of 4 and 6 animals, probably why my husband doesn't want anymore. This situation has caused problems at home for me, from the feedings every night to trying to figure out what I will do with her when I catch her. <br /><br />And I know it's costly and time consuming for you, I just don't know where to turn! Rescue groups are not responding to my emails and I need to know what to do. <br /><br />Animal Control said he will help me catch her, but my husband won't allow me to even try to keep her. We already have 3 dogs and 3 cats, we have transported Rescues that I would have kept if I could have. <br /><br />He said that even if she did get along with our dogs that we can't keep her. It breaks my heart because I feel like I'm looking for a home for my own dog, yet I've never even been able to touch her or pet her head. I've cried about my decision for two days because I don't know what to do! Animal Control said he wouldn't want to take her to our County Humane Society, I don't know how long they could keep her and I want her to have a good life.<br /><br />Please advise me! I think that she has become wild, but if I didn't have all of these dogs I would be able to keep her and rehabilitate her myself. I think she just needs to learn that not all humans will hurt her. She needs to be shown kindness besides the food. <br /><br />We will work at catching her soon, maybe this week, he's suppose to call me today, but I'm not sure I could even bring her home because of my dogs. I don't know how she would react, in captivity or with my dogs. My dogs are socialized, but they get overly excited when they see another dog which could freak her out!<br /><br />If you take her or another rescue could take her I will pay her Vet bill, bed, food and make donations to insure she has a home. I have a Vet too. She needs heartworm testing, I'm sure. She needs room to roam; I don't think she would do well in a kennel after living on her own. And I do not agree that putting her down is better than living on the streets, I just can't after making it this long and doing so well. I have a hard head I'm sure, but a deep love for dogs and misfortunate dogs especially. She deserves a chance at a real home, with food everyday and a soft place to sleep. <br /><br />Please advise, we will be trying to catch her after dark at a shopping center, maybe this week. Her pictures are attached. Not good ones because it's dark. We call her Darlin’ because that's what I say when I feed her, "Hello Darlin’.”</em><br /><br />Everything turned out as it should have. Little did I know that part of my path in life was to love and rehabilitate Darlin’. We don’t get the dogs we want, we get the dogs we need. I truly believe that. And I would add; we get the dogs that need us.<br /><br />One January morning. Darlin’ was the first one to come back inside. She knows to sit for her treats and she is good at it!<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwQsqKpJcQ2gaLEp0kD7IwVsrhuL6d_48_ASl0dQHutUaVSjVOdyVfxTWBpdFszADIwfj-6NQwU2tLyoNGvkA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-80096230998116529902010-01-05T17:03:00.020-06:002010-01-06T00:41:18.143-06:00I am my neighbor...<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm95iH4hJEiPEdTp8qBUxhJVwnBFg-wPEnMd-rymPhexViJr_DH11j30nJLpQQ799m7flp-OhyW7d8KmHfQWba7xr2-RdDn5PkcnLMD2SgN4NU-SSRd5NkeI_LJGxi7-7271tldbXtwp0/s1600-h/pic13977.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423395675555145090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm95iH4hJEiPEdTp8qBUxhJVwnBFg-wPEnMd-rymPhexViJr_DH11j30nJLpQQ799m7flp-OhyW7d8KmHfQWba7xr2-RdDn5PkcnLMD2SgN4NU-SSRd5NkeI_LJGxi7-7271tldbXtwp0/s400/pic13977.jpg" border="0" /></a> No, not my house, but every since I found this picture I wanted to use it!<br /><em></em><br />I would have preferred to start off the New Year with an optimistic post title that summed up our Holidays. However, about two weeks before Christmas my neighbor and I had a heated argument – on my front porch! December 15, to be exact.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">I wrote about my neighbor <a href="http://caninecrusader.blogspot.com/2009/10/weve-had-dog-fight.html">here</a> when Bonnie and Darlin’ got into the fight. Darlin’ was tense about the commotion on my neighbors back deck when Bonnie acted dominant and buffed up to Darlin’ when I took her rock.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">Bonnie’s rock obsession hasn’t gotten any better. Some days it’s worse than others. She finds a rock or digs one up, knocks it around and barks at it. If you go outside she will pick it up and run with it. I tell her to “drop it.” When she does I say “no rock” and I put it in my pocket. We stopped tossing them over the fence because that only intensified her excited state. I’ll throw her Frisbee or sometimes have her sit for cheese and then carry her upstairs.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">On Dec. 15, 2009 I spent most of the day running errands and shopping. I called my son to see if he let the dogs out after school and he said he hadn’t, and that Bonnie was sleeping on his bed. I told him to leave her and I would let them out when I got home. I arrived home at 4:00 o’clock and let three of them out. I did not allow Darlin’ and Bonnie in the yard together without me and Toby waits for me when I take Darlin’ out.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">My car was full of bags so I toted everything inside and began putting groceries away and making tea. I heard Bonnie bark at a rock. I know the difference in her barks, not just with Bonnie, but with all of the dogs.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">I decided to run check my business email since I had been away from my computer most of the day. I heard her bark again, I looked out my window and she was pawing at a rock. It’s not a constant bark. She barks two or three times, stops and kicks the rock around, then barks again. I opened my window and told her to hush. She looked up at me so I sat back down at my desk. The weather was nice so I left my window up. I sat at my desk about five minutes. When she barked I called to her knowing my voice would distract her. Just as she starting barking again I went to put my Crocks on because we have a yard full of poop right now. </div><br /><div align="left">As soon as I slipped my shoes on to go get Bonnie someone rang my doorbell. I opened the door and there stood my neighbor. That was the first time in five years since I’ve owned Sam, our blue heeler, that he made a low growling sound at someone at the door. I told my neighbor that I would meet him outside and I put the dogs in my son’s room. The way he looked at me standing there are my porch made me angry and all of those feelings I’ve had when he throws rocks at my fence, or yelled “shut up” from his yard came rushing back to me.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">I walked outside and the first words out of his mouth were, “Could you shut your dog up?” I said as I pointed to my feet, “I just put my shoes on to go get her.” Him – “That dog has barked all day long!” Me - “That’s a lie; I haven’t been home 15 minutes!” Neighbor – “And she’s barked every since, I can’t even hear my TV!” Me – My dogs don’t bark five minutes and you’re out there telling them to shut up! I respect my neighbors; my dogs aren’t outside early in the mornings or late at night. Him – “you’ve lived her two years and you’ve never respected your neighbors! I’ve already called the police, let’s not let this go any further!” Me – “Really? I’ve already called animal control because we can’t trust you! They brought me one of these dogs! Him - “I don’t care where they came from!” Me - “I’ll see what I can do to keep my dogs quiet so you can hear your TV.” Him – “Good!”<br /></div><br /><div align="left">I know, Animal Control, but it was the heat of the moment. It could have been worse. I could have mentioned that crazy woman on his deck singing with headphones on all summer from morning till after 10:00 o’clock at night! I’ve woken up to her obnoxious singing before. They play their music loud when they work in the yard or when they wash their cars. I never said a thing because I was so pissed off at the time that he had the nerve to come over here. I could have mentioned the blue lights flashing in front of his house and how it concerned us. I was so hoping his wife would leave him and he would have to move because he couldn’t afford the house on his own. No such luck, she came back.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">Dogs bark all night around here, to the point that it hurts my spirit. I have prayed for a white tied-out shepherd several times this winter. I wonder how people sleep when their dog is barking all night in the yard. I think because of that it’s so important to me not to disturb my neighbors, but let’s be reasonable here, they are dogs and it was 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon! My dogs can’t chase each other and bark during playtime because of him!<br /></div><br /><div align="left">Woodrow Wilson said, “If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.” That’s the first thing I thought when Sam was uncomfortable with my neighbor at our door. He sensed something was up with that guy!<br /></div><br /><div align="left">It’s almost 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon and she has just barked for the first time today, not at a rock, I’m watching her look up at the back door. I left my desk and let two of the dogs outside, but instead of them joining Bonnie in the yard, she came upstairs and came in the house. She sometimes barks a couple of times so that one of the dogs will come outside with her. Her barking at rocks started about the time the frogs left for winter.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">This neighbor that does not like my dogs has a pond and we have a terrible frog issue because of it. In fact, he has a frog over there that croaks so loud it’s nearly as loud as a dog! She used to catch at least one frog a day from spring through summer. Now that the frogs are gone we think this could be the reason she’s kicking rocks around. I’m going to look into an exercise wheel for her, maybe a treadmill. It’s not as bad as it sounds. It’s become an issue because of the neighbor. Bonnie knows how to leave the rocks and come indoors. She handles us taking them and is easily distracted by Frisbee or food. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Darlin’ stepped out on the back deck at the same time that my neighbor stepped out of his garage door. She barked one time, one woof sound, when I heard him instantly say, “shut up.” I’m almost always with her so I was there too. She got scared and went right back inside so we waited until he left.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">I don’t like living my life to accommodate this guy, but it’s not possible for us to move right now or this year, unless by some miracle some things change.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">My dad said I shouldn’t have let him upset me. That I should have told him that his first mistake was ringing my doorbell. He said I should have asked what kind of TV he has and offer to buy him headphones. My daughter said maybe he can use the headphones that woman wears outside all summer!<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Darlin’s Christmas…</strong> </div><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBB6yrmw3X09vA-SRKHd1Oa6kR_wNOsSX_Ym3dOU6SIJMzE-y-EKY2v1XMrFGNmCIDccyrLpY4fo6tSyhTWY-PmHW9kSyxM2_jphfCmbTay1_WCEihGx5oTvcc5QpmVqeXmDf17UkU74/s1600-h/stockings.JPG"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423398163358375858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBB6yrmw3X09vA-SRKHd1Oa6kR_wNOsSX_Ym3dOU6SIJMzE-y-EKY2v1XMrFGNmCIDccyrLpY4fo6tSyhTWY-PmHW9kSyxM2_jphfCmbTay1_WCEihGx5oTvcc5QpmVqeXmDf17UkU74/s400/stockings.JPG" border="0" /></a> What a blessing it’s been knowing Darlin’ is safe indoors this winter. She has made phenomenal progress recently! She stayed in my room while we opened gifts Christmas morning, but spent the afternoon in her bed by my feet as I struggled to keep my eyes open while watching TV.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplfNK6A4SxiPYnsUU1S7ZvNWsxIp-CvykMD4lB3MREcCpDhOxxSAwWpVLLEngLlQAan3dWjjR8kuNNBB_9fRLtFq66xKPcjGQbp9LVlRAAiwo5xDG0rKSQUFyDE4Vo8epV90nH6C1-wA/s1600-h/DSCN1317.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423398524163529234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplfNK6A4SxiPYnsUU1S7ZvNWsxIp-CvykMD4lB3MREcCpDhOxxSAwWpVLLEngLlQAan3dWjjR8kuNNBB_9fRLtFq66xKPcjGQbp9LVlRAAiwo5xDG0rKSQUFyDE4Vo8epV90nH6C1-wA/s400/DSCN1317.JPG" border="0" /></a> Daddy petting her on the couch...<br /><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbBS3zGi-xQOtCb8NLtkQkS30VHo4u6Id4KS3l6NH9Gz-q8tvnIK677Sac4m0kz3PDO5Whyphenhyphen37qUMvmXFVplKb9Ogipov0AO4Kg-SQZ9-Dw8ptNx_0R8bDxKv3hi-W7mUL4c3JwxSR02g/s1600-h/dad+and+darlin.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423397447845396578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbBS3zGi-xQOtCb8NLtkQkS30VHo4u6Id4KS3l6NH9Gz-q8tvnIK677Sac4m0kz3PDO5Whyphenhyphen37qUMvmXFVplKb9Ogipov0AO4Kg-SQZ9-Dw8ptNx_0R8bDxKv3hi-W7mUL4c3JwxSR02g/s400/dad+and+darlin.JPG" border="0" /></a> She and Bonnie have been fine together, however I have not allowed them in the yard together because I can’t handle all of the dogs alone should one of them instigate a fight. In the house I’ve had three issues, all were because of Darlin’! </div><br /><div align="left">One morning I let Bonnie out of her crate. She was being sweet with her tail down and wiggling her little butt wanting me to pet her. Darlin’ rushes over to us from her side of the bed and nips at Bonnie! She was like a bulldozer and bumped into Bonnie’s side head on. I quickly corrected Darlin’ when Bonnie went ballistic. I picked up Bonnie and put her outside and let Darlin’ calm down because she gets excited to see me upon waking in the mornings. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Two other times it happened in my office, which is a small bedroom. Darlin’ doesn’t mind any of the dogs in here, but since the fight I keep the door closed so that she and Bonnie are not too close. Besides I’m working and can’t watch them closely. I left the door open thinking Bonnie was downstairs with my husband. She was but he left the door open. Bonnie walks up to the threshold of the door when Darlin’ growled and charged at her, but it was dominance, not aggression. Bonnie got scared and withdrew to the hall, but then ran back inside like she was going to settle it. I snatched Bonnie up and removed her. </div><br /><div align="left">The other incident happened just a few days ago. I was leaving my office when Bonnie approached me at the doorway. Again she was sweet, her tail lowered, ears back, she had a little wiggle in her butt because I acknowledged her presence. Darlin’ jumped up and darted at Bonnie! I corrected Darlin and picked up Bonnie and removed her. So the only issue now seems to be territorial dominance for Darlin’. She charges and growls, but I think she’s claiming the space as her own to prevent Bonnie from entering. If she was aggressive we would have had a real dog fight, but we didn’t. Now if these were two powerful breeds, I probably couldn’t have stopped it the way that I did. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Darlin’ has become more confident. She’s pushy, often wanting her treat first and leans over the other dogs to get theirs. She pushes past them to come in the door from outside. At dinner she sits and waits patiently for her bowl to go down.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">She’s been playing more, mostly with Toby, although she did give Sam a play bow in the yard last week. She’s not comfortable with the others yet. If they get to close she stops playing with Toby and becomes more guarded. She and Toby are needier and are always by my side whereas the other three are independent. I wonder if that’s why she’s bonded with Toby? </div><br /><div align="left">I’m going to work on introducing Darlin’ and Bonnie to my office together this month. December was extremely busy for me that maintaining balance and preventing issues between the dogs was more important than teaching. I’d like to get back to the point when all of the dogs could come and go from my office without any dominance or territorial behavior. For the time being I have rotated Darlin’ and Bonnie, sometimes allowing Bonnie time in here to sleep at my feet and other times Darlin’ gets the office. Toby is always with me and sometimes Sam is here too. Our cat, Baby, has recently decided the office is where she wants to be too.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXB8iFXPrqnGgOFynNAC2VEEfJblmKAgS_l41SASEBKvffuAqQe3DDvo2Sbg8nZBtU4WUkNM_79cOHSn0iXQgdce1i9Wz9KzRbE4NA9ncltry2RxQy-NBv-5tV-PMwuSzkDexMlR2twPM/s1600-h/xmas.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423398851680133810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXB8iFXPrqnGgOFynNAC2VEEfJblmKAgS_l41SASEBKvffuAqQe3DDvo2Sbg8nZBtU4WUkNM_79cOHSn0iXQgdce1i9Wz9KzRbE4NA9ncltry2RxQy-NBv-5tV-PMwuSzkDexMlR2twPM/s400/xmas.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have a cat, Lilith, a small black female shorthair that was feral and still behaves a like a feral cat. It's took me almost four years to get her to come to me. She usually sleeps downstairs or in the garage. Recently she’s started coming upstairs more and sleeps in a pet bed in the dining room. Lilith is the cat that always gets scared and growls at the dogs when they see her. Darlin’ has become intrigued with Lilith in the last two weeks. She has to check her out in the dining room when she sees her there. It could be that Lilith’s growling stimulates her curiosity, I’m not sure, but I don’t want her to start bothering the cats so I'm keeping a close eye on her. </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">She’s been drinking from the community water bowl! I guess it helped that I threw out the old pool because she got most of her water outside until recently. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">She played with toys one night! She just decided to play on her own and started chewing on the stuffed toys.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0orZQa1UXCgikL1lHyoKn_5uXZxdwpw44b5_V05wIXusEiwDrWZ7R7shn7Fy57YxH5tUjtFejeqYWUp0FBk4lLkbzIDC1v-3IMkTbzhbOnTlAxvTH85SZ_FWn7fDpCDdZ7Ndbmpont38/s1600-h/DSCN1443.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423400066905410786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0orZQa1UXCgikL1lHyoKn_5uXZxdwpw44b5_V05wIXusEiwDrWZ7R7shn7Fy57YxH5tUjtFejeqYWUp0FBk4lLkbzIDC1v-3IMkTbzhbOnTlAxvTH85SZ_FWn7fDpCDdZ7Ndbmpont38/s400/DSCN1443.JPG" border="0" /></a> In her bed - it was fun watching her get comfortable and scratch herself. </div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS5NR5Phm2etaHjWr3Y8QxwQXqZ4TvxoLZWKcBAx43zusPfY2fzGqjHcfU7QbAr-FCUwIqVNKqTTbom8ZVdAC_1BMcA7OMhOBeNukEpQ9avZY_Y5qPEomdqN0SDDEEsy3jPVohwQson8/s1600-h/DSCN1396.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423400686447875186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS5NR5Phm2etaHjWr3Y8QxwQXqZ4TvxoLZWKcBAx43zusPfY2fzGqjHcfU7QbAr-FCUwIqVNKqTTbom8ZVdAC_1BMcA7OMhOBeNukEpQ9avZY_Y5qPEomdqN0SDDEEsy3jPVohwQson8/s400/DSCN1396.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left">She is taking food from my husband and son now! She will bark at my husband and grumble as she eats her treat. Someone train my husband, please. I asked him not to give her a treat if she's barking at him. We don't want to reward the barking. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Eating a chew next to Sam. It was great seeing her lie in the floor like a dog!<br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNg_Rl-zW_4uVoLggsxB5PtF_gMiAEX4fumxafZ4sLMKUlAB49vFwroIfKMxUxUzCQ9Mo2crVv3frNta_tqqR2dS1Xj5wPXPXvgUVvW7_juRPP5toAhzPhpFuZ8UvuUdRNwYpknUVuOpw/s1600-h/family+chew.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423401532513438930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNg_Rl-zW_4uVoLggsxB5PtF_gMiAEX4fumxafZ4sLMKUlAB49vFwroIfKMxUxUzCQ9Mo2crVv3frNta_tqqR2dS1Xj5wPXPXvgUVvW7_juRPP5toAhzPhpFuZ8UvuUdRNwYpknUVuOpw/s400/family+chew.JPG" border="0" /></a> Four minutes outside without me! I don't always go to the yard with her unless she waits for me at the top step. I was standing on the deck and snuck back in the house. Four minutes is great! I <em>was</em> keeping time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdd-XzVDlF8NVF7vgU3EVrR7rcaioUCG0RKe1ta7Ew65BB5VQMyUYu_JHwBV8XeZtNXua9VJtyDDg9-e53TrVdR4R-mv-n-ihawNG1FyRaXAugkk6TtkLTuqvnfuSUXlixyIL2Mhj7Aw/s1600-h/outside.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423402336584124818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdd-XzVDlF8NVF7vgU3EVrR7rcaioUCG0RKe1ta7Ew65BB5VQMyUYu_JHwBV8XeZtNXua9VJtyDDg9-e53TrVdR4R-mv-n-ihawNG1FyRaXAugkk6TtkLTuqvnfuSUXlixyIL2Mhj7Aw/s400/outside.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left">The only picture I have at the moment with her by the tree.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCEtzvfuB3HZrOu5cdTKrnovnWg_f_3TFzQpnEdyuvCIKgcKTI8AytiqLETDyhjWUBG-Mc2qCdPl307ueA7DCV2PdSEE4AKoV-2pS4ZUibPp8sPPoga-cCwh0F9zAuuWoLph4P2QxdjM/s1600-h/DSCN1086.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423441540033253378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCEtzvfuB3HZrOu5cdTKrnovnWg_f_3TFzQpnEdyuvCIKgcKTI8AytiqLETDyhjWUBG-Mc2qCdPl307ueA7DCV2PdSEE4AKoV-2pS4ZUibPp8sPPoga-cCwh0F9zAuuWoLph4P2QxdjM/s400/DSCN1086.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I love this one. She and Toby had been playing, but she stopped to see what Sam was up to when he sniffed her. The look on Toby's face is priceless! You can click on images to enlarge, then Click your Back button to return to this blog.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXiyUJyLB0fRlU-kHzVNDnt3ZnQ76aJazyIQkG6abTRCBa3cR4xk6QD4BHNnbf2mWwDPrtOuAwAwflstbD0-n-rxMkPN6bcN-pXHUKIo_jIelGFQtyqEr5ZDW8Hm9r6F-mErNTuWUrCI/s1600-h/love+this.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423443313655132050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXiyUJyLB0fRlU-kHzVNDnt3ZnQ76aJazyIQkG6abTRCBa3cR4xk6QD4BHNnbf2mWwDPrtOuAwAwflstbD0-n-rxMkPN6bcN-pXHUKIo_jIelGFQtyqEr5ZDW8Hm9r6F-mErNTuWUrCI/s400/love+this.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p>The videos are taking a long time to upload. I'll be back within a week to upload more. </p><p>This video was taken when I vacuumed. She use to hide and tremble in fear. I guess if you live in a house where someone vacuums once or twice a week, you'll get use to it rather quickly. </p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzE4cBZE8zs3RnTcYDcWUe3gyYMaNh7CRGx4UCakbZ-ib68W4PEA13bzVSkevuFiEZg_ofPrEPwNAJj6fnelA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>I hope everyone had a great Holiday. Best wishes for a healthy happy New Year! </p>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-55158935031488025702009-12-06T15:30:00.007-06:002009-12-06T15:39:22.478-06:00Darlin’s first picture and Christmas story.<em>I’m posting this on both blogs because it seems appropriate.</em><br /><br />A year ago today I took Darlin’s first picture. If I had taken her picture when I first started feeding her it would have made some people cry. She was so skinny that she looked hunched over with her stomach pulled up inside of her. She didn’t have her winter coat when we met, as a result her hair was thin and closer to her body. I thought she was some kind of hound dog. I was in such a hurry to feed her on schedule that taking her picture never crossed my mind. As soon as darkness fell I would watch the clock until it was time for me to leave the house. <br /><br /><em>So why Dec. 6th, 2008?</em><br /><br />A local breeder had been shut down by the ASPCA. There were about 50 dogs that they had to surrender. The Humane Society took several, some went to rescues, and 16 were transported to a Michigan rescue. The ASPCA asked the breeder to pay for the gas needed to transport the dogs out of state. She said she wouldn’t do it because she didn’t want to give them up. When I heard about the gas, I made the donation because those dogs were not going to be delayed a chance at freedom if I had anything to do with it. <br /><br />My husband and I met with the breeder’s husband at 8:00 in the morning at a grocery store parking lot. The same one that Darlin’ would be eating at once it turned dark. He was supposed to be bringing three Jack Russell’s going to Russell Rescue in Tennessee. They were not Jack Russell’s, they were Rat Terriers, but that’s okay, Russell Rescue wouldn’t turn them away. I had my camera along so that I could email the pictures to everyone involved in their rescue.<br /><br />I asked the breeders husband for their names and any information he had. When he handed over the male he called JR, he said that JR had never been used for anything other than making puppies. They were frightened. In fact JR was in the back of the crate when we arrived at rescue and I didn’t realize it at the time, but he had to use the bathroom. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpR4tVQXEdZuVghs5XCMJXNbM2XYto-aTcY7SbHMG3wFbIm-bvLF9H6Z0_mjG4HFOTwwzDDBc6_1FHqeK-HE1oU6_YijbOA0rDj6NXq3WazIel4V9RSN8YSyeApB5mur5-98g4qQarco/s1600-h/jr1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpR4tVQXEdZuVghs5XCMJXNbM2XYto-aTcY7SbHMG3wFbIm-bvLF9H6Z0_mjG4HFOTwwzDDBc6_1FHqeK-HE1oU6_YijbOA0rDj6NXq3WazIel4V9RSN8YSyeApB5mur5-98g4qQarco/s400/jr1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412239007106976098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQyrkb8l6JUZWTTKq-nt1YN5S-kfWariEtBet8_NWnoEb2evM0xcq60i5NUmoXG-SXWwkXQu3Swt2QbcDQDKeIpxAqXf9Hc7tkEunhdN5TKoTK8HFs7iOO3S3-9loEoE5fjTbhRDctak/s1600-h/katrina.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQyrkb8l6JUZWTTKq-nt1YN5S-kfWariEtBet8_NWnoEb2evM0xcq60i5NUmoXG-SXWwkXQu3Swt2QbcDQDKeIpxAqXf9Hc7tkEunhdN5TKoTK8HFs7iOO3S3-9loEoE5fjTbhRDctak/s400/katrina.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412239143788747074" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotNTLoesF31wVo8K6QvUuYgWIy-VUBHK2PJ7oxlzCib2WsaSbNBg8JnnTjF-XAP32pkzR8anlBItglpM0FpXmsarA4nsi7gLJ03H4Et5_rVruWqRWbFDzjKc9BXrNHWhegLO43Trf0cA/s1600-h/ally2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotNTLoesF31wVo8K6QvUuYgWIy-VUBHK2PJ7oxlzCib2WsaSbNBg8JnnTjF-XAP32pkzR8anlBItglpM0FpXmsarA4nsi7gLJ03H4Et5_rVruWqRWbFDzjKc9BXrNHWhegLO43Trf0cA/s400/ally2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412239443225173010" /></a><br /><br />My daughter’s great grandmother (89 yrs at the time) lives in Tennessee so we stopped to visit with her that afternoon. Granny had a stroke in 2007 and moved into an assisted living home. We always take her out to lunch when we visit. It’s usually getting dark by the time we head home so I had Darlin’s food with me so that I could feed her on the way to our house. That day I had my camera too. It was hard getting Darlin’s picture because the camera I used isn’t good for taking pictures at night. Darlin’ was fearful too therefore I kept my distance as she ate over at her tree.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_e8xI9pY9tbvdehJFl1ZdnN49oEsXfMz_OgL3fn9ijECUJe8VWsPIS0saRamfU_rWfN61Lu-Gibgo4Bn-EZUyIFjr1OI_H6I3lG-N2tahS6DEpw87Pr-zVcKnxu9L3TpQjs4GhM_zhQ/s1600-h/darlin1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_e8xI9pY9tbvdehJFl1ZdnN49oEsXfMz_OgL3fn9ijECUJe8VWsPIS0saRamfU_rWfN61Lu-Gibgo4Bn-EZUyIFjr1OI_H6I3lG-N2tahS6DEpw87Pr-zVcKnxu9L3TpQjs4GhM_zhQ/s400/darlin1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412239599084169090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekDvie3NHzFre1bW28murpnCuC_3SvaKKgTptQEj5zMK992rTHaf0e2iEdDqb66prGzI4A8KULV3nJmOESZ78YLoGOi7w34Dfs629ne5vKGKw4FasYMwLcxCBYEPAhuC0L_ODNM8HYaw/s1600-h/darlin2+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekDvie3NHzFre1bW28murpnCuC_3SvaKKgTptQEj5zMK992rTHaf0e2iEdDqb66prGzI4A8KULV3nJmOESZ78YLoGOi7w34Dfs629ne5vKGKw4FasYMwLcxCBYEPAhuC0L_ODNM8HYaw/s400/darlin2+(2).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412239746590926418" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday we went to visit Granny in a North Alabama Rehab because she broke her hip in November and still isn’t able to walk. Darlin’ had been alone all afternoon and was really missing me. She cries, whines, barks, and gets overly-excited when I come in the door. All of are dogs are excited to see Mom and Dad even though the kids were home, but Darlin’ is different - and special. She usually hides in my room while I’m away. I’m sure she feels abandoned by me when I’m gone. <br /><br />Last night I stood outside as Darlin’ went potty before bed. She still won’t stay in the yard without me and most times she will not go down unless I do. It was freezing cold and the ground was covered in frost. I wore my oversized coat with the hood over my head and I was still freezing, yet the night reminded me that it wasn’t quite as cold as some of the nights that Darlin’ spent alone outside last winter. As I stood there shivering waiting on the dogs, I was thankful that my mind is at peace this month. <br /><br />Standing out in the cold last night took me back to last winter and winters past. It was December when my daughter asked what my intentions were concerning Darlin’. That’s when I told my family with tears on my eyes that I only intended to keep Darlin’ alive through winter by feeding her and the rest was in Gods hands. I didn’t want her, I had three dogs already. Besides, she didn’t want me, she wouldn’t come near me. <br /><br />I knew my family was tiring of me not wanting to go places or do anything that might interfere with feeding Darlin’. I understood what was going on with them; they had to help me too. The questions hurt because it put what I had been doing into perspective. I knew that I was neglecting some of my own responsibilities because of Darlin’. How long was I going to continue with her feeding routine? How long could I keep doing it? I had to drive six miles every night. That’s not very far, but it was inconvenient. I couldn’t abandon her, especially not after three months. I couldn’t skip a feeding, not after establishing a routine. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing that I was capable of feeding her and without me she would be hungry. What if I ever missed a meal, would she wait for me? It was hard enough knowing she was hiding in the cold somewhere. December was an emotional time for me. <br /><br />It was Dec. 13th when we went to see Trans Siberian Orchestra in concert. The concert started about the same time I would be feeding Darlin’. Afterwards we went to dinner. The concert was wonderful, but Darlin’ weighed heavy on my mind because I would be so late getting to her. We took my husband’s car that night therefore I knew I would have to ask him to stop so that I could buy food on the way home. There was more food than we could eat at dinner. I asked everyone to pass their plates and I scraped everything together in a carryout container for Darlin’. We pulled into the parking lot at the grocery store on our way home when I thought I saw something by her tree. As we got closer she lifted her head and I realized it was Darlin’ lying there napping and waiting for me! She waited over three hours! <br /><br />It was raining and the wind blew hard for three days the week of Christmas. I knew Darlin’ wouldn’t come out in the rain, but I left her food anyway by putting a bowl out with a stick on top to keep the rain out. I figured if the rain slowed down she would come to eat. At that point I hadn’t seen her for two nights and I was getting worried. The food was gone, but I couldn’t be sure that Darlin’ was the one who ate it. On Christmas Eve we put her food out early so that I wouldn’t have to leave the house later. My husband bought a large basted bone for her as a Christmas gift and we left that too. She didn’t show up. <br /><br />As we drove home I recalled the year before we were living in Missouri. Our cat Abbey had been bit by something and it tore a large piece of skin off of her that required stitches. Abbey had to go outside, she ran to every door in the house and begged to go out. She loved to lie around on the porch and play with our neighbor’s cat, but they also had one that was mean and attacked her. Going through my photos I found the picture of her wound was taken and emailed to my husband on <em>Dec. 6, 2008</em>. He had transferred and was already working at his new job in Alabama while I stayed in Missouri with the children so they could finish out the first semester at school before we relocated them. <br /><br />I didn’t know until I wrote this post that Abbeys picture and Darlin’ pictures were taken at the same time a year apart. It seems significant to me because there is so much synchronicity in my life when it comes to animals. I will write more on this subject in the future. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDcoEjV5h9ip6F5G6d2irNn8C50ZM9UYqzNIg77u_KSb1Y3dxA98lC7mMR6N6TxPJyOHURI-rO6eXMX1v9VBWiu6rFy9b6WdpeLfbBWbcyS4dimJN1rpfjGehGuZNuLydSTJWRF9YNmI/s1600-h/S5000824.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDcoEjV5h9ip6F5G6d2irNn8C50ZM9UYqzNIg77u_KSb1Y3dxA98lC7mMR6N6TxPJyOHURI-rO6eXMX1v9VBWiu6rFy9b6WdpeLfbBWbcyS4dimJN1rpfjGehGuZNuLydSTJWRF9YNmI/s400/S5000824.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412239936742065330" /></a><br /><br />My husband came home for Christmas in 2007. We were sitting in the living room on Christmas Eve when I spotted something that looked like eyes in our tree. It was Abbey lying in the branches! I pulled her out and noticed her stitches broke open and the wound was infected and oozing. We called an emergency vet and drove Abbey over right away. Two Christmas Eves a year apart we were out at night because of an animal. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQQayKaVJT5G3CbpYuAYboQ_FfHBLkGraBolD3gfOu1GRfd6qOixjJdp9MasBaQqzNdsf6g2sg8dV5gIWF9geKRgGkuzE9DDIsF4Tt-Oo58It1eHhm9x8yJLFyMSXzHmaFPvIRuJhreg/s1600-h/S5000792.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQQayKaVJT5G3CbpYuAYboQ_FfHBLkGraBolD3gfOu1GRfd6qOixjJdp9MasBaQqzNdsf6g2sg8dV5gIWF9geKRgGkuzE9DDIsF4Tt-Oo58It1eHhm9x8yJLFyMSXzHmaFPvIRuJhreg/s400/S5000792.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412240075342910674" /></a><br /><br />We gathered around the tree a little earlier than usual last year. The kids open one gift on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning. Since it was still early and the house was quite I thought about making a second trip to check on Darlin’. The rain and wind had slowed so my thoughts turned to Darlin’ and whether she might show up. I asked my husband if he would mind if I drove over to check the food to see if Darlin’ was around. He said that he would drive me. It was at that moment when he offered to drive me that I didn’t feel bad about asking. When we arrived the bowls were empty, but the Christmas bone was still there. I had to believe that she had eaten and would come back for her bone later.<br /><br />This year Darlin’ will spend Christmas next to me on the couch. Her head will be dry, her belly will be full, and this will be the first of many Christmases to come for her in a real home. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WADX-oQbD0g2cljXd_A1SmQw8oUs2erF-oiTGp1EmprsaQi3ajKtq1RUl8BbQazMbYItSqJKm7Z26TYPjDLvZH0tRrkZSG_CUp28f977xIcWWCoz-AeCdfgF0gVkDGmOL6D31AEcMWk/s1600-h/S5003608.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WADX-oQbD0g2cljXd_A1SmQw8oUs2erF-oiTGp1EmprsaQi3ajKtq1RUl8BbQazMbYItSqJKm7Z26TYPjDLvZH0tRrkZSG_CUp28f977xIcWWCoz-AeCdfgF0gVkDGmOL6D31AEcMWk/s400/S5003608.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412240274207714722" /></a>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-38928206078961397052009-11-18T20:03:00.003-06:002009-11-18T20:06:34.933-06:00Dog Adoption InterviewI've just completed an interview with <a href="http://happytailsbooks.com/advocacy.htm">Happy Tails Books - Lost Souls Found!</a> <br />Please stop by and check it out. You'll learn a little more about me too. <br /><br />While you are there, if you have a rescue or adoption story that you would like to share, Happy Tails accepts stories for publishing! <br /><br />You can buy Happy Tails - Lost Souls Found! breed specific books as well. A significant portion of sales will go to help dogs in need. <br /><br />These books would make a great gift for the dog lover you know or for someone that loves dogs, but seems to have everything else. Books last forever, unlike your computer, and they make great coffee table conversation. Once you read these stories, you'll want to share the joy with your friends! In addition to Happy Tails books, the website posts up-to-date information on dogs and animal advocacy news. <br /><br />I'll be back soon with an update on my Darlin'.Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-72661902010417758502009-11-11T23:45:00.012-06:002009-11-12T10:21:11.126-06:00Dominant dogsIt’s been an interesting couple of weeks. I’m not as nervous as I was about allowing the dogs in the same space. That said, I’m still keeping them separated and rotating, but only until my back is better. My back hurt before the fight when I held Sam back. He is strong and it jerked me holding him, but I’ve had low back pain several times in my life so I thought it would heal up within a week. This time around it kept getting worse. Long story short, it was unbearable so I went to the doctor. I have an MRI scheduled next week because it’s been going on a month. As long as my back hurts I’m not willing to snatch a dog up that’s flying across the room or one dominating another which could provoke another fight. I’ll give you a few examples in this post. <br /><br />She's good with the cats. This is Baby. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGirBpsznRBgIaMLumJWLXF2kmDrxTBV76mTMOdLGs9Es8sth1qqKoSo8OW2ZavlWreF84DUqMdVW45YQds2i3rv7oGggiAeNCt1Kp0UGUp_XA5x32D1oc0qaE3qXWpn7exfI468SquVM/s1600-h/S5003491.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGirBpsznRBgIaMLumJWLXF2kmDrxTBV76mTMOdLGs9Es8sth1qqKoSo8OW2ZavlWreF84DUqMdVW45YQds2i3rv7oGggiAeNCt1Kp0UGUp_XA5x32D1oc0qaE3qXWpn7exfI468SquVM/s400/S5003491.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403089480733025010" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9eV7ks5Sb3rmmh8dmwqVNdPLBZU4TnFgYn1dUmFUCAz_q7yO-Gq_3PdYrDCGnpKTaxneuJoEb5sHKUq3TLHmtIbyqx5y2Wt3O2peQks9CYjUNV6Acema7WOFTa3unAGjajziGsdm9jA/s1600-h/S5003495.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9eV7ks5Sb3rmmh8dmwqVNdPLBZU4TnFgYn1dUmFUCAz_q7yO-Gq_3PdYrDCGnpKTaxneuJoEb5sHKUq3TLHmtIbyqx5y2Wt3O2peQks9CYjUNV6Acema7WOFTa3unAGjajziGsdm9jA/s400/S5003495.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403089726779985698" /></a><br /><br />Bonnie has found her new bed. Darlin’ will continue to sleep in her dog bed over on my side of the room. Bonnie will no longer sleep with us and will continue to sleep in the crate. I never thought I’d see the day where I said that, but we are sleeping better and it’s better for everyone. There were a few nights when she whimpered and whined in the crate, but she’s been a good girl well over a week now. I mentioned in one post about Bonnie jumping out of bed and growling at Sam as he entered the room. Well, wait until you here this! <br /><br />Bonnie had only been sleeping in the crate a week when one night she whined like a puppy and it got to the point I couldn't take it. She had been sleeping well in the crate, but that night changed things. I finally asked my husband to put her in bed with us. She laid down by my legs and went to sleep. <br /><br />At 5:30 am I walked across the house to use the other bathroom because my husband was in our bathroom taking a shower. Too many lights on in there for me half asleep. Darlin' followed me, Sam and Chloe came to me, so I let the three dogs out. I looked and didn't see Bonnie, and Toby won’t get up until I do in the mornings. Darlin’ runs down to pee and comes right back to the door. I go back to bed and notice Bonnie still sleeping. <br /><br />I walked around the foot of the bed to my side when Darlin' enters the room. Bonnie looks up and goes crazy growling and barking! She acts like an aggressive dog that you see on TV. I grabbed her so she wouldn't jump off and start a fight in the dark. Darlin' runs over to the bed and has her front feet on my husbands side! That scared me, thinking she might jump into the bed at any second. I pulled Bonnie up out of the bed and I'm holding her up kicking and screaming at Darlin'! I know it empowers a dog to hold them above another dog, especially a dog like Bonnie. I really had no choice with Darlin’ alert and ready for action. Darlin’ was following me in the room, eyes dead on Bonnie! I'm yelling at Darlin', No! no telling how many times. No matter which direction I turned Darlin' was in front of me stalking and if I allowed her to get too close I felt like she was going to lunge at Bonnie in my hands! I finally threw our comforter off the bed over Darlin' so I could turn on the light! About that time my husband comes running into the room wet and soapy out of the shower. I was so upset trying to catch my breath I couldn't even speak! He put Bonnie back in her crate and I settled down and went back to sleep. Before I dozed off I thought to myself about buying a crate for Darlin'. Bonnie was the instigator by threatening Darlin’ with her barking and growling. If Bonnie hadn't started that then Darlin' would have gone right back to bed! So, we all sleep better with Bonnie in her crate, Darlin’ won’t be needing one.<br /><br />The days following weren’t very easy between the two dogs. They could sleep in the same room and eat together in the kitchen, but the aggression was still there, at least for Bonnie. One night after dinner Bonnie started walking around the kitchen. As soon as I said, “They made eye contact” to my husband, he had to snatch Bonnie up and carry her out of the kitchen. Bonnie would also growl outside of my office door. Darlin’ sometimes whimpers when I close the door which didn’t help. It showed weakness and Bonnie was on the other side showing dominance. <br /><br />One night I was on the couch with Darlin’ beside me. My husband was on the other couch with Bonnie in her dog bed. I watched him stroking Bonnie’s head as her face grew tense staring over at Darlin’. I was thinking (please don’t stroke her) right about the time she turned into a devil and flies off the couch in our direction! I snatched her up and asked my husband to please be more observant, especially when he’s showing affection. Bonnie has been more submissive with me since. She walks in with her tail down, she comes to the towel when I need to dry her from the rain, and she’s listening much better too. When she comes in from outside I tell her to go to her bed and she will immediately. She still likes to take her dog biscuit to her bed so she can threaten whoever walks by, but most times I wait and she knows to eat it if I’m standing there.<br /><br />Now that Bonnie is getting better and more submissive, I have to keep my eye on Darlin’. She pulled a fast one and surprised me a few days ago. I was letting a couple of dogs out back first thing in the morning. Bonnie was already out in the yard, so I thought Darlin’ would stay inside with me. She doesn’t like to go down to the yard without me. Well Darlin’ slipped past me and ran down the stairs! I thought Bonnie would come running and I’d have a darn fight on my hands so I ran inside and grabbed my little cow bell and took off to the yard. It’s a distracter, a noise maker I came up with to distract them if they were to dominate or provoke one another. Darlin’ runs straight across the yard to Bonnie at the fence! My eyes must have been huge as I ran down and started shaking the bell. Bonnie came walking calmly to me with her tail down and Darlin’ is standing out there with her hackles raised looking right down at Bonnie! I picked Bonnie up and praised her for her behavior, told Darlin’ No!, and motioned for her to get back. The rotating continues until I can handle these too without further injuries to each other or my low back. <br /><br />I got my first real kisses from Darlin’ on Nov. 1, 2009! She’s very playful in the mornings and she’s always excited when I get dressed and talk to her. She’ll follow me to the bathroom and sometimes sit next to my feet when I’m on the toilet. That’s when I leaned over to her, she leaned her head up and back and licked my nose! I know, now I’m on the toilet kissing dogs! Later that day I leaned down to kiss her and she licked me again. Then one day last week I was sitting at my desk with her lying at my feet and she licked my foot! I’m getting kisses from my girl now! <br /><br />She will initiate play in the floor with me too! Sometimes she’ll jump up and put her paws on my stomach, then quickly give me a play bow! She is precious and playful, but we still don’t get out enough. <br /><br />Darlin’ is getting use to the noises in the house too. For the first months that she lived upstairs she would hide and tremble at the sound of the vacuum cleaner. Now she’ll run back and forth in the room and watch me. She used to hide and tremble when I used my blow dryer. Now she’ll go to her bed and lie there calmly as soon as she sees me pull it out from my cabinet. She’s still uncomfortable hearing my sons music or TV, but I think her anxiety comes from the fact that she isn’t comfortable around my family yet. I can drop a spoon and she moves but doesn’t run. <br /><br />She’s still guarding and territorial. Tonight she growled and barked at my husband as he offered all of the dog’s treats. She ran from one side of the room to the other, but her tail was down low the entire time. She's insecure. He kept calling her to him as he passed out treats on his knees in the kitchen. She finally went to him to get one! She loves her dog biscuits. She barks when my daughter walks in my office, then quickly hides under my desk and gets quiet. Sometimes I shake a pill bottle. I have been shaking a vitamin bottle to teach her to hush, but I was advised not to by a trainer on my Facebook. She said it will make her issue worse. Well, it works where nothing else has. It basically gets her attention so that she will hear me tell her No, or Go. The trainer also said that a fearful stray equals an emotional leader. She was fearful when I got her and she has made phenomenal progress in 8 months. Oh my goodness, eight months today! She may not be comfortable with my family, but she loves her Mommy which is more than I could have hoped for. <br /><br />I just noticed, look at her tail and how high she's carrying it walking past Sam. That's dominance!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-1r5LhE26uC4MZV_JSs9gOGv5I90cyCMfPkW4TK2Avawxs6bIci5WVz44Si3DazaZU4Nqich6_RTAEBr3iZM2GnNgBQyjcjzWw8JUCvrVTv6iDkwfstnfQs6VHkC41rfz0peII-d5xc/s1600-h/DSCN0681.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-1r5LhE26uC4MZV_JSs9gOGv5I90cyCMfPkW4TK2Avawxs6bIci5WVz44Si3DazaZU4Nqich6_RTAEBr3iZM2GnNgBQyjcjzWw8JUCvrVTv6iDkwfstnfQs6VHkC41rfz0peII-d5xc/s400/DSCN0681.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403090867174402466" /></a><br /><br />I need to get Darlin’ out of the house more so she won’t be afraid of the leash and go stiff on me. She also needs more exercise because she doesn’t run around the yard much. She’s gaining weight. Her belly fat from having puppies is starting to fill out. Because we have a big yard and dog activities, like Frisbee for Bonnie, we don’t walk them that much. My husband will take them each out for walks over the weekend. This way he gets exercise in and manages the dogs better. He’s thinking about starting to run again so that will be nice for them. I want him to take Darlin’ too. I know the first few times she will freeze like she does with me. But it’s a good way for him to spend time with her and for her to see that he’s a good guy. <br /><br />See her tummy in this one.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfC1HPAWlSH_pX53EoCIFe1PNZrcANRquOeNQoUvc2_zz-kgTDZKme9mn0aULj-Ndhk9xPlAlqAqpDaw5lxD5K1_Sy58P8xmcdkUmAu9_2wconc1soBIXtXBJFXzp0y5vSqVDFJG7veJE/s1600-h/S5003506.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfC1HPAWlSH_pX53EoCIFe1PNZrcANRquOeNQoUvc2_zz-kgTDZKme9mn0aULj-Ndhk9xPlAlqAqpDaw5lxD5K1_Sy58P8xmcdkUmAu9_2wconc1soBIXtXBJFXzp0y5vSqVDFJG7veJE/s400/S5003506.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403090037343276978" /></a><br /><br />This past week my husband has been fixing the dogs food and taken it to Darlin’ the few times I kept the dogs separated at meal time. So she is learning his scent and to associate it with her resources as well. He’s also learned my routine and how I feed the dogs. I have my quirks and certain dogs get their bowl down first. They also have to sit quiet and calm before it goes down. They eat canned dog food with chicken broth and a little meat on top. Yes, my doing. I started cooking for Darlin’ and never quite stopped. I don’t mind boiling chicken once a week. My sister asked one night what I was cooking for dinner. I told her if my husband didn’t mind boiled chicken thighs that we would be in good shape! <br /><br />My husband has been watching me more and how I interact with the dogs. I showed him that he could treat the dogs when they come inside by pointing to the floor. They don’t have to be told to sit every time you give them a treat. Most of the time they sit anyway if there is any hesitation on my part whatsoever. Sam and Chloe walk in and sit automatically. And they certainly don’t need to be praised every time they take a treat from your hand. All of the dogs do this including Darlin’. <br /><br />I need to put Darlin’ in the car and ride around the block. I’d love to take her to my Vet in January for her heartworm test follow-up. If I did those things then I would have tons of work cut out for me in just a couple of months if I expect Darlin’ to be comfortable in those situations. I know she’ll be tense and fearful which is mostly why I haven’t hurried introducing her to new things. <br /><br />Here Sam was on the ground, Darlin' had been sniffing him. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLkDpVcdxuiOFUQdhqZ6ZZH25qjDXKZm4CBkGSfNmcBegxbmLtYTMM9kIDJLGTHsrb0hGJtJIcUrkkZAsgpClcAfgEn60OsolQyGVShIgNQuoS5APmma228C4yyscOtpW4hkDElRbw1g/s1600-h/DSCN0676.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLkDpVcdxuiOFUQdhqZ6ZZH25qjDXKZm4CBkGSfNmcBegxbmLtYTMM9kIDJLGTHsrb0hGJtJIcUrkkZAsgpClcAfgEn60OsolQyGVShIgNQuoS5APmma228C4yyscOtpW4hkDElRbw1g/s400/DSCN0676.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403091234300233698" /></a><br /><br />It’s not easy living with five dogs. They do take a lot of time out of my day and sometimes they take a lot out of me. I really love my dogs. The trainer also asked me why I rescued Darlin’, what was I needing to rescue in myself? I’m still pondering that one. I’m so glad that Darlin’ is here with us and not out in the cold tonight. I know she has helped me be a more patient person and that lesson is ongoing. I know that Darlin’ has helped me learn about and understand the canine world a little better. I have to keep my eye on them, but I learn so much in doing so. The trainer also said that everyone wants to be like Cesar and walk a pack of dogs. Nah, I’ll decline on that one, I don’t like dog hair and vacuuming that much. I never wanted five dogs, but I had to get Darlin’ off the street, for her safety and my sanity. I hear the phrase “It is what it is” isn’t favored by many people. It is what it is, I have five dogs that I’m committed to until they cross the bridge someday. Right now I just want to outlive them all because they are my responsibility and I want to keep it that way. The only thing I want to change right now is for Darlin’ to trust my family and for her and Bonnie to go back to how they behaved before their fight. Sometimes it’s hard to balance everything and maintain structure and routine. While separating the dogs has become part of my routine, it hasn’t been challenging. The rest has been easy. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXq8foswSlOSze19nycKLOe_vP5WKRztDKpsj22s99HgLFs4jTeSQQa_BbOmob5o3Cf_SqkTwa5R9MuzhpSfa1ezwVRNijCq8_ZKDxG5mNqt5KR3edUviV-7CV-seywj064eh5H-ZpdQ/s1600-h/DSCN0669.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXq8foswSlOSze19nycKLOe_vP5WKRztDKpsj22s99HgLFs4jTeSQQa_BbOmob5o3Cf_SqkTwa5R9MuzhpSfa1ezwVRNijCq8_ZKDxG5mNqt5KR3edUviV-7CV-seywj064eh5H-ZpdQ/s400/DSCN0669.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403090537741503794" /></a>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-36313013001702840542009-10-27T16:48:00.011-05:002009-10-27T17:18:23.516-05:00Time heals woundsI’m still watching Bonnie closely after the fight. Darlin’ is feeling her cheerios, but Darlin’ is also still learning to live with dogs. Bonnie was a little hellion over the last week, but I think the negative energy may be subsiding. <br /><br />Bonnie was growling and barking as though she was about to go into full attack mode when she saw Darlin’. Saturday night we had Bonnie on a leash downstairs on the couch before I came down with Darlin’ following behind me. Bonnie had to be removed from the room a few minutes until we all took our seats. She went nuts after she saw Darlin’. <br /><br />The last bloody towel to be washed. This was outside, I had two others that were a lot worse. I took Bonnie to the vet and when I came home the paw prints were still wet on the floors - there was that much blood. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlSK7DoLsyWl4X6jBKWZdBjcuD2SpHZFaOFpwULLjkzqm9J1CXbZ8nNouePR1oM2-_MuHHrkx1L5seD0GM1ydB_kvjYKOO9bvmTpgm9kB87RDszeQ3hnLYqlGAWDNgs8GALv2tUOGjL0/s1600-h/S5003448.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlSK7DoLsyWl4X6jBKWZdBjcuD2SpHZFaOFpwULLjkzqm9J1CXbZ8nNouePR1oM2-_MuHHrkx1L5seD0GM1ydB_kvjYKOO9bvmTpgm9kB87RDszeQ3hnLYqlGAWDNgs8GALv2tUOGjL0/s400/S5003448.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397401502066515698" /></a><br /><br />A couple of nights ago Bonnie scratched at her kennel at 4 am, so we tried putting her in bed with us. A short time after she jumped out of our bed growling and ran after Sam, who just happened to be walking out of our room. He looked back as though she had lost her mind. I don’t think she knew it was Sam, I think she thought it was Darlin’. She loves Sam. We put her back in her carrier and she went back to sleep.<br /><br />Yesterday morning my husband let Bonnie out with Sam. The other dogs won’t budge until I get up. Instead of putting Bonnie back in bed with me, he closed the door and left her in the living room. I put her in bed with me after hearing her scratch at the bedroom door and she slept fine. He put her in bed this morning and again she was fine. She was actually on the floor with Darlin’ for a few seconds before I snatched her up to carry her as I let Darlin’ and the other dogs outside. I didn’t want to start my day with dogs turning on each other before they ever left my room. <br /><br />As of last night, the energy is only slightly better. I’m aware that Bonnie would walk up to Darlin’ holding her head high and might growl or provoke a fight. Based on what I saw Darlin’ do, I’m still on alert. Bonnie is on “Nothing in Life is Free” (they all are) she is sleeping in a crate, and we are still rotating. She knows Mom means business, her tail is down when I talk to her, and she won’t hesitate sitting for any treat. There were times I would take her a dog biscuit, but not now. <br /><br />They have spent time in the same room resting, but neither has walked around together or brushed against the other. I have to prevent a fight at all costs. Five dogs is more than I can handle alone if a fight were to start. It’s raining today. Once the weather clears this week, one afternoon after my husband comes home, I think we will reintroduce them in the back yard together without the other dogs. <br /><br />Last night Darlin’ and Toby started to play in my bedroom floor. Chloe (the rambunctious one) came running and barking. It’s just her way. Darlin’ raised her hackles and chased Chloe out growling at her. I saw it and quickly corrected Darlin’ telling her “no” and “sit”. Chloe is not a fighter, but she is expressive. Nevertheless, I’m still learning about Darlin’. <br /><br />One afternoon before the fight all of the dogs went running and barking towards the back fence. This is the picture I took of Darlin’ as I called her to distract her. For a dog to raise his hackles gives me concern, although it doesn’t always suggest that a dog is going to act out in aggression. I’d rather not find out and distract her.<br /><br />These were taken seconds apart. Click on photo to enlarge. Hit your back button to return to this blog. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lwaPBqE37lqaDKq95rGO-lKJgLtkgj-MpQNzokLd82cptf26km_xoWNR8fq6WmLnRJ6eBx7tASpnpQEcKbnC_P6IxnNz4xVYucL_rolDf5JI8EbJLth1tWLTv4Mn69F4NmZId6nSC2I/s1600-h/DSCN0397.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lwaPBqE37lqaDKq95rGO-lKJgLtkgj-MpQNzokLd82cptf26km_xoWNR8fq6WmLnRJ6eBx7tASpnpQEcKbnC_P6IxnNz4xVYucL_rolDf5JI8EbJLth1tWLTv4Mn69F4NmZId6nSC2I/s400/DSCN0397.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397402332064515474" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAEQCwlw9UkChSn9OrNpo2u_hYzhexHQFDqwbMeTUqMrlLVM2dfz8XX5VdyZHLwySI4W-HtMDaToTSiK89VoCL4NvHpbzIifYSTY1pw_Vd8Q3TzsUVzyGHKuqGBdeyMA90-r-9PGTqVQ/s1600-h/DSCN0398.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAEQCwlw9UkChSn9OrNpo2u_hYzhexHQFDqwbMeTUqMrlLVM2dfz8XX5VdyZHLwySI4W-HtMDaToTSiK89VoCL4NvHpbzIifYSTY1pw_Vd8Q3TzsUVzyGHKuqGBdeyMA90-r-9PGTqVQ/s400/DSCN0398.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397402490574587938" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUS2vB_ephbQteBNfmGts2W6VmiOY2v2G2YfUPJ0J9yiSUDxvHbU24Z8rfLAAS0UnvWoRhCD9Td9mpsQD72CaoCDOc3xHAYmQt6xtb6mQv52J17ToZfspOhhXQXp8JLii9kABIooe6jyU/s1600-h/DSCN0399.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUS2vB_ephbQteBNfmGts2W6VmiOY2v2G2YfUPJ0J9yiSUDxvHbU24Z8rfLAAS0UnvWoRhCD9Td9mpsQD72CaoCDOc3xHAYmQt6xtb6mQv52J17ToZfspOhhXQXp8JLii9kABIooe6jyU/s400/DSCN0399.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397402709714846386" /></a><br /><br />Because of Bonne’s aggressive behavior this weekend, we did not walk them together. Darlin’ is so fearful that it probably wouldn’t have helped anyway. Getting her to walk on a leash is a lesson in patience itself. My husband walked Toby in front of us. In order to keep Darlin’ moving I had to walk fast which meant my husband had to drop behind me. Darlin’ still doesn’t care for my husband so she was more distracted looking back. Something I have noted on our walks. She must have found shelter in street drains because if she sees a drain she pulls as though she would climb in. She doesn’t realize that she wouldn’t fit, but I’m sure she did when she was skinny.<br /><br />We only walked up the street a couple of blocks. As I tried turning a corner she sat down and wouldn’t budge. A guy stepped outside on his porch and she did not bark, yet she has barked at my family at the same distance. A woman was pushing a baby stroller and commented that Darlin’ was pretty. I told her she was a fearful stray. Darlin’ just sat there stiff and didn’t bark at that woman. So her barking at my family in the house and yard is definitely a territorial issue.<br /><br />Last night. My husband was sitting on the other sofa. She finally relaxed, as close as she could get to me. This is common behavior for her. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3U9BcMuxplO8DHrryYswMANc1Fhzgbb99-uTCrqIpq7RQ8JmV31i-MJPmoNRgG67efxz9vdNfTpMjFyQjvoPHoOqL-KWIGKuRaI6sl7sJ6ELBQYQPz4jExG64k6mzBfPE6XTvYTJm7c/s1600-h/S5003452.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3U9BcMuxplO8DHrryYswMANc1Fhzgbb99-uTCrqIpq7RQ8JmV31i-MJPmoNRgG67efxz9vdNfTpMjFyQjvoPHoOqL-KWIGKuRaI6sl7sJ6ELBQYQPz4jExG64k6mzBfPE6XTvYTJm7c/s400/S5003452.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397403115847492498" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J_NcQM4mWFW2JtY-6ML-5BJuu6j1I1D98yNFyRnL6reSAgSBpR-PdyV702FoJ17ICTJWVSEDMS2OD2MQD_I-RBvt-l5QqmMlj_qsAVRsFGeSJyCsc0eN6QXwCZZJ6qi-vE9w_DNuW0M/s1600-h/S5003482.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J_NcQM4mWFW2JtY-6ML-5BJuu6j1I1D98yNFyRnL6reSAgSBpR-PdyV702FoJ17ICTJWVSEDMS2OD2MQD_I-RBvt-l5QqmMlj_qsAVRsFGeSJyCsc0eN6QXwCZZJ6qi-vE9w_DNuW0M/s400/S5003482.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397403333215989378" /></a><br /><br />Hopefully I will see this again soon. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4Wbc8Sl6KBh9h9sw6nTgfdgwYJVygUuWfjH41ZyLeqWAPE0z9tl2aobhVWbkytQN4GZWUFUyFiWF2zKXnmmDtWTx66vZs4Zlk5e9iWmGemn3zO1v0MRXSk0nELKcVVTRJkLA5Sv-erU/s1600-h/S5003022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4Wbc8Sl6KBh9h9sw6nTgfdgwYJVygUuWfjH41ZyLeqWAPE0z9tl2aobhVWbkytQN4GZWUFUyFiWF2zKXnmmDtWTx66vZs4Zlk5e9iWmGemn3zO1v0MRXSk0nELKcVVTRJkLA5Sv-erU/s400/S5003022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397403969246456418" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD6TgkSq1_ky3r6iZA1TXKj3A3ekhD1dneqZZClBS-v7iwGijNohdlhsK790BnEUV0NzupWb4hi3OSktNwuM6c-fsiz6gq6caYU3Oy5ENj1PaNVGtpKZwIzlW80UftDQtfLsFvrOEKso/s1600-h/S5002904.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD6TgkSq1_ky3r6iZA1TXKj3A3ekhD1dneqZZClBS-v7iwGijNohdlhsK790BnEUV0NzupWb4hi3OSktNwuM6c-fsiz6gq6caYU3Oy5ENj1PaNVGtpKZwIzlW80UftDQtfLsFvrOEKso/s400/S5002904.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397404557854069778" /></a>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-64203933598951778932009-10-24T12:20:00.012-05:002009-10-24T12:48:54.425-05:00Still adjusting after the dog fightIt’s been five days and we haven’t full recovered. We’ve had to keep the dogs separated to avoid further conflict. It took Bonnie six months to forget about a ball I took from her, no telling how long it will take to forget about the fight with Darlin’. Bonnie has never been in a true dog fight, she usually shows her dominance and the other dogs give in, allowing her the role of alpha female here. She will try and mount Chloe (Eskie) and Chloe won’t tolerate it, but the reactions between the two dogs are enough to make you laugh. Toby sometimes pulls her ears or cheek during rough play. In the seven months Toby’s been here, I only know of two times that Bonnie had enough and Toby ran under the bed after she corrected him. It’s over as fast as it starts. <br /><br />Tuesday and Wednesday of this past week Darlin sure showed more confidence. So much so that I had to correct her several times as she rushes, nipped, or buffed up to the dogs. The dogs were coming in the house, always in a hurry, when Darlin’ sort of bumped Sam, our blue heeler, in the side and put her head over his neck. That is not appropriate behavior, but thankfully Sam just looked up at me and I praised him for his calm behavior. Darlin’ has calmed down since.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC4WvaNABEaeEkUy_9fkhsKbTVBhHAJf7e8Tmu-TzkVj6hRkZFKIqHFFp9sCffcOouy-Mtyckeb6_NaouFVXnAYI62qAn3zz9mPfVp3HOP5zSlEYFfsfXRe9Jrh2O_36RcPJ_JKIG0_w/s1600-h/S5003400.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC4WvaNABEaeEkUy_9fkhsKbTVBhHAJf7e8Tmu-TzkVj6hRkZFKIqHFFp9sCffcOouy-Mtyckeb6_NaouFVXnAYI62qAn3zz9mPfVp3HOP5zSlEYFfsfXRe9Jrh2O_36RcPJ_JKIG0_w/s400/S5003400.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396217945085968658" /></a><br /><br />Bonnie has been the most difficult. Given half a chance she would provoke a fight with Darlin’. We have rotated the dogs all week, neither being allowed in the same room unless someone other than myself is in the room next to Bonnie. In addition the dogs must me in a calm state of mind, relaxing in their beds or Darlin’ on the couch and Bonnie on the other couch.<br /><br />One day I was alone when Bonnie wanted in the house. Darlin’ was in her bed napping. I opened the back door for Bonnie and guided her in to her bed with an umbrella. I don’t have a tennis racket, but I may find one! Bonnie is fast and I feel sure if she growls at Darlin’, based on Darlin’ reaction the other day, Darlin may jump to the occasion and I’ll have another fight on my hands. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT2T_PJKGypZNksqi41H_YVAjkx1NxzBMgJ05ZET8cmeIIcnxS0dzR7DKRFlEh1huUa7PC5Hlj82uTvNCzwDq03a6qZqwTsm66CNe9eOUGmwfKA0tI4InV6gGfIbLFvbGGfAxbB7JMR0/s1600-h/S5003411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT2T_PJKGypZNksqi41H_YVAjkx1NxzBMgJ05ZET8cmeIIcnxS0dzR7DKRFlEh1huUa7PC5Hlj82uTvNCzwDq03a6qZqwTsm66CNe9eOUGmwfKA0tI4InV6gGfIbLFvbGGfAxbB7JMR0/s400/S5003411.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396218202180990466" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SfjDB8EyyopjIC1fJ4I_7uGrVYlA465b4ylOyRzIrLLVCdtuzwAHmU4fhIVUiq-j3WNV6tXLgy8EaZViKhOrDK-ZC3K6oBA0y6oYuzlw5RHCXd7i_U2Mhd-WjqjHeOCV4_C691XSQAM/s1600-h/S5003410.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SfjDB8EyyopjIC1fJ4I_7uGrVYlA465b4ylOyRzIrLLVCdtuzwAHmU4fhIVUiq-j3WNV6tXLgy8EaZViKhOrDK-ZC3K6oBA0y6oYuzlw5RHCXd7i_U2Mhd-WjqjHeOCV4_C691XSQAM/s400/S5003410.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396218402242839538" /></a><br /><br />The energy changed in the house and Darlin recognized it. I could see it in her face and I was concerned we had a set back this week, but today she seems better. Darlin’ no longer had the freedom to roam the house. I was shutting her in my room when I went to the store and I’ve closed my office door. She has not been shut away so I know she sensed the difference. Wednesday night I took a picture of her on the couch and she had a lot of tension in her face. It hurt me to see her like that. She was also breathing very rapidly the other night which I haven’t seen her do in months. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAXva0EJ4g1CcFeBDC9nsAlFM8_JZG4Lw7AENAjC5-4_4xKXTOKpo-p34EfnyvUPbnKFG9CtT8RK-T2EAnyQxfbHPhZpiaWFOCEwooRDwYtwrtVgwIZ4Ab2m5COmi56sgwNVZkUwg5tk/s1600-h/S5003425.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAXva0EJ4g1CcFeBDC9nsAlFM8_JZG4Lw7AENAjC5-4_4xKXTOKpo-p34EfnyvUPbnKFG9CtT8RK-T2EAnyQxfbHPhZpiaWFOCEwooRDwYtwrtVgwIZ4Ab2m5COmi56sgwNVZkUwg5tk/s400/S5003425.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396219362157605218" /></a><br /><br />I have fed them separately because I was afraid of a fight in the kitchen. Not because of food aggression but because the opportunity was there. Last night I allowed them to eat in the kitchen together. Bonnie started walking around so I kept a sharp eye on her. Then she made eye contact with Darlin’ and my husband had to carry her out because she had turned into a viscous little devil. <br /><br />You can see the holes on the inside of her leg if you click on this image. Click your back button to return to this blog. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmTmjIfYapJfMnw9ZEqyDFrs9_XBYt04ArCYJ1FeMUdZ95S8sIJSTyrzw-kwmh3YntPMculxGQRkCcejA7ZG5TeZ42Tv-LDCUbf4a49O8rohChyphenhyphenMeU46anawjnH7VRJtsb1_CDAjnwhc/s1600-h/S5003418.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmTmjIfYapJfMnw9ZEqyDFrs9_XBYt04ArCYJ1FeMUdZ95S8sIJSTyrzw-kwmh3YntPMculxGQRkCcejA7ZG5TeZ42Tv-LDCUbf4a49O8rohChyphenhyphenMeU46anawjnH7VRJtsb1_CDAjnwhc/s400/S5003418.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396218701785003330" /></a><br /><br />We’ve changed the way we sleep. Bonnie has been crated for the first time in her life. We’ve had Bonnie almost three years. My kids don’t think it’s right, but it’s Bonnie that I’m concerned about wanting to challenge Darlin’, not the other way around. Monday night she slept in our bed and the dog bed when I woke to the sound of Darlin’ whimpering at Bonnie and Bonnie was growling. It passed and we went back to sleep. Tuesday night I heard Darlin whimper again and Bonnie was in the bed growling and barking. It took a minute to settle her down, but everyone went back to sleep. Wednesday night changed the way we sleep. I have been nervous, not resting well because I know if Bonnie jumps off the bed provoking a fight in the dark I might not be able to stop it. <br /><br />Wednesday night at 1:30 am Bonnie woke, growled, barked, and I caught her in the air before her feet hit the floor over on Darlin’s side of the bed. I swung her back over to the center of the bed, holding her down, when I looked back and Darlin’ was on her hind legs, one foot up, and the other on my bed. We put Bonnie out and closed the door. She has never been locked out of our room at night. Once we had enough of her barking we put her in bed and she calmed down. That’s when I decided to clean up a large portable dog carrier and bring it indoors. Bonnie protested about 15 minutes, some of her sounds made me want to laugh because it was more mumbling and grumbling than anything. I knew if I ignored her she would go to sleep and she did.<br /><br />Last night we crated Bonnie again. As Darlin’ walked in the room to go to her bed, Bonnie saw her and went crazy in that crate like an attack dog. I covered the crate, although it’s mostly plastic, and she settled down right away. We slept well. We will continue to crate her until I feel secure that she won’t threaten Darlin’. <br /><br />We have a downstairs den so my husband will take Bonnie down with him in the evenings and I’m able to sit on the couch upstairs with Darlin’. This is our usual routine anyway; the only difference is that Bonnie hasn’t been able to leave a room without supervision.<br /><br />Going back up through the downstairs door as Bonnie goes outside from the upstairs door.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yRjWUXAhCPcv6vexO66vEeuSAM2BvO-s2uGUd7TRzmNT79ShGEUg6bgR9DdOtc1QD7GxHau-ZYetehc7XzR-IZewhr7PR5hssSeSI4ilMq2aFaoVqcqnBkowNtknmu2kCdL9in0_WNk/s1600-h/DSCN0599.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yRjWUXAhCPcv6vexO66vEeuSAM2BvO-s2uGUd7TRzmNT79ShGEUg6bgR9DdOtc1QD7GxHau-ZYetehc7XzR-IZewhr7PR5hssSeSI4ilMq2aFaoVqcqnBkowNtknmu2kCdL9in0_WNk/s400/DSCN0599.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396221841636318610" /></a><br /><br />The dogs are not allowed in the yard at the same time so we are rotating Darlin’ and Bonnie when Darlin’ goes out. Bonnie loves the outdoors so she’s happy to stay out longer. Darlin’ has to be with me or she sits at the back door.<br /><br />This incident has been upsetting for me. It’s raised my level of anxiety and fear, although it’s getting a little better. Emotionally I find it upsetting that I can’t let Darlin’ out with all of the dogs, nor can I trust Bonnie not to provoke Darlin’. I was just at the point where I wanted to leave the back door open more frequently and allow Darlin’ the chance to see that the yard isn’t a bad thing without me. That she would be able to come and go and not have any fear that she couldn’t get back inside. Now when I leave the house I have to put Darlin’ in my room and I’m not sure that I will be comfortable leaving them together for a long time to come. <br /><br />Bonnie is recovering from her injuries. You wouldn’t know that she was in a fight and had us all worried. She’s been herself every since she woke from the sedative, but her temperament is that of a dog aggressive female Jack Russell right now. When she enters the house her tail is down and she shows submission with me, but I’m sure if Darlin’ were nearby she would go into attack mode.<br /><br />I’d like to give Bonnie the benefit of the doubt and think that her reactions to Darlin’ may be fear based right now. She has shown some signs of discomfort by licking her lips when Darlin’ is on the couch and she’s over on the other couch in her bed. That said, she’s showing dominance and aggression by barking, growling, and trying to lunge off the bed. Perhaps there is a little of both. <br /><br />Staring at my neighbors while they were outside singing again yesterday. That woman is nothing but obnoxious. They cause Darlin' anxiety. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXOdfP2U4yTaJUtVXddD1mC24zg43t4nCfcDsKXqY3zyFIkJRd5d3pE-3WXBDnjJI2nqpdqInGZuoF4FV9sGrJo0EdEnmK7WDIcLNPf2ONLy8fTgFcXLW1tiNlCbbcnr0_iqYqzZS_VU/s1600-h/DSCN0590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXOdfP2U4yTaJUtVXddD1mC24zg43t4nCfcDsKXqY3zyFIkJRd5d3pE-3WXBDnjJI2nqpdqInGZuoF4FV9sGrJo0EdEnmK7WDIcLNPf2ONLy8fTgFcXLW1tiNlCbbcnr0_iqYqzZS_VU/s400/DSCN0590.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396221004160155586" /></a><br /><br />Last night. Toby is always by her side.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHts6YWmG6nbbCt-CJVrNgrJLJWmQghRO7dz8qRqu1enl_5uEzL0092YtULoZE70YOYMP6a6UXZLpavE0O4_ULuPDSLjsZXN6YRZ7uwez1Zb4AnrnYZN_a0_DKWA4gji2PMVcakc9s3so/s1600-h/DSCN0606.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHts6YWmG6nbbCt-CJVrNgrJLJWmQghRO7dz8qRqu1enl_5uEzL0092YtULoZE70YOYMP6a6UXZLpavE0O4_ULuPDSLjsZXN6YRZ7uwez1Zb4AnrnYZN_a0_DKWA4gji2PMVcakc9s3so/s400/DSCN0606.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396223038687487858" /></a><br /><br />This morning. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CXEzSGZbYCxTmyQoWS1zxbFtfVkPgEBpEl7ab5hvW5YJ5EIhIia6QYvRwrJZdXrN-xY20zk1l14WksqN4u0ONj9Q1V52ltmp7KkTdvYe0JUzozpHO-fO5vYehjIEjvRHFlry29GGVgY/s1600-h/DSCN0639.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CXEzSGZbYCxTmyQoWS1zxbFtfVkPgEBpEl7ab5hvW5YJ5EIhIia6QYvRwrJZdXrN-xY20zk1l14WksqN4u0ONj9Q1V52ltmp7KkTdvYe0JUzozpHO-fO5vYehjIEjvRHFlry29GGVgY/s400/DSCN0639.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396223525767732770" /></a><br /><br />Bonnie on the other couch with a little tension in her face. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE-J3rO9w0Cn2UapP1URDXIJVMvzyRrV-XNyd5kiLHRSVRI2UE2gkwMw31jS65xir-l6YGBL3eaaHaBnB-W2aDpCD8J2txJrHBNufjZuDgkTshlqxLh3bL00mWOCfC6rd1dD-pH9vsI8/s1600-h/DSCN0660.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE-J3rO9w0Cn2UapP1URDXIJVMvzyRrV-XNyd5kiLHRSVRI2UE2gkwMw31jS65xir-l6YGBL3eaaHaBnB-W2aDpCD8J2txJrHBNufjZuDgkTshlqxLh3bL00mWOCfC6rd1dD-pH9vsI8/s400/DSCN0660.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396223680040419570" /></a>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-25324601414302906832009-10-20T16:18:00.005-05:002009-10-20T16:47:35.209-05:00We’ve had a dog fight!And I’m finding it hard to relax today.<br /><br />A couple of days ago, Laurie, from <a href="http://lifewiththreedogs.blogspot.com/">Three dog blog</a> left some comments and asked if I had concerns about Darlin’ biting. No, I do not have concerns about her biting my family, myself, or other people. I do keep a watchful eye on her with the dogs because she has shown some instability – whining, whimpering, and head and chest held high. Whenever she did that I would correct her to snap her out of it because I didn’t want any of the dogs to feel they had to defend themselves from an unstable dog. <br /><br />That said, I don’t think anyone could have five dogs and never have a dog fight of some sort. We’ve have had them here, but they didn’t last a minute where the dogs work it out amongst themselves. Animal behaviorists probably wouldn’t consider what has happened fighting, but more one dog correcting another. <br /><br />I have learned to watch the way they communicate and avoid situations that might trigger aggression or dominance between the dogs. For instance, Bonnie, my Jack Russell, is a dominant female. She used to take her chew to bed and guard it. If Sam, our blue heeler, walked in the room late at night she would growl and jump off the bed letting him know to stay away. He could care less and she usually jumped back in the bed as fast as she jumped out. This sort of behavior leads to fights so I stopped giving them chews that they couldn’t finish or took the chews away before we went to bed. In fact, no one in my home is allowed to give the dogs chew or treats that are not eaten immediately. This way I have more control over any guarding or aggressive behavior that one of the dogs might exhibit. Dinnertime is not a problem, everyone eats in the kitchen, and sometimes one dog will eat what another walks away from. Sometimes they rotate bowls eating a little out of each others bowl. I haven’t had food aggression issues with any of the dogs eating dinner or when giving treats. <br /><br />Yesterday afternoon I went out back with the dogs just like I do everyday. Darlin’ will not go downstairs without me, although sometimes now early in the morning she will go pee and quickly run back up. If I want her to spend time in the yard then I have to be there. If my neighbor is outside cutting the grass or if she hears unfamiliar noises in the neighborhood she is hesitant to go down even though I escort her.<br /><br />You should know about my neighbors.<br /><br />We thought it was strange that when we moved into our home that our neighbor on one side didn’t speak to us. They didn’t wave or welcome us to the neighborhood, nor did they seem friendly. Maybe you have neighbors like this, but I have not. We have lived here two summers now. Our dogs are playful outside and only bark for a minute or two when they hear something unfamiliar. Sometimes they bark and they chase each other around the back yard, but it’s not often, maybe once a week. Usually they will go off when the black Lab two houses up is out barking, but there are dogs that bark in the night and my dogs don’t make a sound. When we’re outside, they walk the yard, go to the bathroom, and a couple will lie at my feet while one paws at the water in the pool. I promise you most times you wouldn’t know I have five dogs. Besides that, they are house dogs so they don’t spend that much time outside. <br /><br />They have barked when my neighbor is on the other side of the fence. They have a detached garage where he keeps his ladders (he’s a painter) and sometimes he’s banging around and a couple of the dogs will run the fence and bark at the noise coming from the other side. What does my neighbor do? He hits my fence and yells, “Shut up!” What do they do when he hits the fence? They bark more and run the fence line. It’s a privacy fence, they don’t know what’s on the other side. <br /><br />The steps to our decks face each other so if he’s walking down his deck and my dogs are on my deck, it appears that the neighbor is walking towards the dog. The dogs will bark, but only for a minute, probably just seconds. What does he do? He yells, “Shut up!” Although I was outside with my kids a few days ago so instead of saying “shut up” he said, “hush.” He has issues with dogs, I have issues living near him. I’ll be glad when we move into a home with a little more distance between the houses or to a home where we are not sharing one side of our fence with a neighbor. If my next neighbor likes dog, even better.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_hSM_qc2Vg9UEv9jjuF8DDpVJoAZtAWNvNP02nmO7UYQSB8rJ-Nrv0MAVMWIRTMOmb-qIQfMfrOxRv5GBFknkfTtlGpQug_kN_J1-2gsqdPTs3igIKFBqphmGe2JPSyxK2HQ-Ofrx00/s1600-h/DSCN0495+(600+x+450).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_hSM_qc2Vg9UEv9jjuF8DDpVJoAZtAWNvNP02nmO7UYQSB8rJ-Nrv0MAVMWIRTMOmb-qIQfMfrOxRv5GBFknkfTtlGpQug_kN_J1-2gsqdPTs3igIKFBqphmGe2JPSyxK2HQ-Ofrx00/s400/DSCN0495+(600+x+450).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394801264221495730" /></a><br /><br />This summer a woman started showing up and spending time with their son. The son is 28 years old and has the appearance of down syndrome. He doesn’t work, he is home all day, but I see him outside, or checking the mail. I found out his age when my neighbors were outside and I offered them two large bags of clothes that my son outgrew. The woman was nice as I helped drag the bags to their garage, but her husband gave me a weird look. That was this past Spring.<br /><br />So now they have a woman in her early 40’s that spends most days at their house. If it’s not raining she and their son will sit out on the back deck all day laughing and singing, sometimes hollering. She wears headphones and sings loud, but because of the headphones she can’t hear herself. Let’s get one thing clear. She cannot sing, not at all, not in no way shape or form. <br /><br />One night I was standing out back with my dogs waiting for everyone to go potty and they were out there at 10 o’clock at night. The dogs and I were quiet until I called them to go back upstairs. As I was walking up the steps and the dogs were racing to the door, I heard, “We’ll be back tomorrow night.” That’s when I realized she was a trouble maker. <br /><br />Most days my dogs don’t react to what’s going on because they are used to it now. However Darlin’ becomes fearful and shows some anxiety when they are noisy. She will usually sit by my chair or sit in the yard looking over in their direction. She has to go down because they are out almost everyday when the sun shines. <br /><br />So what about the dog fight?<br /><br />Yesterday I went down with the dogs and sat in a lawn chair while that woman was out hollering. She was laughing obnoxiously throwing soda boxes off the deck. I realized later that she was trying to make the city trash can sitting near their garage. Three of my dogs were roaming the yard, Bonnie (my JRT had a rock), and Darlin’ was frozen stiff next to me on the porch watching the neighbors and breathing hard. <br /><br />I walked over to Bonnie and took her rock because once she’s had it a few minutes she’ll bark at it. Rocks are a new obsession for Bonnie. The day before I bought a mini Kong thinking I could swap the rocks out for the Kong with some peanut butter inside. She wanted her rock back losing interest in the Kong right away. Bonnie thought I had the rock, but I had tossed it in a flower pot. She turned and buffed up to Darlin’ warning her not to get near me with the rock. <br /><br />Bonnie is alpha dog here. She has looked at Darlin’ several times over the last seven months and Darlin’ looks away. Usually it’s when Darlin’ is whimpering within the pack and the dogs look at her like she’s unstable. This is how they communicate with each other and I’m not one to try and change what works. <br /><br />Yesterday when Bonnie buffed up to Darlin’ over that rock Darlin’ reacted as though she had been provoked. Within a second they were fighting. When you have more than two dogs you are bound to have other dogs wanting to fight too. This is called misplaced aggression. So Darlin’ and Bonnie were fighting and my Blue Heeler reacted. To keep from having three dogs in a fight I grabbed Sam. He was bucking like a horse. Then the other two dogs ran over to get in on the fight, but I held Sam because he’s the most powerful. I could barely hold him, couldn’t get him in the house, and at one point he slipped his collar so I got him by the scruff by the neck and put his collar back on. Normally Sam will submit by giving me his belly, but not yesterday. I called out to Bonnie and Darlin’, now 25 feet away out in the yard fighting and the other two dogs fighting with them too. I wasn’t worried about my other two (a small JRT and my Eskie) because they are not dominant types. There wasn’t anything I could do. If it had been Darlin’ and Bonnie with no other dogs around, I would have broken the fight up regardless of what the rule books say. <br /><br />Finally it stopped, although it only lasted a minute or two. Bonnie was on her back, Darlin’ was on top holding her down and the other two dogs came running to me. I managed to get Sam in the downstairs door as Bonnie and Darlin’ walked to me. Bonnie was limping and had a lot of blood on her. As she walked towards me she kept looking over her shoulder. Darlin’ was walking almost beside her looking down at Bonnie. If either of them had turned it would have started all over. Gosh, I was afraid it was about to start again! I picked up Bonnie, did some quick maneuvering and left everyone out back, except Bonnie. I took her inside the house to clean her up and look over her wounds. <br /><br />Bonnie wanted down; she doesn’t like to be held. So I put her down and watched her walk. There was blood pouring down her legs, but she managed to walk upstairs carrying one front foot up leaving wet bloody paw prints everywhere she stepped. I quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped her in it and grabbed my purse to take her to the vet. I was worried a main vein in her leg was punctured and that her leg was broken. It looked bad and in all my years I have never seen so much blood. <br /><br />My vet was closed for lunch so I sat with Bonnie in the car and waited four minutes until they unlocked the doors. She was probably more upset about being in the car than she was her injuries because she hates riding in the car. They know me well at my Vet because I have five dogs and because I have had other rescue dogs treated there. Terry, the assistant, took Bonnie from me and said they would call and let me know when to come get her. I was calm, not my strongest characteristic, especially when it comes to one of my dogs. However, Bonnie is ten foot tall and bullet proof like other Jack Russell’s and she is a healthy and robust little dog so emotionally I did pretty good if I say so myself. This is the same dog I was crying over when I had to leave her to be spayed! <br /><br />What you don't see is the inside of her leg is black from bruising. I noticed when uploading this picture that her back leg below her knee is also bruised. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJPRPH67v8rj0L9w_dJ4dQ_uMrkQYp_1QSB2d_UJedPRCSNKtQzTjSDAKMl8h8pDlPwc-bguo5x9qyhKoIjALCISEb5RAVhQB1YF1B1t3A_yLWbzgbHDKNma1zDGb_PT0YeVMOeLRiuI/s1600-h/S5003386.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJPRPH67v8rj0L9w_dJ4dQ_uMrkQYp_1QSB2d_UJedPRCSNKtQzTjSDAKMl8h8pDlPwc-bguo5x9qyhKoIjALCISEb5RAVhQB1YF1B1t3A_yLWbzgbHDKNma1zDGb_PT0YeVMOeLRiuI/s400/S5003386.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394798679979809826" /></a><br /><br />I examined Darlin and only saw this small spot on her face.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPfgcnvFeLDv842Cn9YXQl09v9wKkQnLwAmLNH73O8-OScR1sVQI1uRHmXEXwRbk_386sAunF0MUwmTS4jbvqwO4tdx0SSEnsMtgV5uArGBXwLGuu3_U7zlY-0Ra9ATbPyB1rPB3bakk/s1600-h/S5003392.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPfgcnvFeLDv842Cn9YXQl09v9wKkQnLwAmLNH73O8-OScR1sVQI1uRHmXEXwRbk_386sAunF0MUwmTS4jbvqwO4tdx0SSEnsMtgV5uArGBXwLGuu3_U7zlY-0Ra9ATbPyB1rPB3bakk/s400/S5003392.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394799588901644754" /></a><br /><br />Bonnie is a dominant female, but she is usually very easy going. She is no trouble at all unless she’s found a frog. We have to chase her down for her frogs; she’ll throw herself against the fence as you toss the dead frog over. She plays with all of the dogs, but her and Darlin’ haven’t had much interaction. Bonnie was my biggest concern when I brought Darlin’ home because of her dominance. She would walk up to any dog with her head held high. Bonnie is the kind of dog that as long as you don’t interfere with her frogs or rocks she just ignores you and does what she does best – hunts. <br /><br />Darlin’s anxiety was already high because of my neighbors. Bonnie had anxiety because I took her rock. If I had it to do over I wouldn’t have tossed the rock in the flower pot, I would have thrown it over the fence. Bonnie would have ran towards the fence and there wouldn’t have been a fight.<br /><br />The Vet had to sedate Bonnie to clean her wounds. They found a few small puncture wounds, but the worst damage was done to her leg. He said that Bonnie’s leg is punctured front and back, completely bruised, and it will be sore for a while. He thought it might be broken because of the way she held it, but the x-rays showed that it is not. If she doesn’t have enough circulation while it heals then we could be looking at a lifetime issue of the skin dieing off and wound care. He gave her antibiotics, pain medicine, and an anti-inflammatory. <br /><br />We brought her in the house and put her in her bed on the couch. She jumped right down and wobbled to the back door so I picked her up and carried her to the yard. She went potty (both) and started to wobble walking across the yard. I picked her up and carried her back inside where her favorite person (my daughter’s boyfriend) sat next to her. Sam, our blue heeler, wanted to sniff her, but she growled at him, not wanting anything to do with the dogs. Sam knew and walked away. She rested most of the evening. We decided to put her dog bed in our room so she wouldn’t have to use her leg jumping to get in the bed. She stayed in her bed about 5 minutes then she jumped up in the bed and tucked in behind my legs like she does every night. At some point she jumped down and laid on a blanket under a cabinet in our room. We found that out at 3:30 this morning when we heard a dog whimpering. It was Darlin’! She was in the floor whimpering at Bonnie and Bonnie started to growl. I picked up Bonnie to take her for a drink of water, I knew she must be thirsty. Darlin’ ran down the hall beside me leaning up to sniff Bonnie. Bonnie kept growling and I knew I had a problem on my hands. I put Bonnie back in bed with us and she went back to sleep and Darlin’ eventually went to lie down as well.<br /><br />Bonnie has made tremendous progress already. She is using both front legs so I don’t think we’ll have to worry about circulation problems. She is going outside and using the steps as always. I've even seen her out digging. She's a tough little dog! However, she does not want to be around Darlin’ so to avoid conflict between the dogs I have kept them separated today.<br /><br />Darlin’ is showing too much confidence and is not as submissive as she has been around the dogs. This morning I decided to put a leash on her to give me better control just in case I needed it. As soon as I brought the leash she tensed up. Chloe, our Eskie, loves the leash (it means a walk) so she ran over excited to sniff it as I tried to attach it to Darlin’. Darlin’ snapped at Chloe! <br /><br />So today I have rotated dogs all day. I can’t take the chance of another fight breaking out. Bonnie does not want to be in the same room with Darlin’. I do think it’s partly because Darlin’ is over confident walking up to Bonnie and sniffing her while Bonnie hasn’t forgot what happened yesterday. There is negative energy between them and I will continue to do this as long as I can manage or until I see signs that they can be in the same room together. Darlin’ has spent time with all of the dogs except Bonnie. I let a couple of dogs out, but when it’s time for Darlin’ I make sure Bonnie is in the house. When Bonnie wants in my office, I take Darlin’ to my bedroom. I can’t live this way, but I will this week. I may even feed them in different rooms tonight. I'm unsure. Bonnie is usually the last one in the kitchen and doesn't eat much of her canneed dog food. At this point I want to avoid any triggers that might result in further aggression between them. <br /><br />Well, I've heard the stories, watched the shows, and read about dog fighting between family pets. I know that I can control most of what might provoke a fight. Now I'm hoping Bonnie will forget what happened so we can live peacefully again. Wish me luck, I'm going to need it!Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-23961360365676284282009-10-14T11:56:00.009-05:002009-10-14T12:43:50.809-05:00First bathYes, Darlin had her first bath yesterday. I've had her seven months, but by the time I brought her indoors, I'm sure most of the road grime had fallen off of her. I applied Frontline Plus her second week home so I didn't have any concerns about fleas. She has never smelled either. She didn't want to come to me when I called her to the bathroom. Toby had just had a bath so she seemed to understand what was coming. She ran to her bed in the bedroom. I had to carry her and put her in the tub, but she was no worse than any of our dogs. She just stood there not especially happy about it, but she did well. Most dogs shake like crazy when you give them a bath. Not Darlin', she sat in the corner and allowed me to dry her. She only shook once after I allowed her to leave the bathroom.<br /><br />She was still damp. Her winter coat is starting to come back. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiaRCdtrhIDiVIsJWTSHugMEMtR0CrJTe_j9W6v2X_6XJ47P9TeIvfMrfwZQnRsD-GgsH7W8GJDqGzAw06TzcS2tQOBvPrpAgB0o_3awWo-bOVTKCtBjK_ycPb7-xJPfw9DoAyThvn8o/s1600-h/S5003324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiaRCdtrhIDiVIsJWTSHugMEMtR0CrJTe_j9W6v2X_6XJ47P9TeIvfMrfwZQnRsD-GgsH7W8GJDqGzAw06TzcS2tQOBvPrpAgB0o_3awWo-bOVTKCtBjK_ycPb7-xJPfw9DoAyThvn8o/s400/S5003324.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392502656693656658" /></a><br /><br />Her barking isn't any better. Some days it's worse than others. Yesterday she started barking and acting territorial when my husband came home so I told her to "Go" pointing by finger and watched as she ran to the bedroom. I didn't close the door. A minute later she came back and was quiet.<br /><br />I took Chloe to get her hair cut a few days ago. When we came home Darlin' ran up to her and nipped her! I snapped my finger and told her to knock it off and she does, but she continued to show some anxiousness. She did the same thing to our blue heeler (Sam) when he came home from the vet. It's like she didn't like it that I had them with me. She does not like me to leave her. <br /><br />We went out of town over the weekend and I was gone almost 10 hours. My son tried calling her to go outside, leaving the back door open, but she would not leave my bedroom. I arrived home and called her to go out. After her barking and whimpering at me she ran down and pottied immediately after her feet hit the grass. I don't know how or why a dog that lived on the streets is able to control her bladder (and bowels) the way she can. She wouldn't mess in the house for nothing. Poor thing would go on herself in her bed if it came down to it, but someone would carry her outside first. If I had been away any longer, I would have asked my daughter to carry her outside and put her in the grass.<br /><br />She's getting big. I'm anxious to see how much she weighs now. I'll have her weighed when the mobile vet checks to see if her heartworms are gone in a few months.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKmPQICqTx83H4dS6xu-aQgvD12utOp4-ZTXKwUcyioVEBOVIfRVydcXN5n6Ad6ZNu58SxvXwUqD5wVp5DbZRSWG2o3iG0eMCnxsUm9ObW-3p1XOmVSRv4bx8KYG21iBG3vQhvIygHk8/s1600-h/S5003196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKmPQICqTx83H4dS6xu-aQgvD12utOp4-ZTXKwUcyioVEBOVIfRVydcXN5n6Ad6ZNu58SxvXwUqD5wVp5DbZRSWG2o3iG0eMCnxsUm9ObW-3p1XOmVSRv4bx8KYG21iBG3vQhvIygHk8/s400/S5003196.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392507773168065378" /></a><br /><br />Darlin' gets along with all of the dogs, but Toby is still her favorite playmate.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFDY0Gb5jqXTcn7hMwW4ku5fDUWPi9QyJPbC2fY7USj49ni5CiCYPOd5skMyEUR6-Iz5rBiGPvcEJSSsiIQsJSkCBMMmB0NtiX3uYSsEhJzXQNXy3ngd92ajyvcwrTgQy6E07M0yqxQE/s1600-h/S5003211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFDY0Gb5jqXTcn7hMwW4ku5fDUWPi9QyJPbC2fY7USj49ni5CiCYPOd5skMyEUR6-Iz5rBiGPvcEJSSsiIQsJSkCBMMmB0NtiX3uYSsEhJzXQNXy3ngd92ajyvcwrTgQy6E07M0yqxQE/s400/S5003211.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392508696287157186" /></a><br /><br />She still watches the back doors when she's outside, but not nearly as much as she has. There are times I see her acting like one of the pack sniffing the yard without any signs of fear or anxiety.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-oZQTavZwOAv9yS3QssbRWM8a-WqAmrXkvqX6rG76GbqqxqhpVuka8x9wVN5HlmCP6AvJfAPm30_5VrVugte_p2kA-aOA_Y88knoOXvGGiGcBqVFvcXJ445HHrdhG5Uj3L3U87umhTA/s1600-h/S5003277.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-oZQTavZwOAv9yS3QssbRWM8a-WqAmrXkvqX6rG76GbqqxqhpVuka8x9wVN5HlmCP6AvJfAPm30_5VrVugte_p2kA-aOA_Y88knoOXvGGiGcBqVFvcXJ445HHrdhG5Uj3L3U87umhTA/s400/S5003277.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392510479552643106" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwusgZRfb20TjIEtsyY1kFUusEfZvd5zKdY-qFzeBiBDjhMf2-hcvHIQhVwmlqUXdm1QfMRuB0ryoej9ggoJDE2diyVLhyk5TX8mwiMHwhhEe1Wjw4FhxSe8q4VPFKjxC04YclcaQWpk/s1600-h/DSCN0191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwusgZRfb20TjIEtsyY1kFUusEfZvd5zKdY-qFzeBiBDjhMf2-hcvHIQhVwmlqUXdm1QfMRuB0ryoej9ggoJDE2diyVLhyk5TX8mwiMHwhhEe1Wjw4FhxSe8q4VPFKjxC04YclcaQWpk/s400/DSCN0191.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392511373419863362" /></a><br /><br />I bought the book, Help for Your Fearful Dog by Nicole Wilde. I haven't had a chance to read through it yet. I'll let you know if I read anything helpful that applies to a dog like Darlin'. Right now my only concern is getting past her territorial barking and guarding.Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-40688218102807137882009-10-04T11:40:00.011-05:002009-10-04T23:22:07.596-05:00Fearful submissive dog becomes TerritorialI mentioned in previous posts that Darlin’ had been growling and barking at my family when they entered our home or a room where she and I are. Usually she reacts this way in the kitchen, out in the yard, or sometimes in my office. She is still fearful of my family, but has never shown signs of aggressive behavior. <br /><br />She has been living upstairs with my family for five months so I had hoped she would be comfortable with everyone by now. Her barking started once she was comfortable walking through the house. Before that she spent so much time in hiding under my desk or in the corner of my bedroom, either in her bed or behind her bed against the wall. No one ever knew she was around. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqACQ3yZfLQjdAGRJHGomkl5kVe5GijLoAt-kpKS_sHvX6GGbyx_vIrPcgErptiftAvXyHtA41oBBXgPEtntRL0ri1BBxTG1bO0J0PKC8QTbSZhuYC94AxQgYWyG51kZUAp5kxS38h20/s1600-h/S5002777.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqACQ3yZfLQjdAGRJHGomkl5kVe5GijLoAt-kpKS_sHvX6GGbyx_vIrPcgErptiftAvXyHtA41oBBXgPEtntRL0ri1BBxTG1bO0J0PKC8QTbSZhuYC94AxQgYWyG51kZUAp5kxS38h20/s400/S5002777.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388797654217924418" /></a><br /><br />Her body language has shown me she is becoming territorial. One paw up as though she is stalking her prey. Sometimes running to the corner of the room to get a better look at the one who walked in or who is approaching. Then she’ll run back to my side and bark her head off. Even my husband recognized that she seemed to be protecting me when he walked in the house after work. <br /><br />Other times she’s caught by surprise while eating dinner with the rest of the dogs and she’ll stop eating and bark. If I don’t stay with her in the kitchen she will not eat. If she gets nervous and stops eating I tell her to eat and she will continue, but the one that caused her to feel threatened has to leave for her to eat. Gee, I just realized I’m standing guard for her!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3kWDOrxc0FlCKqyFgmfu6YI_XYQCj0NGOz6oqY3yIiBmpbVYsuiCNr7qjV772MhYzJHLClyuOPyyLwr6FjBLsFiW3xqiCpNYj9yWrrK3GBHLctn2rhsdHfFwIh_trZdy9AMTAb670c0/s1600-h/S5002934.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3kWDOrxc0FlCKqyFgmfu6YI_XYQCj0NGOz6oqY3yIiBmpbVYsuiCNr7qjV772MhYzJHLClyuOPyyLwr6FjBLsFiW3xqiCpNYj9yWrrK3GBHLctn2rhsdHfFwIh_trZdy9AMTAb670c0/s400/S5002934.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388792491458180338" /></a><br /><br />If we are out back in the yard and anyone walks out on the deck or to the yard she runs to the middle of the yard and barks at them. I tried correcting her with words, “hush, that’s enough, knock it off.” About the only thing that stopped her barking was poking her and giving her the sit command. She would sit, but she was grumbling too. She has hound in her mix so her barks are hollow and loud. I realize I am repeating myself from pervious posts, but this is where we are now. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUIV_9B29SY0jjzPMg2kZrsVP67KJs0MRPYR-K9adDMPmXHlKRc0WTxX9YA2m4_dv_BQtk_fmbPtTQRVaPrmZB-Hk19FlOUjl7QFncaZhFerJolQ5oZLAX6Dnhn08jffAKJDs6VubEsk/s1600-h/S5002937.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUIV_9B29SY0jjzPMg2kZrsVP67KJs0MRPYR-K9adDMPmXHlKRc0WTxX9YA2m4_dv_BQtk_fmbPtTQRVaPrmZB-Hk19FlOUjl7QFncaZhFerJolQ5oZLAX6Dnhn08jffAKJDs6VubEsk/s400/S5002937.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388792702966764626" /></a><br /><br />Some days when my son walks in from school I can’t even hear him say hello. He’s 16 and hasn’t had a lot of patience. Not only do I have to rehabilitate a dog, but I also have to educate my family on canine body language and make sure they don’t make matters worse by their approach or reaction to the situation. <br /><br />I finally got to the point that I didn’t know what to do about her barking. I have a submissive gentle dog that never made a sound now turning territorial. Before this change in behavior I heard her bark one time, the night I approached the trap with her in it. Even then she only barked once and it stopped. <br /><br />I wrote canine behaviorists for suggestions. She has recommended I teach her the “Go to” command. I am to designate an area and teach Darlin’ to go by tossing food. Well, this girl isn’t motivated by food, but she does love her chicken and cheese. Since I have four other dogs and considering the layout of our house, this method does pose some problems. <br /><br />Her second recommendation was to put a short leash on her and as soon as Darlin’ barks to remove her to another room, closing the door behind her and leaving her on time out for 30 seconds. This way she will associate the bark with having to be separated from me. The behaviorist did recognize by my description that Darlin’ is protecting her most valuable resource – me! Also, Darlin’ does not behave this way when left alone with my family. It’s only happening when I’m at home! <br /><br />I have removed her from the kitchen, but all I have to say is, “Go”. I point my finger and walk to my room and she goes without any problems. Of course she would, she wants to be with me at all times. I shut the door, go back to whatever I’m doing, and allow her a few minutes alone. When I go back for her she’s standing at the door. She does not like to be alone when I’m home. I think this may work for us, but I’ll have to be consistent. I have not been consistent this past week. <br /><br />She follows me downstairs to the den, lies under the kitchen table at dinner, usually under my chair, and is doing well around my family. The only time this happens is when we are in the kitchen or out in the yard alone. Last night we were outside going potty when my husband walked out and she started barking her head off. I have neighbors that I don’t want upset by my dogs barking so I ask him to go inside. Darlin’ probably thinks she’s done a good job of warding off the enemy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkifwxP_N4r9zgJFbfBbdnc3ZzHnWjZ3-yvwrORVlOkiEKxqhOBmCF1ac6ZgDxLF4FuhOAtOvGbqAWlZ3mLP_Q4vwlyjLurfRBix3yjT1qyJ6YhAcrNv-3dOgOcwPXZTRxlNiQeySaek/s1600-h/S5003000.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkifwxP_N4r9zgJFbfBbdnc3ZzHnWjZ3-yvwrORVlOkiEKxqhOBmCF1ac6ZgDxLF4FuhOAtOvGbqAWlZ3mLP_Q4vwlyjLurfRBix3yjT1qyJ6YhAcrNv-3dOgOcwPXZTRxlNiQeySaek/s400/S5003000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388793035173562690" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4MmDYsFpl_LaYL4Zv4EJnScLCF0LbYIXLLrSE3hqYInRsLxkNPubcyBScnbm4cAcxT-qxKouVWqGgISTY2brmgPnPvQ9vrtGNO-k6zKS4gpGOiYww1d4u5H9nVTp7OFxv4VG1Pb8cuQ/s1600-h/S5002943.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4MmDYsFpl_LaYL4Zv4EJnScLCF0LbYIXLLrSE3hqYInRsLxkNPubcyBScnbm4cAcxT-qxKouVWqGgISTY2brmgPnPvQ9vrtGNO-k6zKS4gpGOiYww1d4u5H9nVTp7OFxv4VG1Pb8cuQ/s400/S5002943.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388793753059526162" /></a><br /><br />I think this is our only real issue right now. I do wish I could leave the kitchen when she’s eating, but when she loses her fear of my family this may also correct itself. <br /><br />She does go downstairs to the yard without me first thing in the morning! That’s one less trip I have to make downstairs. I sit or stand on the deck and watch her in the yard, but at least I can stay upstairs. Other times during the day she won’t go, she’ll stand at the back door waiting for me. This dog has a ten gallon bladder, she can wait 12 hours easily.<br /><br />We went for our first walk yesterday since the first time I took her out in July when she slipped her collar. I bought her and harness and she’s gained so much weight and filled out I could barely get it on her. I had a harness on her and a leash on her collar which I wrapped around my wrist. It wasn’t the easiest thing to manage having two leashes on a dog. The first walk in July was good, she was nervous, but walked well beside me. <br /><br />Yesterday she was back and forth, in front of me, beside me, just all over the place and we only walked a few blocks down the street and never turned a corner. As soon as we got next to my neighbors property she froze. When I tried to encourage her to walk she bucked like she did the day she slipped her collar only this time it didn’t work! There is something about that lot that makes her want to bolt to the woods. She may smell water in the creek just beyond their yard, I don’t know. My husband came up behind her thinking she might move forward because he’s not her favorite person, but instead she submitted and rolled over on her back to give him her tummy. <br /><br />It took a couple of minutes to get her to move forward, then she ran up the steps and sort of cowered in the corner by the door. When I opened the door she ran through and wanted desperately to get to my office. I quickly removed the leashes and harness and she ran under my desk. She was hot, nervous, and drooling as well – mostly nervous. I realize two walks in three months isn’t going to do much to get her comfortable walking on a leash in the neighborhood, but I have had some fear issues myself after almost losing her in July. Now that the weather is cooling off we will try a few times a week.<br /><br />Regarding her weight: One day shortly after bringing her home she ran from me and hid behind the hot tub. There is a small gap between the hot tub and the house. It took a few minutes to get her close enough to me where I could pull her out. She was still very fearful at the time. Two weeks ago we were outside when my daughter and her boyfriend walked out back. Darlin’ got scared and ran to hide behind the hot tub. The only part of her that fit into the small space was her head! Her shoulders are so broad now she doesn’t fit so we heard a loud thumb when she crashed into the hot tub! <br /><br />My friend stopped by unexpectedly over the weekend. Friends and family live miles away so the only guest we ever have is my daughter’s boyfriend. Darlin’ has adapted to him as well as she has my own family. Darlin’ barked at my friend when she saw him, but she quieted down right away and ran to my bedroom. While we sat at the kitchen table I noticed she had been running back and forth to the kitchen doorway checking us out there on the table. <br /><br />Toby, our rough coat Jack Russell, is Darlin’s favorite playmate. She doesn’t seem to know how to initiate play with the others, but she wants to. She’ll sometimes run past them in the yard and whimper. She’s done that for a few months. The dogs just look at her confused when she whimpers. There have been two or three occasions when she got excited and ran circles around the yard. I get pretty excited myself when I see her so happy. Bonnie, our smooth coat Jack Russell, caught on and chased Darlin’, but it didn’t last long. Bonnie likes to be the one leading in a chase. Darlin’ treats Toby like her puppy. She will play wrestle with him, but it always ends in a thorough cleaning. She’ll lick him in every crack and crevice. I have never seen anything like it between two dogs this age. Darlin’ had puppies in her life; perhaps because of Toby’s small size she thinks he’s her puppy. I know it’s social bonding, I just don’t know why she chooses to clean Toby. When I pick him up she will stand on her hind legs and sniff him while he’s in my arms. She gets excited like I have her baby. One day he jumped in my lap while I was at my desk. Darlin’ actually stood and put her front paws on my legs, sniffed Toby, and when I leaned over she licked my face! What a wonderful surprise it was to get a kiss from her! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKdl2iwv_V1S1sKiKTm_yJ3lnvyRS3ZT7mrSPFu9qTlmpVbyMSmMu6VGmOFGTzILwJOMaPiEvQoP8sg4mU1dlRDaUl8JD-f355bYCxjlp71fVjF2Hjkc8bThIHnSXApReSjCaFfABOhw/s1600-h/S5003075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKdl2iwv_V1S1sKiKTm_yJ3lnvyRS3ZT7mrSPFu9qTlmpVbyMSmMu6VGmOFGTzILwJOMaPiEvQoP8sg4mU1dlRDaUl8JD-f355bYCxjlp71fVjF2Hjkc8bThIHnSXApReSjCaFfABOhw/s400/S5003075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388795072112429522" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qkzYjUm5AyJsuU7gfbOxS0KW60Qax_sgbUcXxBCo6Yd1QHF0S8db9GIhClHK8wM87WMwmj237zRMpM-3jX7gieHtbrprlEfXxU_SvQNh-VmwqhKJajWquvirDAzmAZ4yaZv-Bazhfkk/s1600-h/S5003077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qkzYjUm5AyJsuU7gfbOxS0KW60Qax_sgbUcXxBCo6Yd1QHF0S8db9GIhClHK8wM87WMwmj237zRMpM-3jX7gieHtbrprlEfXxU_SvQNh-VmwqhKJajWquvirDAzmAZ4yaZv-Bazhfkk/s400/S5003077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388795396500430802" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC9shSdEPXCyWkmSd8v3Dsu5ISqzo-qODHTh4SicBZvwQ5iOALxcmRpD82r-YSf6fO3PY8qQbhuNPUF8sYkgieu5tPGGalchNizcIeK0PDUkzqVKXV7XqObmDMgtIMzEkYJliIHz5KwQ/s1600-h/S5003124.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC9shSdEPXCyWkmSd8v3Dsu5ISqzo-qODHTh4SicBZvwQ5iOALxcmRpD82r-YSf6fO3PY8qQbhuNPUF8sYkgieu5tPGGalchNizcIeK0PDUkzqVKXV7XqObmDMgtIMzEkYJliIHz5KwQ/s400/S5003124.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388795888389787522" /></a><br /><br />A few weeks ago when I posted an update I went to fearfuldog.com to make sure I had the link for Brandon the dog correct. I noticed they had a link for lost pets there. Being a curious type I scanned the lost dogs in our area. There was a dog listed from one and a half years ago with no real description. Since I’ve known Darlin’ a year I decided to send an email and ask if they found the dog. They had not. The lady provided me with the description of her dog and it sounded like my Darlin’. The owner of the lost dog lives in our county, but at least 30 miles away. Dogs show up in the strangest places so the distance didn’t concern me. <br /><br />I sent her a picture and she wrote back stating that she wasn’t sure if Darlin’ was her dog, and that she needed to look at her dogs pictures to be sure. Not sure?! My heart stopped! She asked if I was keeping Darlin’ and in my reply I told her our story and confirmed that I was going to keep her. She sent me another email, but I was inundated with work at the time so I didn’t have a chance to reply. She did state in her last email that even if Darlin’ was her dog that she wasn’t suggesting I give her back. <br /><br />I have always wondered about Darlin’s past, how she ended up a stray, and how long she was on her own. It’s probably better for me that I don’t know. And I realized after I wrote the owner of the lost dog that I don’t want to know because I would never want give Darlin’ up. I spoke with my family after the lady said Darlin’ looked like her dog and we agreed that the only way we would let her go was if they confirmed it was her by providing pictures. Darlin’ would have to show us that she was excited to see them and that she loved them. If someone had one of my dogs I would want my dog back no matter how much time had passed. Darlin’ is not her dog, Darlin’ had puppies, her dog had not. <br /><br />Darlin’s history began the day I saw her running around that grocery store parking lot just over a year ago. She was mine long before then, it was just a matter of time before I found her. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxgA4doIW-Cud-84q6ja7yoVTkoDoW_9ffIYRRGSfE4e3xjY915aEGxxnFdu0GSd3gbkmpYdWAehAUsrIdCl3jFrKrRDV_l-WpxgJdONB-cEGJ0QWZs6Q3dk9PqyDObZGU3nsQzBbzZk/s1600-h/S5002916.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxgA4doIW-Cud-84q6ja7yoVTkoDoW_9ffIYRRGSfE4e3xjY915aEGxxnFdu0GSd3gbkmpYdWAehAUsrIdCl3jFrKrRDV_l-WpxgJdONB-cEGJ0QWZs6Q3dk9PqyDObZGU3nsQzBbzZk/s400/S5002916.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388798866305017362" /></a>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-23658638248657825612009-09-12T13:43:00.005-05:002009-09-12T14:05:46.203-05:00Six month trap-aversary!Six months ago yesterday, I brought Darlin’ home! During my search about trapping dogs I came upon www.lostdogsearch.com. There I read stories from people who had lost their own dogs and met Lisa and Brandon. Trap-aversary is the term Lisa used when I emailed her asking about the trap that was used to catch Brandon, a rescue dog that had been transported cross country and got lost after running from his new owner. It was his two year trap-aversary that day. You can learn more about Lisa and Brandon <a href="http://yes-mg.com/brandon">here</a>. <br /><br />Darlin’ is doing well. She’s walking around the house, not afraid to come in the kitchen even when my family is putting away groceries. She’s getting much better around noise such as when I take pots out of the cabinet or drop something, however she shot out of the kitchen like a bullet when I tore some foil off last night. She use to hide when I vacuumed, now she’ll run back and forth from room to room. That shows me she’s more curious. <br /><br />Darlin’ does not like to be alone. She usually lies under my chair or near me under the table at dinnertime. She follows me wherever I go in the house, including when I go downstairs, she’s right behind me. She lays at my feet when I’m watching a movie in my recliner downstairs. I always cover up with a blanket so many times she’ll crawl under the blanket at my feet or she’ll scoot under the foot rest of my recliner when it’s extended. She sure makes it hard to get up from my chair! Upstairs she’s usually on the couch next to me. When I fix the dogs bowls for dinner, she’ll sit right next to my feet the entire time. Toby will sometimes go over to her bowl and stick his noise in for her gravy; she’ll eat out of the same bowl with him or walk over to his and eat. From a distance her appearance may appear normal, but she’s still fearful – that’s why she’s usually under my chair. She does the same thing outside if I’m sitting with my children. She’ll scoot on her belly under my chair. She seems relatively calm during those times with no heavy breathing or panting from anxiety. <br /><br />She is very normal during the day. What is normal? I have to ask myself that after watching some dogs with real issues on animal shows recently. Her fear issues are minor now compared to what some people go through with their dogs. <br /><br />Darlin’ runs through the house, tail up high, alert and playful looking when we are alone. She goes out with the other dogs and it takes very little coaxing to move her from room to room. I say, “Let’s go” and she is at my heels. At night she’ll sometimes go to her bed in my room as I’m turning out the lights! She usually sleeps in her dog bed, but sometimes she’ll sleep under a piece of furniture or stretched out in the floor. She’s so cute now when I pass out treats. Darlin’ is the tallest dog here so sometimes she’ll stretch her head across the other dogs to get their treat. I look at her and tell her to sit and she does. She gets a little excited and forgets her manors, but once I say sit, she’s on that butt. Oh, she usually backs up to sit or she’ll go to the rug in front of the stove where she learned to sit! Like she doesn’t realize she can sit anywhere! She brings me a lot of joy. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq1FJ7iZiA-l9D6j21DztU1WeDR3PlJs1sDeQIFV5r_Gtr__XjnkD0mnsRK2_t8Np5NnJ06dC-6DYiNSuHQHy0VRV-5PdqO5wsbCe745-9gpOgdqZWJvevk3pb9Qh4MmvzON4CQNQtqw/s1600-h/S5002769.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq1FJ7iZiA-l9D6j21DztU1WeDR3PlJs1sDeQIFV5r_Gtr__XjnkD0mnsRK2_t8Np5NnJ06dC-6DYiNSuHQHy0VRV-5PdqO5wsbCe745-9gpOgdqZWJvevk3pb9Qh4MmvzON4CQNQtqw/s400/S5002769.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380656520789430418" /></a><br /><br />She still won’t go down to the yard without me. Yes, she’ll go out with the dogs, but if I don’t follow she’ll stay upstairs. Sometimes I’ll sit down in a chair on the deck and she’ll go down to potty, but she’s fast and comes right back up. If I let her out with the other dogs and I close the door, then she’ll stand at the back door waiting for me. This is something I hope will change soon because these ole’ knees of mine can’t take another six months of running up and down those back steps. I’m hoping as the weather cools off soon and the flies die down that I can leave the back door wide open and it will give her a sense of freedom to come and go. This house means everything to her and she still watches the doors when she’s in the yard. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRXo2EYiRVqUAb27hDAWfIpZ4uYl6TQ6I1Uy7UlN-jusJQsMS_51weRGixD-FECo27nLpalzA6eUe2Mkb4AD-_rzL0TLWRa86VYSP0BtV7HsrsoR2H7WFZ-pjIIzQwGsTpMPmbWQUFLM/s1600-h/S5002835.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRXo2EYiRVqUAb27hDAWfIpZ4uYl6TQ6I1Uy7UlN-jusJQsMS_51weRGixD-FECo27nLpalzA6eUe2Mkb4AD-_rzL0TLWRa86VYSP0BtV7HsrsoR2H7WFZ-pjIIzQwGsTpMPmbWQUFLM/s400/S5002835.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380658797926706370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcs8Coiaa8nKVWo9WXibwnJapYzjoEAWxqaGajFkclPpxm1I-L4uLDFJMjMNoW1V3Gux7oKUY63J5CHREfjHLmbyGkzwxHkWCSZ_MVQl86afGJCNXLbYC3psFegbRq_r1jDHflQP3G54/s1600-h/S5002836.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcs8Coiaa8nKVWo9WXibwnJapYzjoEAWxqaGajFkclPpxm1I-L4uLDFJMjMNoW1V3Gux7oKUY63J5CHREfjHLmbyGkzwxHkWCSZ_MVQl86afGJCNXLbYC3psFegbRq_r1jDHflQP3G54/s400/S5002836.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380659041093172866" /></a><br /><br />One day I went shopping and left her home with my husband who was working on his computer. He said she stood up on her hind legs after I walked out and looked through the glass. Then she sat on the rug at the front door looking up as though she was looking out of the glass then entire time until I returned home. She still whimpers, yelps, and whistles through her nose when I come home after leaving her. All of my dogs are excited to see me; sometimes she’s the first dog I meet when I enter the house. She hasn’t done anything destructive, but I do check the door because I’ve heard her scratch after I walked out.<br /><br />When I leave home and my kids are home with Darlin’ they say she walks back and forth from room to room through the house. That she doesn’t bark or show signs stress. When I am home she behaves differently. <br /><br />She is very attached to me, too attached at this point. Her demeanor changes when my son walks in from school or when my husband comes in from work. She’s barking now, in the house and outside when my family comes around. She has a loud deep bark too and you can hear the hound in it. <br /><br />Her head on my leg.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjKxYrICMZfPQjtIz62xnHniJddlBV0cG90TTdALTeRT7ptr09KuuX_hF9F2UCsHV9c0mh-jyNksVw4I-7yOWmYclu0Qzq4SiViZZYFwFhEaDKTzKdFx2rFrBWbCKC0B3ARniDK6CNfQ/s1600-h/S5002863.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjKxYrICMZfPQjtIz62xnHniJddlBV0cG90TTdALTeRT7ptr09KuuX_hF9F2UCsHV9c0mh-jyNksVw4I-7yOWmYclu0Qzq4SiViZZYFwFhEaDKTzKdFx2rFrBWbCKC0B3ARniDK6CNfQ/s400/S5002863.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380655119731376130" /></a><br /><br />I’m not sure how to correct her barking. It’s so strange because she was so quiet and submissive, however now that she’s not afraid to go where I go in the house, she behaves territorial. Maybe it’s an expression of her anxiety and fear, certainly it’s related to her insecurity. She barks when my family comes in the house and as they approach she’ll bark louder and sometimes low growl. No one has any fear that she will bite. Sometimes they approach her sideways and sit next to her and pet her. She’ll stop barking, but it starts all over when my husband comes home. She’s worse with him. I asked him to walk naturally as though she doesn’t bother him because he was walking slow and guarded which I think may have been more intimidating to her. I’ll sometimes give him cheese to pass out which calms her down, but she still shakes during those times. If he offers her cheese at night when we are sitting on the couch she is calm and doesn’t seem stressed at all. However it could be because she’s sitting right next to me. If my dogs bark when the kids come home (I have two noise barkers) then Darlin’ will jump up and bark too, but she makes sure she’s close to me. If anyone walks outside when we are there, she’ll immediately alert me by barking. I do think it’s territorial and I’ve been reading about how to correct this behavior. I don’t want her barking at my family or guests in the future. <br /><br />When this started a few weeks ago I would tell her to hush, but she didn’t. I read to remove myself from the situation because she is so attached me. So I would leave the kitchen if it started with her sitting next to my feet while I’m cooking (her favorite place). That didn’t help. I stopped telling her to hush because I didn’t want to condition the behavior, such as I bark, Mom speaks to me. However this last week was so bad that I ended up poking her to get her attention and telling her “enough” or “knock it off”. I ask my husband or kids to ignore her and come on in the kitchen to get what they need. The barking doesn’t last long, but it’s something I have to correct. My next step is to get her to hush and immediately offer her cheese, her favorite treat. That’s going to take some work too because she ignores food when she is nervous or anxious. <br /><br />Remember the post where I told about Darlin’ slipping her collar when we were out walking? Well, Victoria Stillwell mentioned on one of her shows that the best way to get a dog to come to you is to get them to chase you. I actually did that the night she got loose, I started running for our house, but Darlin’ took off between the houses. Occasionally she’ll give me a play bow in the yard and I play with her, but I have chased her so last week I changed it up. She was in a playful mood and started running in circles around the yard so I ran and she chased me! We did it about three times and it works! That was all I could do before I was out of breath. Why couldn’t I have had 5 dogs when I was in my 20’s or 30’s when I had the energy! Oh well, everything in its own time. <br /><br />Other than her barking at my family and going outside without me, Darlin is doing exceptionally well. If it takes six more months then so be it. She is a joy to watch when she’s comfortable in her surroundings. It’s been extremely rewarding for me to look at her in a dog bed or standing in the kitchen eating dinner knowing that her life has completely changed for the better. Words cannot express the joy I feel for her and her new life. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TA7D6TUHS1mY6JW4SSR-Q6Yul_-5NVMpibaT7WCIMTxngrbsMe7v-EK9jN1uC4-EPnDtu1YPzrVulbpPJY3illAgJjda8b_r6kXKCb4Q1wVPBMqtOYbXx-ofpB3936uoDDq3LfU5Nhg/s1600-h/S5002912.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TA7D6TUHS1mY6JW4SSR-Q6Yul_-5NVMpibaT7WCIMTxngrbsMe7v-EK9jN1uC4-EPnDtu1YPzrVulbpPJY3illAgJjda8b_r6kXKCb4Q1wVPBMqtOYbXx-ofpB3936uoDDq3LfU5Nhg/s400/S5002912.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380654363939583634" /></a>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-70412595793568069582009-08-16T12:37:00.006-05:002009-08-16T12:50:01.639-05:00Darlin', her story on videoI spent all day yesterday trying to upload Darlin's video without youtube muting me. This was not my first choice in music, but I really like this new song (Kings Of Leon - Use Somebody). It seems to be working there, but I won't hold my breath because they kept deleting my music due to copyright laws. I have been meaning to create this video for a few months now. After posting pictures of her life before I trapped her, I decided to finally make the video. <br /><br /><div><embed name="FLVPlayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=" width="408" height="382" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" wmode="transparent" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=95913216c0c6a933badaf6&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com"></embed> <div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 15px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 12px/20px verdana,arial,sans-serif; WIDTH: 408px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link?p=95913216c0c6a933badaf6&skin_id=701&source=emplay" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link_image/95913216c0c6a933badaf6/701.gif" width="408" /></a><br /><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt1" target="_blank">Make an on-line slide show at <span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-13559976803411439582009-08-11T11:57:00.027-05:002009-08-11T17:42:14.156-05:00Life of a Stray DogDarlin’ was brought home in a live humane trap five months ago today! For those of you who are new to Darlin’s story, here is a recap of her life before she was rescued.<br /><br />I didn’t think to take her picture when we met. My purpose every evening was to put food out for her. The few times that I did think about pictures, I forgot my camera at home. By the time I took pictures of her, she had already gained weight. I had been feeding her three months at that point - Dec. 6, 2009. My pictures weren’t good because it was dark where I fed her and I couldn’t get close enough or she would get scared and run back across the highway.<br /><br /><em>Click on images to enlarge, then click BACK</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBRtt_gzev59ApEOmiiEpSbgNSOHrxfhnHei1UfV4UG0mqcrMvZLgaXQj8yaGQuqrcT3zYF29UVaVGGCGBPmeHyKrjU2iqSPuKXjyqwjYmOjX6CsgE8mEIheWc9afy9lDKzxDbEBwKiI/s1600-h/darlin1+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368751914577679650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBRtt_gzev59ApEOmiiEpSbgNSOHrxfhnHei1UfV4UG0mqcrMvZLgaXQj8yaGQuqrcT3zYF29UVaVGGCGBPmeHyKrjU2iqSPuKXjyqwjYmOjX6CsgE8mEIheWc9afy9lDKzxDbEBwKiI/s400/darlin1+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EWAj6MNwxTEqx2q5AvJpAMoTtguCrZ4ZkJoLMojfVY_3rZyK6K68EGzHnqPac3o-0cNxpYIaWr5t3Ju_DqH2-sNxSMMw5MCTkcU9oMO8FQhGaAwC6DPGoKHzhsz2_Grj3MxFBqMONJw/s1600-h/darlin2+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EWAj6MNwxTEqx2q5AvJpAMoTtguCrZ4ZkJoLMojfVY_3rZyK6K68EGzHnqPac3o-0cNxpYIaWr5t3Ju_DqH2-sNxSMMw5MCTkcU9oMO8FQhGaAwC6DPGoKHzhsz2_Grj3MxFBqMONJw/s400/darlin2+(2).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368752162984959186" /></a><br /><br />I did go looking for Darlin’ in February 2009 and called Animal Control when I found these dogs. He said he left a cruelty notice. I took these pictures when I went back to check on them. I untied, untwisted, fed them, gave them water, and left them each with a chew. Because of Darlin’, I was able to help these dogs. She is the reason I was led to them. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwb4lFiwq-UeGXI5GJ4jG5IhYFZLIwhMOAyA2Zk1d4f6XdRJPwcz7BME4nSv6MPc2_KkQoRdYBDD64J_S5VTtCivU6EIS3Sf1bof8UcAdPxU8UG-MI2r2K_SK8k5chzaTyqZnzoHfkh68/s1600-h/tangled2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwb4lFiwq-UeGXI5GJ4jG5IhYFZLIwhMOAyA2Zk1d4f6XdRJPwcz7BME4nSv6MPc2_KkQoRdYBDD64J_S5VTtCivU6EIS3Sf1bof8UcAdPxU8UG-MI2r2K_SK8k5chzaTyqZnzoHfkh68/s400/tangled2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368752436425227154" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOXXE7YsW0vcGV1rYVZ7bGhjhwC73qO5ls3sQalZqGGrHcO1FdPUX6u1F68wU4kAeMr3QkDv4T3WoRJDfiQ3JVjgwIDUimRHN_Dm0x5WWSNO7s-Ej5AQYbYgEnLZWOo_M9QmdWFiV9-M/s1600-h/untangled2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOXXE7YsW0vcGV1rYVZ7bGhjhwC73qO5ls3sQalZqGGrHcO1FdPUX6u1F68wU4kAeMr3QkDv4T3WoRJDfiQ3JVjgwIDUimRHN_Dm0x5WWSNO7s-Ej5AQYbYgEnLZWOo_M9QmdWFiV9-M/s400/untangled2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368752601641114722" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNQjU0ll03oZErS-GyNMl9sccxJrV7q1BIIp-KxHHd_nOqv9LI88-ZonhH8o8opW91ele61ib5bwOdkaGsc6KYZPQ8npI-ygEpAlPOqCV-v8QyihV5P8_vMIE8QZ-Pnvm3X1GfpAqF6A/s1600-h/untangled4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNQjU0ll03oZErS-GyNMl9sccxJrV7q1BIIp-KxHHd_nOqv9LI88-ZonhH8o8opW91ele61ib5bwOdkaGsc6KYZPQ8npI-ygEpAlPOqCV-v8QyihV5P8_vMIE8QZ-Pnvm3X1GfpAqF6A/s400/untangled4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368752759985121730" /></a><br /><br />She lived in the woods behind this rock and gravel company. She cut through their property, crawled under their fence, and ran across the highway to eat at night. I saw her one time in the tall grass beside the rock yard on a Saturday morning when I drove by. Other than that, I saw her an hour after dark almost every evening. Her food was placed by the tree every night. Most times she was there waiting or ran across the highway within a few minutes of my arrival. This highway had bumper-to-bumper traffic in the winter because she was crossing at 6:30 pm. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpP9IWGs7O3VwS_NbY-Zd3BfcWFBfgjsUggeVpQwG3fTOCQmPS3E7nimVtJu5w1_rOHTURKVGJUawz2KNfwEsuMyCkD0uQJh3XUJL04IUtZ9uf-9QgoIBiZDTfaLq_9WVKAH3s-U2794/s1600-h/S5000754.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpP9IWGs7O3VwS_NbY-Zd3BfcWFBfgjsUggeVpQwG3fTOCQmPS3E7nimVtJu5w1_rOHTURKVGJUawz2KNfwEsuMyCkD0uQJh3XUJL04IUtZ9uf-9QgoIBiZDTfaLq_9WVKAH3s-U2794/s400/S5000754.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368753063246084402" /></a><br /><br />Truck drivers told the owner of the rock yard that when they arrived at 5:30 am she was sometimes sleeping on the piles of sand.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi1gd18Z95HiWV5crrIgA0Mhvz-UVu_d6-9V0EX4ObzQyr8daOyVgWcE6drrl9UOVM6L6fjRF-Fre7Pl51LLgdIUJUpew6iGLX8AxBFclCajLCDNACfSCgp2TEdc0dHv7wgHFRllWpPk/s1600-h/S5000755.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi1gd18Z95HiWV5crrIgA0Mhvz-UVu_d6-9V0EX4ObzQyr8daOyVgWcE6drrl9UOVM6L6fjRF-Fre7Pl51LLgdIUJUpew6iGLX8AxBFclCajLCDNACfSCgp2TEdc0dHv7wgHFRllWpPk/s400/S5000755.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368753258109422514" /></a><br /><br />The highway she crossed to go eat at the grocery store. I did put food on the other side to keep her from crossing, but she didn't find it. I drove by and saw the food (she was waiting at the tree) so I pulled my car over, got the food, and drove it over to her.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm7lmWCwE6KPyANQES_cFxdtL1klUCXe6RDOcbnkZ-Ex39gJO3k0PAe3Js7LioXkDbwyGqmION9SXy6uXhesofY0rnWXe7gnH70DSW41wcR9rMYZ2HsyY6n2gLHEAJEhxKLglqWmljtc/s1600-h/S5000748.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm7lmWCwE6KPyANQES_cFxdtL1klUCXe6RDOcbnkZ-Ex39gJO3k0PAe3Js7LioXkDbwyGqmION9SXy6uXhesofY0rnWXe7gnH70DSW41wcR9rMYZ2HsyY6n2gLHEAJEhxKLglqWmljtc/s400/S5000748.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368753484656496354" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-aDu4AtAkZLGFufG7XLqIQ-3duY7VCJ5_Cb15NSzcsCV9lMhLlEZ_EWARg2rlQUIS-h9XKEdCrksInQpoJP-UHpTGrmDMcpXannRx4ReB2t3pE9yWwkV5ahI_qQdnqICK3z4sVbbbsk/s1600-h/S5000749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-aDu4AtAkZLGFufG7XLqIQ-3duY7VCJ5_Cb15NSzcsCV9lMhLlEZ_EWARg2rlQUIS-h9XKEdCrksInQpoJP-UHpTGrmDMcpXannRx4ReB2t3pE9yWwkV5ahI_qQdnqICK3z4sVbbbsk/s400/S5000749.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368753630992517138" /></a><br /><br />The Giving Tree, where she ate dinner. She would sometimes come back late in the night and eat the dry food. My daughter saw her there at 1 am. She took a video, but we may not be able to retrieve it from that camera phone. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinu0AN3ImNgY6oXlYvKsjYK_bwIHSOe4xYIyuJglNdB3Drq5BtTVF6r4wy3MpR5lCoWhWl-ySIHWz6szJZrMNFmzPG5eDaRrAJXkeDCmWU0VQacT8OQ4kWoZHYwTSnlyQSYVD7TW3HaXk/s1600-h/S5000752.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinu0AN3ImNgY6oXlYvKsjYK_bwIHSOe4xYIyuJglNdB3Drq5BtTVF6r4wy3MpR5lCoWhWl-ySIHWz6szJZrMNFmzPG5eDaRrAJXkeDCmWU0VQacT8OQ4kWoZHYwTSnlyQSYVD7TW3HaXk/s400/S5000752.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368753834181076754" /></a><br /><br />The trap was set next to the block house. It’s part of the rock yard property. You can see the tall dead grass on the left of this picture which is where I saw her that Saturday morning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_5kYs-MF2Vx9tLbLJfT2Hnz_xaFDBqOp4f4jr-YRGEJPRWl1yfCSgSasmQPcZKdVJqsz39IT4XY2h5rJ-XIvyGuoRtQHvjQ4cpwPK3-YQaEXySjeaBfn_w-8ErKUJVB7MwSqt0bicgk/s1600-h/S5000751.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_5kYs-MF2Vx9tLbLJfT2Hnz_xaFDBqOp4f4jr-YRGEJPRWl1yfCSgSasmQPcZKdVJqsz39IT4XY2h5rJ-XIvyGuoRtQHvjQ4cpwPK3-YQaEXySjeaBfn_w-8ErKUJVB7MwSqt0bicgk/s400/S5000751.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368754044904204530" /></a><br /><br />The food I prepared for her and placed in the trap along with a can of cat food. It had to be tempting because I had been feeding her every night.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaF5M3d1hIaJyNsmC6Yd5i7zhWdobJ7ksTW6JDLIHInkZadz6ihC2Yk7DOVdSJ5l_95j0_r5-ykohE3JPPQBEgOBMjRZsgzdYcQyNm4k93HGig-UWwcJ34lmMkDYSjFWtsGRmaMHsSlU/s1600-h/darlinfood.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaF5M3d1hIaJyNsmC6Yd5i7zhWdobJ7ksTW6JDLIHInkZadz6ihC2Yk7DOVdSJ5l_95j0_r5-ykohE3JPPQBEgOBMjRZsgzdYcQyNm4k93HGig-UWwcJ34lmMkDYSjFWtsGRmaMHsSlU/s400/darlinfood.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368754234113033858" /></a><br /><br />March 10, 2009, I didn’t feed Darlin’ that night because I needed her to find the food in the trap. That was a very emotional evening for me as Darlin missed dinner. This little guy enjoyed a home cooked meal. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsFYNB4zdpbLJ0BEhdWk5-WKEGl6Dtc64bUNvfuYf5yHSk2MyKa5I1RacIaucdpptjWb55MngmND496Q3UKMWT258JLizxV4ZJIvIyuN7t1pdrUfEVS2-J7-XYOqaL_AWhR2zFwQKMRA/s1600-h/2catch.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsFYNB4zdpbLJ0BEhdWk5-WKEGl6Dtc64bUNvfuYf5yHSk2MyKa5I1RacIaucdpptjWb55MngmND496Q3UKMWT258JLizxV4ZJIvIyuN7t1pdrUfEVS2-J7-XYOqaL_AWhR2zFwQKMRA/s400/2catch.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368754482094714434" /></a><br /><br />March 11, 2009, Day 2, 7:30 pm – One of the most exciting days of my life!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlwXieufemLZGH9OiAOhUp_gMnSWPJdwErxmQJikPBBIhNaYTo6WYhRd78m4v8WCijNM1HixZMpAr_6blaWEyr6x30zFALzfIfw7Wx0h_PpmUqcq3-zCIKd2QjDN56QMDPH3APWWjwrM/s1600-h/trap1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlwXieufemLZGH9OiAOhUp_gMnSWPJdwErxmQJikPBBIhNaYTo6WYhRd78m4v8WCijNM1HixZMpAr_6blaWEyr6x30zFALzfIfw7Wx0h_PpmUqcq3-zCIKd2QjDN56QMDPH3APWWjwrM/s400/trap1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368754636288945042" /></a><br /><br />Transporting her home in the SUV. She was scared and had lost control of her bowels. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYPX3WlrHo40tP-JcHjauroIialJ2gACenhmLXeTTgHbc-0PJf0mrCHSDa3CCjmzWNHfgA0rcCNUNNQlIoDNC2cj2YtqAXRvXpCoxJQAh6qw2_Vme1BQyF68PMBXTsn1rbaKUKM_J_08/s1600-h/trap2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYPX3WlrHo40tP-JcHjauroIialJ2gACenhmLXeTTgHbc-0PJf0mrCHSDa3CCjmzWNHfgA0rcCNUNNQlIoDNC2cj2YtqAXRvXpCoxJQAh6qw2_Vme1BQyF68PMBXTsn1rbaKUKM_J_08/s400/trap2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368754783526587026" /></a><br /><br />She cowered between the fence and the dog house and didn't move all night.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDPb9NeBMNB4IhYQghyHTCeQpYwIpGBR9-ODvwT73xJhR2RUnRHyf5WjMJkfwTKS6lPbIThKykVm_Aj5E0iRU76oKchJqTwmuZiCcjZf89-aLLu_j06tpHH1PY9jdatrxzgZ_GkGUpM8/s1600-h/day1_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDPb9NeBMNB4IhYQghyHTCeQpYwIpGBR9-ODvwT73xJhR2RUnRHyf5WjMJkfwTKS6lPbIThKykVm_Aj5E0iRU76oKchJqTwmuZiCcjZf89-aLLu_j06tpHH1PY9jdatrxzgZ_GkGUpM8/s400/day1_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368755124838772370" /></a><br /><br />We added a tarp to keep her dry. We took the flap off the dog house, turned it so she could see the opening, and she bolted inside as soon as I turned my back. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_AIGegYxZWnUVOvylfnBR66x4rI7uUxUXj1t5znnl_gx4RZHFIyMFj50PQ-g9KB_U4HPvlLJE8MQX6P2HbKCJhr6J02TvaIdKIUInNTak8cjeUHQfPUy1TPnYqxPjCkr_jl4JymyDag/s1600-h/day1_6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_AIGegYxZWnUVOvylfnBR66x4rI7uUxUXj1t5znnl_gx4RZHFIyMFj50PQ-g9KB_U4HPvlLJE8MQX6P2HbKCJhr6J02TvaIdKIUInNTak8cjeUHQfPUy1TPnYqxPjCkr_jl4JymyDag/s400/day1_6.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368755433846342674" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8Z2GWAL84vg2FRIC3M7vq2KSk6W12ZnGuWVLEKhkvlPBjygSaCWzy06md981JRRTM-GknpB4UUOn1wPsXqF6heKlz5xHz9IzlD4BuZ_uZR1jSF05LJu22OSG0k4zoHV0uLmnk0J0vEk/s1600-h/day1_10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8Z2GWAL84vg2FRIC3M7vq2KSk6W12ZnGuWVLEKhkvlPBjygSaCWzy06md981JRRTM-GknpB4UUOn1wPsXqF6heKlz5xHz9IzlD4BuZ_uZR1jSF05LJu22OSG0k4zoHV0uLmnk0J0vEk/s400/day1_10.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368755629416983122" /></a><br /><br />Three nights later she came out for the first time to use the bathroom.<br /><br />On the 6th day I removed the top of her dog house and her rehabilitation officially began. The sun was out after several days of rain and it was time for her to see her new home and yard. She immediately jumped in the lid to get away from me. She jumped in the lid everyday that first week. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8JYxM8ds5mPcc1h07UZUgbrafsPUTeoq-IPpMydJCJixvOZRBeFj7OB-RUYa-hRx6tVKqTecdl1qLw9CeaQooFJLruCiT5awak-EqdXNOObhIoWvrqw4jzJpp1gNxxuZPxe-EfTYbuY/s1600-h/S5000711.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8JYxM8ds5mPcc1h07UZUgbrafsPUTeoq-IPpMydJCJixvOZRBeFj7OB-RUYa-hRx6tVKqTecdl1qLw9CeaQooFJLruCiT5awak-EqdXNOObhIoWvrqw4jzJpp1gNxxuZPxe-EfTYbuY/s400/S5000711.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368755922008676690" /></a><br /><br />My first attempt at making a video after she was home 10 weeks. She had bonded with me, but was very fearful of everyone and everything around her.<br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/66uw4pXEOXY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/66uw4pXEOXY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br />You can make a difference in the life of a stray animal.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NC7qZTj8S1sr5X05JhhNQQSsSmUTm9ZsAbYe7I-tC4F58RDIvrtvFeGR-xyjrRxNNJ1hhPmv794F3wTKQY_IBTleTVKb4G45PYdKlezDnAZ6smj4el1vVWSWkyRGROgy_QQ9-OAVxBM/s1600-h/S5002261.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NC7qZTj8S1sr5X05JhhNQQSsSmUTm9ZsAbYe7I-tC4F58RDIvrtvFeGR-xyjrRxNNJ1hhPmv794F3wTKQY_IBTleTVKb4G45PYdKlezDnAZ6smj4el1vVWSWkyRGROgy_QQ9-OAVxBM/s400/S5002261.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368757983517895938" /></a>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-1914198148686361682009-08-09T12:46:00.031-05:002009-08-10T00:03:01.936-05:00Breaking through fear related issuesDarlin’ is making a tremendous amount of progress. While she would still prefer that no one else lived in the house except me, she’s doing really well trying to adjust to my family and overcoming some fear based issues.<br /><br />In the living room one evening, but still fearful. See how her tail is low.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#990000;">click on all images to enlarge, then click the BACK button.</span></em><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVbEMNUG1Fjz9wwZQnYKwbi_sK1PiCMlCTewksRDb1FkxM9FF8SPaZIYoJ96UblV30WhUVM0IK-SLY1QcpGBAAB6XgIk671Q4d5UymiYvtpiakKVKJ-XdqS57IDsfpqAWAPhFutmOAdo/s1600-h/S5002420.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368023905167470242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVbEMNUG1Fjz9wwZQnYKwbi_sK1PiCMlCTewksRDb1FkxM9FF8SPaZIYoJ96UblV30WhUVM0IK-SLY1QcpGBAAB6XgIk671Q4d5UymiYvtpiakKVKJ-XdqS57IDsfpqAWAPhFutmOAdo/s400/S5002420.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsNIyunvBvLZnW9d3cawDGpVgzhH6s1lbjW61Ze3tsba5doKwbfqcnNEINoqHXhFRJIK79cuLHrMlFw8HbtI-rUHTdeCAVOYlLWs-xjGM9CmiUjzj1FUVOX3GqcwTliJXq9bKkfDRCe0/s1600-h/S5002539.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368024209543028658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsNIyunvBvLZnW9d3cawDGpVgzhH6s1lbjW61Ze3tsba5doKwbfqcnNEINoqHXhFRJIK79cuLHrMlFw8HbtI-rUHTdeCAVOYlLWs-xjGM9CmiUjzj1FUVOX3GqcwTliJXq9bKkfDRCe0/s400/S5002539.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q-kcmHsW-HJeSIA39dwNl4VRyyJ4Ebw__hyphenhyphenO91FUCow9a8g73yorfJFCNSTVCq3eAWAreCM3ZVgt6-bU6LpevWM_Pi6Vt90opQvCUPCz8C-9WctTCgZGBy30m4A6q1irBXl6lLFiT1U/s1600-h/S5002446.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368024490451853938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q-kcmHsW-HJeSIA39dwNl4VRyyJ4Ebw__hyphenhyphenO91FUCow9a8g73yorfJFCNSTVCq3eAWAreCM3ZVgt6-bU6LpevWM_Pi6Vt90opQvCUPCz8C-9WctTCgZGBy30m4A6q1irBXl6lLFiT1U/s400/S5002446.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sometimes it’s obvious that her body doesn’t work in sync with what she’s trying to achieve. She wants to be in the same room while other family members are there, but she trembles so bad most people just couldn’t imagine. She sits at my feet in the kitchen frequently and hides behind my legs. If my husband or children walk in for a drink or to speak to me, she won’t run away like she use to. She does tremble and will scoot closer to me, but the key here is that she stays put and her feet aren’t sliding out from under her trying to get away.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ5f37zatCA_cXlP9bFNdofzDtvUmBjy9jV4gpiw_sySvGMs179FvsbWJiiaJgL4MgXKZkr5EluXnsn7faWFI3AYpsx9X4HFGUnwfmtSSND8oISj-PoZV3x6L-vHpe-4MOKGsFO5dGTk/s1600-h/S5002703.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368024885405765698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ5f37zatCA_cXlP9bFNdofzDtvUmBjy9jV4gpiw_sySvGMs179FvsbWJiiaJgL4MgXKZkr5EluXnsn7faWFI3AYpsx9X4HFGUnwfmtSSND8oISj-PoZV3x6L-vHpe-4MOKGsFO5dGTk/s400/S5002703.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I use to reach down and rub her ears during times like that, or I would tell her she was fine and doing great. I’ve realized it’s time to stop comforting her when she shows any anxiety whatsoever. She trusts me completely now, which I needed her to do. I truly believe it has been love and affection that got her this far in almost 5 months. I’m ignoring all signs of stress and anxiety that I see in her, but when she is in a relaxed calm state of mind I give her affection and praise.<br /><br />I no longer have to put a leash on her to get her out of my office. She will come out, sometimes hesitant or slow to react, but she will pass through the living room to get to the back door. Even when someone else is on the couch or in the kitchen. That’s a huge step for her!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFfcYlVv9jDPhCt5ivTJYhvH-RQRfLNna9axghm9uFIioB4fimIEXuxCmi0DxNyIVx0jjCReGN-aIFBDe9Y5uY0rBFskPbSOhhLq_RAhqIXRPv-tp6YKbPtQ0KB4WELWhEBeQ8vjqILw/s1600-h/S5002518.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368025140012462434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFfcYlVv9jDPhCt5ivTJYhvH-RQRfLNna9axghm9uFIioB4fimIEXuxCmi0DxNyIVx0jjCReGN-aIFBDe9Y5uY0rBFskPbSOhhLq_RAhqIXRPv-tp6YKbPtQ0KB4WELWhEBeQ8vjqILw/s400/S5002518.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I’ve mentioned in previous posts that Darlin’ displayed some separation anxiety since we’ve bonded. She still whimpers when I come home and she still looks out the glass at the front door. I managed to get a picture one day of what I see when I come up the steps. She even stands up looking in the back door if I leave her out too long. I need to correct that also, but I’m careful right now. There have been a few times that I corrected her where she acted fearful of me. She doesn’t do it constantly and she’s certainly not hurting anything looking in the door standing on her back feet.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJREVkIIJDNPKZpoxfPoWZX-DmqXOh9zAajit6OuzffIn3YtnX6L1KbV6dO6CNCIoVQigQigauhTiWb6P3Typwafh5j0hbIkpDBJgi8RmnLeJ5ZrhjTJB_BnOxVARzLyUygAYheN6B_tE/s1600-h/S5002418.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368025545127398738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJREVkIIJDNPKZpoxfPoWZX-DmqXOh9zAajit6OuzffIn3YtnX6L1KbV6dO6CNCIoVQigQigauhTiWb6P3Typwafh5j0hbIkpDBJgi8RmnLeJ5ZrhjTJB_BnOxVARzLyUygAYheN6B_tE/s400/S5002418.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Darlin’ has become more confident and assertive. Sometimes she’ll low growl or low bark at my family when they step outside and she’s in the yard. It’s happened a few times when she’s sitting next to my feet in the kitchen. It’s more like a bark through her cheeks, like a warning or an alert that she is there. She’s being a little protective and territorial, but I correct her and tell her firmly, “No” and she stops. No one seems to mind her growling, but my family will be her caregivers at times and I want her to enjoy everyone. Besides, I won’t allow her to growl at anyone unless it’s a stranger entering the house or yard without my knowledge. She’s harmless, but she has finally found her voice.<br /><br />She acts a little camera shy, always turning her head away when I start taking pictures.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUUyb5dD22feXwvTTLM4Ev6aW8W9MdAhPuEx57HeP0XK4ZYRvWClsa1_h2S6H_fLNR1IxB96RWyx9u61ffMdmBTy4VnQvXm_hB67567kJB_TEomHfeMFAUEHBrjH018CNEmGR6i3qpFY/s1600-h/S5002433.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368025845179714866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUUyb5dD22feXwvTTLM4Ev6aW8W9MdAhPuEx57HeP0XK4ZYRvWClsa1_h2S6H_fLNR1IxB96RWyx9u61ffMdmBTy4VnQvXm_hB67567kJB_TEomHfeMFAUEHBrjH018CNEmGR6i3qpFY/s400/S5002433.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Last week I went out of town. I hate leaving Darlin’ because I know how she shuts down when I’m not around. She went potty at 4:30 am because I left at 5 am. I called my son a few hours later to ask him to let Darlin out to potty. He said he heard her feet on the woods floors a lot that morning. She kept walking back and forth between my office and our bedroom. I think she was probably looking for me or maybe just felt unsettled. This house is Darlin’s safe haven; I can see that by how she is constantly focused on the back door. My son left the back door open, but she wouldn’t go outside so I asked my daughter to carry her out. My thinking was if they carry her to the deck, and then take a few steps behind her, she would run down, mostly out of fear, but the intent was to get her to the yard. Once in the yard she would potty and if they left the door open she would run back inside.<br /><br />Well it seems they tried to pick her up from her bed in my bedroom. She jumped out and cowered between the nightstand and the wall so they left her to calm down. Later when they tried again she ran down to the landing in the house so they opened the downstairs door and followed her that way. At that point she had not used the bathroom in 10 hours. My daughter said she trickled and dropped a little mess on her way. That was the first time she ever pottied in the house, although it wasn’t intentional on her part. I know it was from fear. I was afraid she would loose control of her bowels if they picked her up. She did relieve herself and ran back inside. I was told that she actually came back up the stairs only a few feet behind my daughter’s boyfriend. I returned home around 8 pm and immediately called Darlin to go outside. She whimpered and was excited to see me, ran downstairs to the yard, and immediately had a bowel movement right after her feet hit the grass. Poor dog!<br /><br />We spent time together on the couch before bed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJII9JHnu8WmhWveNwiMZLANiq_e159MMZh-R6fknkjRtv2Ts4__EP-1dLEbP5gM7ZZDe3095FoVWav-52ugcxk-r7ErOg2Z_usINqdDh3wdZNDIFcgpLxDJSPZ_ya4zZCSNWgDZAnSv0/s1600-h/S5002467.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368026130370829970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJII9JHnu8WmhWveNwiMZLANiq_e159MMZh-R6fknkjRtv2Ts4__EP-1dLEbP5gM7ZZDe3095FoVWav-52ugcxk-r7ErOg2Z_usINqdDh3wdZNDIFcgpLxDJSPZ_ya4zZCSNWgDZAnSv0/s400/S5002467.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have to admit I had concerns about housebreaking a mature dog that has lived outside on her own. The strangest thing happened; I never had housebreaking issues with her! My friend, Sandra, may have hit the nail on the head as to why Darlin won’t mess in the house. She said that maybe it’s because Darlin had always used the bathroom outside so to her it’s natural to go in the yard. I can’t think of any other reason myself. It’s been a real blessing not having to deal with her relieving herself indoors because training a fearful dog is not easy. Heck, living with a fearful dog is a challenge in itself. I do know since living with Darlin’ that she never bonded with a family or lived indoors, nor did she have any social skills with other dogs.<br /><br />Speaking of socializing: She ran after Bonnie (JRT) when Bonnie chased the Frisbee the other day! It was exciting to see! Bonnie turned around and looked at her as surprised as I was! She usually whimpers wanting to play, but the dogs don’t pay her any attention, probably because the whimpering suggests some kind of instability. She’ll learn because she has come a long way already.<br /><br />One day Darlin’ was walking through the living room and picked up a toy on her way through. Later I found that she took it to her mat under my desk. It was so cute to see her show interest in a toy and it was such a pleasure to see her with a toy in her mouth. I try to throw balls for her or offer her toys, but she doesn’t know what to do with them. The balls usually scare her so she’ll run away.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9XmWf9od86xepxpqOdIHCnZf0t0X4PHaJFFQP_d7VfWaR2YfKGwTGffzm4isq9hBGsHzV2CTwSDYIOZk8UIstVVx4OKwM2EWdMcudAAGHWXqrSnjIl_ZHFOc0dVOQPaLgGfWbthn34k/s1600-h/S5002375.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368026405056562354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9XmWf9od86xepxpqOdIHCnZf0t0X4PHaJFFQP_d7VfWaR2YfKGwTGffzm4isq9hBGsHzV2CTwSDYIOZk8UIstVVx4OKwM2EWdMcudAAGHWXqrSnjIl_ZHFOc0dVOQPaLgGfWbthn34k/s400/S5002375.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Guess who sits for her treats? I started asking her to sit for her treat while holding it above her nose so that she would have to back up. At first she acted like I was teasing her and eventually turned or walked away. Then I used more tempting treats, like boiled chicken, cheese, and salami. Ha! That worked, but she turned ever so slightly to the side and sat. That was enough for me because she was sitting. Now she comes in the kitchen with the other dogs and she’ll sit before I tell her. Last night I did tell her to sit because she had her eyes on my husband in the dining room, but she sat so pretty.<br /><br />Two nights ago I took the dogs out back. I almost always go out with them because if I don’t Darlin will stand at the back door waiting for me. You’ve heard of moms with a baby attached to their hip, well I’m one with a dog attached to mine. Two dogs actually, Toby, my broken coat JRT rescue, is the other. So I went down with the dogs, then I peeked my head in the downstairs door and let my daughter and her boyfriend know I was there and for them to come out. If they had been outside already, Darlin’ wouldn’t have gone potty. I let her do her business and then we could sit and visit. Previously if anyone else was outside, Darlin’ would run to the back corner of the yard and wait for me to get up to go back in the house. Once I started back up the stairs she would run across the yard and up the steps following just a few steps behind me. She still has the best pack manners and always allows me to lead the way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm4tDElvdqYb5aWbVsnX1gTWelF21Ramo70EmsZdZvy1SUJi4431xVG1JQ0I7gRLy-Sxf7MvHdGmA98iLTKqlOdJv40LVHTM1QfzvMMf52w3khuxlfGwKiQQ72zLey3PCceENDm4RD28/s1600-h/S5002599.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368027031784512258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm4tDElvdqYb5aWbVsnX1gTWelF21Ramo70EmsZdZvy1SUJi4431xVG1JQ0I7gRLy-Sxf7MvHdGmA98iLTKqlOdJv40LVHTM1QfzvMMf52w3khuxlfGwKiQQ72zLey3PCceENDm4RD28/s400/S5002599.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thursday night she sat next to my feet trembling as we all sat around the patio table talking. She was just 4-6 feet away from my daughter and her boyfriend! A few minutes later she crawled under my chair and stayed there until we went back inside. That was a huge step for her in learning to trust and be near my children. These children I speak of are young adults themselves, not little kids running around the yard.<br /><br />She’s always watching the doors, even when she's sitting at my feet.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn5hwzSQqSwSF4F7xICkGwwqnlZBv32vAApv9ZZvpZZfnyox7G-MHN30kxxd5yGwNHkMF09eyXJLkstnl_pfZOG_EysJpERkG1gRZEUtKStIduzQFXbwEcmMveIzGntFH6omj9xaa6YY/s1600-h/S5002580.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368027258772985730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn5hwzSQqSwSF4F7xICkGwwqnlZBv32vAApv9ZZvpZZfnyox7G-MHN30kxxd5yGwNHkMF09eyXJLkstnl_pfZOG_EysJpERkG1gRZEUtKStIduzQFXbwEcmMveIzGntFH6omj9xaa6YY/s400/S5002580.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Darlin loves her house and yard so much. She’s so happy when she lets down her guard, although she remains fixated on the back door most everyday. She’s been prancing around with her tail so high, she really is a beautiful sight. Just a week ago she would come in the back door so fearful that she would slide through the living room trying to make her getaway to the spot under my desk in my office. If I could coax her to the couch, I would sit next to her and ask my husband to close the door for me. She would scoot in closer to me while hiding from him, she still does that today. I remember one night last week sitting outside watching her scratch her back in the grass and thinking that if I didn’t go outside with Darlin’, she would never stretch her legs. She would lie under my desk all day long, holding her bladder of necessary. I’m sure I’m repeating myself from previous posts, and if I am, well some things haven’t changed yet. I’m watching for signs that she’ll want to go out on her own, either to be outside or because she needs to use the bathroom.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2NwS1YM1nQYw9IvHTL5Hce9VD69CAnSyjje63eZcmHxVCP-_mmpj4IadVXxusf7rQkp_d-OyC0biMyXK45eB8elIik9I-c0Ov8ZnJrnmWco52q0QbmIEjnddNCdONMgj68qSozQtkTQ/s1600-h/S5002570.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368027585441438434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2NwS1YM1nQYw9IvHTL5Hce9VD69CAnSyjje63eZcmHxVCP-_mmpj4IadVXxusf7rQkp_d-OyC0biMyXK45eB8elIik9I-c0Ov8ZnJrnmWco52q0QbmIEjnddNCdONMgj68qSozQtkTQ/s400/S5002570.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPJlhkmFvvwmJ21pX69KiUM_YUGPJg-3QLSpODau9REsuU9IKjUqbBZe_aXjK35n2qKnSBXgr-G5iuiHryH9tUDddlRTvA-SBh5KMmBjgsmfUmf7xV1ekqQ5p-p3njkWVoBGV_-WAl40/s1600-h/S5002574.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368027898046369362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPJlhkmFvvwmJ21pX69KiUM_YUGPJg-3QLSpODau9REsuU9IKjUqbBZe_aXjK35n2qKnSBXgr-G5iuiHryH9tUDddlRTvA-SBh5KMmBjgsmfUmf7xV1ekqQ5p-p3njkWVoBGV_-WAl40/s400/S5002574.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HV0Vil4JGC2r7tJel9siaSvymxXBOhlenkL1nhwSjFKLUFoKCIyOE3tB3Gyd8qaIXHNqMc37cTqyq1vrbW2m40t7jQjE7KeCtK4NNen1sDIE-R-8Fj_FMv6kIRKQh_MCUJOPyiGbrPo/s1600-h/S5002575.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368028148082461154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HV0Vil4JGC2r7tJel9siaSvymxXBOhlenkL1nhwSjFKLUFoKCIyOE3tB3Gyd8qaIXHNqMc37cTqyq1vrbW2m40t7jQjE7KeCtK4NNen1sDIE-R-8Fj_FMv6kIRKQh_MCUJOPyiGbrPo/s400/S5002575.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I don’t have many pictures of her that look like this.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNhFnO2tFVmRjK1RjTFrpguehHsZPmRE7ed5Sz08dux4tHY1E57ME0eIJ8pkKLPaHWOVY4OF_SPIs7gFqb9qpjLsstWMhtmx3fncKKyVDCxzSJvv-9NYv4nxdKJBoUrlOxah-8Yj8LVU/s1600-h/S5002401.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368028514661969442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNhFnO2tFVmRjK1RjTFrpguehHsZPmRE7ed5Sz08dux4tHY1E57ME0eIJ8pkKLPaHWOVY4OF_SPIs7gFqb9qpjLsstWMhtmx3fncKKyVDCxzSJvv-9NYv4nxdKJBoUrlOxah-8Yj8LVU/s400/S5002401.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I need to keep my camera beside my bed because I would love for readers to see how happy she is in the mornings. She prances around the bedroom when I get up or if I lay there for a minute she comes over to my side and greets me in the morning. Most times she will not get out of her bed until my feet touch the floor, but occasionally she stretches out in the floor on my side after she hears my husband leave for work. She won’t go out with the other dogs when my husband lets them out first thing in the morning. Our dogs get a treat when they come back inside. Since she never gets out of bed until I do, my husband lays a treat down for her. This morning I heard her crunching after he left the room. Just the sound of her eating a treat that he left makes me happy for her. This dog wouldn’t eat anything while I was in the same room for weeks and before that she wouldn’t eat until after dark when the house was quiet.<br /><br />Normally I wouldn’t tell this to just anyone, but I want to share my joy with you. One morning last week I woke up and went to the bathroom. Darlin sometimes runs in, smells my husband’s clothes in the laundry basket, and runs back out. She’s happy, she knows I’m up, and that we’re about to go outside. Sniffing his scent on the laundry is a good thing too. So there I sit watching her run in and out of the bathroom. I called her to me, “Come here you sweet thing, give Mommy a kiss.” She runs up to me, bows her head, I kiss her on the forehead, and she turns around and prances back out of the bathroom. She was precious!!<br /><br />I started giving Darlin’ fish oil caps in her dinner because her shedding continues and the hair on her back is so coarse. After about a week I began noticing the difference in her coat. You can actually feel the moisture in her hair and it’s softened up a lot. She is still shedding, but it has slowed a lot. I inherited a Border Collie years ago after my customer died. Seriously! He had a terrible time with excess shedding and inflamed skin due to grass allergies. The Vet put him on fish oil, nothing else, and it cleared up right away so I knew it worked. Since Darlin’ was a stray her diet may have contributed to the condition of her coat as well. She probably had vitamin deficiencies; after all she was skin and bones when we met.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhGQUWmQovnoZ85Z2D20xknTWt10jiF9tlgI-dxDXFx5wsv2eBmtxyb2A47D1AkvmuZCrQ28fnjvGk4jDIejhFCQGeyilgy52fGF2PgDQOK0j_ovGr4QVOeUIzuKbrNlLpGCsOSNvI2s/s1600-h/S5002587.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368029295400131778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhGQUWmQovnoZ85Z2D20xknTWt10jiF9tlgI-dxDXFx5wsv2eBmtxyb2A47D1AkvmuZCrQ28fnjvGk4jDIejhFCQGeyilgy52fGF2PgDQOK0j_ovGr4QVOeUIzuKbrNlLpGCsOSNvI2s/s400/S5002587.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Her coat has dramatically changed since she’s shed so much of it. If you look up at the banner image, taken just a few weeks after trapping her, and you look at the pictures I’m posting today, you’ll notice she has lost all of the extra hair on her backside and quite a bit all over, including around her neck. I don’t know if her coat will grow back the way it was or if it will remain thinner now. The reason I wonder is because last year she lived outside all winter and this year she will be a house dog. I would think that a dog’s winter coat could change depending on their environment, but I haven’t done any research on the subject.<br /><br />My dad came to visit and finally got to meet Darlin’. I carried her outside because she wouldn’t come out on her own. He was surprised by her size because he thought she was bigger. True, she has a bigger dog look to her, but she is what most people would consider as a medium sized dog. She stands as tall as our Blue Heeler and maybe a little longer, but she weighs between 35-40 lbs. She’s tall and long legged, with a deep chest.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgF3nwtMs27XiXjF_NBfSwlaXVLl150f8D5jepcZ_I7I3h2bFP9V-mee2xRBCduDTTMhTdREh1RZ0n_mC8FGhQ_0qJgVUzN2dM2wIM7V6Rvvaa-LP64kRKfEjm8KL0NfsmPjWem82tQ0/s1600-h/S5002612.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368029845564610786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgF3nwtMs27XiXjF_NBfSwlaXVLl150f8D5jepcZ_I7I3h2bFP9V-mee2xRBCduDTTMhTdREh1RZ0n_mC8FGhQ_0qJgVUzN2dM2wIM7V6Rvvaa-LP64kRKfEjm8KL0NfsmPjWem82tQ0/s400/S5002612.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSp7t_01i1UhvaFbJ4VBTpr3kuPUfDcFWhr5BLheAEX_i8m-iKPsRdt87E-0kJCBDgDEouki6WdVZO1IXl0EihnR526ndLC3vK96KaSG93ck0uHFbuefMXP3rpwr1R51Hd5wekY7GcuA/s1600-h/S5002647.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368030055735230322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSp7t_01i1UhvaFbJ4VBTpr3kuPUfDcFWhr5BLheAEX_i8m-iKPsRdt87E-0kJCBDgDEouki6WdVZO1IXl0EihnR526ndLC3vK96KaSG93ck0uHFbuefMXP3rpwr1R51Hd5wekY7GcuA/s400/S5002647.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3EjuCgqemV1rSS07BBFNShKofQ5hq6FzCgbPLYyBZdzI1CxGR36El4rmGnuOUdqPxftplJC4uj4kexXTCC5L-z77IVjrD9nhAkjOJlWenRNCTStOS9jo6b58l_xZkbf3VwAuCLcqmjI/s1600-h/S5002649.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368030250762063026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3EjuCgqemV1rSS07BBFNShKofQ5hq6FzCgbPLYyBZdzI1CxGR36El4rmGnuOUdqPxftplJC4uj4kexXTCC5L-z77IVjrD9nhAkjOJlWenRNCTStOS9jo6b58l_xZkbf3VwAuCLcqmjI/s400/S5002649.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUJwAzB9jgN23WTp6jw5M300Doeu78SFC8Mg8q1MukwzjBoVHN6xuzNshb7dWU5PPp3mjN2FUraXUtA8kFk4takm6LbuQCrB-1Wu3GAJ6sZNHixe5emzNohzw76YwNTWZm75kTEoDm9Q/s1600-h/S5002638.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368030496221812338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUJwAzB9jgN23WTp6jw5M300Doeu78SFC8Mg8q1MukwzjBoVHN6xuzNshb7dWU5PPp3mjN2FUraXUtA8kFk4takm6LbuQCrB-1Wu3GAJ6sZNHixe5emzNohzw76YwNTWZm75kTEoDm9Q/s400/S5002638.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Darlin has eaten in the kitchen every night for at least two weeks now! I have called her from my office, but most days she hears me open the cans of food and knows what I’m doing. So I now have 5 dogs waiting for dinner, all are calm and patient, except my hyper Eskimo Spitz that talks the entire time. I’m usually preparing the bowls when Darlin runs in from my office and scoots in tight next to my feet. Sam (blue heeler) gets his bowl first, then Chloe (Eskie) eats closer to Sam. Then Darlin gets hers on the rug in front of the stove, and Bonnie and Toby. Toby and Bonnie, my Jack Russell’s, don’t eat much at all. They eat the chicken on top of their food and lick the chicken broth I pour over it. Darlin’ is still very hesitant and not completely comfortable eating. I stand with my back against the sink and watch. If she stops eating I tell her to “eat” and she will. She takes a bite of food, and then looks up to make sure the coast is clear before having another bite. Very similar to how she ate when I fed her at the tree before trapping her. Sometimes when she has her head up looking around, Toby will go over and start licking the broth out of her bowl. She doesn’t care at all, she’ll stick her nose back in the bowl right next to his and eat some more. He’s taking advantage because Darlin’ is protective of him and treats him like her puppy sometimes. Darlin’ shows weakness when she exhibits insecure behavior which makes it easier for any dog to take advantage. It has happened, but I’m not allowing Toby to continue the behavior. I don’t want him to intrude while she’s eating and he has learn to respect her too.<br /><br />Toby leaning up against Darlin.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG9Sflt_8rNRxX2XuCtGxqbDuhxgkZBQqK20CXfKFulm3T5S2iz-r2VhRKBg7tXtfulB8Slw6yonFBsiUnoRtbB6jxsDiDzEaQ-P4nnFrrcWXCh-Zx2Wq6y49HdJKZRC8x4BD39deZqQ/s1600-h/S5002695.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368030808712840402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG9Sflt_8rNRxX2XuCtGxqbDuhxgkZBQqK20CXfKFulm3T5S2iz-r2VhRKBg7tXtfulB8Slw6yonFBsiUnoRtbB6jxsDiDzEaQ-P4nnFrrcWXCh-Zx2Wq6y49HdJKZRC8x4BD39deZqQ/s400/S5002695.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cesar Millan had a show on recently spotlighting Baby Girl, a Doberman Pincher, possibly mixed with greyhound. She was fearful of thunderstorms, fearful of the kitchen cabinets being open, fearful of a lot of things. She lost a lot of weight when he had her at his Dog Psychology Center and he tried everything to get her to eat. Darlin’s fear issues are/was worse than Baby Girl. No camera man could ever walk in this house and film Darlin, she’s just too fearful of people to come out. I did see many similarities in Darlin and Baby Girl, but I also saw in Baby Girl things I have not witnessed in Darlin’. I would be terrified myself that if Cesar took Darlin to his dog psychology center that it would set her back. My comments have nothing to do with trusting Cesar’s ability to help a fearful dog; it’s that I know my Darlin. Cesar always says he’d rather work with an aggressive dog or red zone case than a fearful dog. I know exactly where he’s coming from. Fearful dogs need a lot of time to come around on their own. I can’t believe it’s been 5 months since I brought her home. It may seem like a long time, but the months have flown by. In addition, I have read many stories of fearful dogs, some took years to rehabilitate. Five months is a drop in the bucket.<br /><br /><em>I’d like to interject about my comments regarding Cesar Millan. I watch a lot of dog shows, not just dog training shows. I agree with many of the techniques that Cesar uses to train dogs, but I also disagree with other methods. I've often wondered how Cesar would handle a dog like Darlin’, then I think about some of the methods he’s used to push a dog past their limitations and I realize Darlin’ is in the best place for her rehabilitation. Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations are keys to avoiding problems and building a relationship with your dog. Mastering the walk may be essential to your dog’s health and happiness. Although I know from my own experience with dogs in my life that there are a lot of dogs that don’t need a routine walk to be good dogs and family pets.</em><br /><br />Darlin’ crossed a major threshold this weekend. This is the first weekend that she has ever walked around the house passing family members. She may take a detour through the kitchen or behind the couch, but she has surprised us all. She does not like to be alone. I know this because I’m with her when no one else is in the house. She’s such a normal dog when we are alone now. Every time I leave a room, she is right beside me. This weekend her behavior is very similar to those times. Today I stood in the dining room next to my husband while he showed me something on his computer. When I left the room we realized Darlin’ had been sitting directly behind my husband’s chair the entire time! We are all extremely proud of her!<br /><br />I can’t comprehend why someone would dump or abandon this dog, or any dog for that matter. There is something special about her spirit and something in her eyes that makes me want to comfort her. She actually licked my foot when we were sitting on the couch last week and she has licked my hand a couple of times. I’m not much into kissing and licking dogs, I’d rather be the one that kisses, but what she did meant a lot to me. I actually hope she licks me in the face by surprise someday. Darlin’ is respectful of the other dogs and looks up to her canine leader (me). I have put my hand under her muzzle, lifting her head high, as I kiss her on her head, the top of her nose, or the side of her face. I have never had the slightest concern that she would bite. She is the gentlest dog with so much love to give. I see that when she smiles outside as she runs over to me like a small child happy to meet with her parent’s approval for something she’s done. I can’t help but love Darlin’, she makes it so easy. I tell her often that I’m happy she’s here and that she’ll always have a loving family.<br /><br />Over the last month I’ve worked with rescues, one long distance rescue that took a lot of me time-wise and emotionally, but there was a happy ending. I worked at my business and my own computer was down. This month I hope to do better. I have a feeling Darlin’ will be making quite a few changes to her lifestyle over the next few months. I can see it coming by the way she’s stepping out showing more trust and confidence this weekend.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKDZyoah4T58zRKCp1I-YnOgpQqOMhKzGRQJ-EpHXpoVllwBB4O3AVy-gA2re9wPSFF5mSzbT5x9qTWqzgGs7-8yuUaPsc-2z2kngVp-PWa0AHTtwhepFe6YpwYFfWNwOhpphAa3e6e0/s1600-h/S5002606.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368031645382327554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKDZyoah4T58zRKCp1I-YnOgpQqOMhKzGRQJ-EpHXpoVllwBB4O3AVy-gA2re9wPSFF5mSzbT5x9qTWqzgGs7-8yuUaPsc-2z2kngVp-PWa0AHTtwhepFe6YpwYFfWNwOhpphAa3e6e0/s400/S5002606.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfyDTSUtYy6qqO9C7Qi9GKm_nR27V09oX11Bv0pIPnSfPIXEAGGMiWmZxQzYNZsLzm-r329zU4rhCLU5g8pc0jBMN_dv15yWnfD0TLscQz2urrTwGEBz7gKOQhZmNOv-UgUGYBM3pXao/s1600-h/S5002603.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368031851230762482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfyDTSUtYy6qqO9C7Qi9GKm_nR27V09oX11Bv0pIPnSfPIXEAGGMiWmZxQzYNZsLzm-r329zU4rhCLU5g8pc0jBMN_dv15yWnfD0TLscQz2urrTwGEBz7gKOQhZmNOv-UgUGYBM3pXao/s400/S5002603.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIh8b2lQfzhSbXETsEphCDu6vfChzikc6RZ6vFim4ULKmq47FXhWSwvdrlYHao-2sUaG6GIZd_ggVIMzG6IooEZzueemedjnUX4Lr_OOcXnMd0dndwyYuExOSYr2Q5KKT8Lz9rM4zWHg/s1600-h/S5002634.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368032092641551250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIh8b2lQfzhSbXETsEphCDu6vfChzikc6RZ6vFim4ULKmq47FXhWSwvdrlYHao-2sUaG6GIZd_ggVIMzG6IooEZzueemedjnUX4Lr_OOcXnMd0dndwyYuExOSYr2Q5KKT8Lz9rM4zWHg/s400/S5002634.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Whatcha got Mom?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijboRQcdxEJoyXRZV6rlsRMC4qdOIyayG-UJ1goGU4kO5dGc-DtMnbJpe5H0e2jBwxoT-Zl9xXjjZLHUHNZxuM96iv3fs0c09Beqc2Wi_VK465fvTr3HEvtgnd8SWlKmlXjE5iIFMbWww/s1600-h/S5002683.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368032454268785682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijboRQcdxEJoyXRZV6rlsRMC4qdOIyayG-UJ1goGU4kO5dGc-DtMnbJpe5H0e2jBwxoT-Zl9xXjjZLHUHNZxuM96iv3fs0c09Beqc2Wi_VK465fvTr3HEvtgnd8SWlKmlXjE5iIFMbWww/s400/S5002683.JPG" border="0" /></a>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-91293968739971123852009-07-09T17:40:00.005-05:002009-07-09T18:04:09.038-05:00A new lesson for Darlin'I went out shopping for just a bit today. Darlin' ran to the front door practically trying to stick her nose through as I closed the door behind me. When I got in the car I heard her barking! That's the first time she barked when I left home. I left, didn't go back inside, and figured she would stop... hoped so anyway.<br /><br />Gosh, in the time I was gone her behavior and attachment to me crossed my mind several times. I've watched enough dog behavior shows to know what I don't want! Seems I have to work on how much attention she gets and she's going to have to learn to be without me.<br /><br />When I came home I heard her barking again. It seemed to have started after I opened my car door. She sounds so much like a hound dog with hollow sounding bark, not quite a bay, certainly different. I reached the top step half expecting to see her face in the glass again, but I didn't, I saw that she had both feet there and her face! Feet spread out with her nose practically against the glass! Next time I take my camera. It's funny, I just chuckled when I thought about it, but this can turn into a behavioral issue if I don't nip it in the bud.<br /><br />I walked in and put my things away. Five excited dogs make getting to the kitchen table with groceries a chore, but I didn't speak, I just put my things away. She was so cute running around me, getting in front of me, so happy to see me! Good thing I had dark sunglasses on because it was hard not to look at her. It didn't take but a minute or two and all was quiet in the house. She's attached to me now, almost too attached. If that's the reason she stopped running the other night then that's a good thing, but I never could have seen this coming! Perhaps I should have. She's so fearful and fearful dogs have more anxiety issues that other dogs. It's going to take some work on both of our parts to get her to relax when I leave the house.Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-65465421750296535092009-07-09T13:58:00.002-05:002009-07-09T14:04:30.858-05:00Fear and Separation AnxietyI think Darlin’ has some separation anxiety. I’ve had concerns about this for the last month because when I come home from shopping or going out for a while she whimpers for me. Yesterday I went to the grocery store. As soon as I get my purse Toby always runs to the front door and sits there wagging his tail looking back over his shoulder like I’m going to pick him and take him with me. Like so many other times, I tell him I’ll be right back and I tell the dogs that follow me to the door to get back. Well, I say “back”. The door becomes my space. My Eskie (Chloe) use to bolt out the door so I’ve learned to claim the space which helped control the times I had to chase Chloe through the neighborhood. She is the most challenging dog I have ever owned.<br /><br />Just like the day before when I went to Pet Smart, Darlin' followed me to the front door. That was one of the reasons I chose to walk her that night, I thought it was time she saw what was out there on the other side. I stuck my foot out and told her to get back. She practically had her nose in the door as I closed it behind me! She let out a yelp for the first time that I know of when I left the house. What followed next really surprised me! I heard someone scratching at the front door and I have never in all my years of owning dogs heard a dog scratch at my door! <br /><br />I put my purse in the car and started the air conditioner. I went back inside as though I forgot something to see what was going on and to look at the door for scratches. That door is not something I care to replace because it was expensive. All of the dogs, Darlin’ included, acted like I had been gone all day and I wasn't outside more than a minute. So I walked out again telling her to get back. I was gone less than an hour and when I returned I walked up the steps with bags in my hand. The first thing I did was look through the beveled glass to see if I could get a glimpse of the dogs waiting for me. What do I see? A brown dogs head trying to look through the glass! She was standing there on her hind legs! Not at the door, but trying to look out the glass! I’ve seen her standing at the door at night and that’s why I thought she looked like a kangaroo. I went inside and she was just as excited as the rest of the dogs, but she yelped and barked too! She was calling attention to herself because everyone else was getting attention. <br /><br />This may not seem like a big deal if you are new to reading this blog, but this same dog will defecate if a stranger handles her. She did last week when I asked my husband to bring her to me. He sat her down on the couch next to me and I immediately asked “What’s that smell?” She was fine two days ago when my husband carried her home for me. She is an extremely fearful dog that is still learning to trust people. <br /><br />I think one of the great things about having a pack of dogs is that they learn from each other and they have each other when people are not around. However, Darlin' bonded with me, not the dogs. It was my intention to have her learn to trust me before the dogs. I actually read that keeping a feral dog separated from other dogs was the way to go so that the dog would learn to trust the handler first. That was easy enough considering I had my other dog’s safety in mind too. Now I’m wondering if she is too attached to me. <br /><br />I have two days to help correct this situation because I’m going out of town all day on Sunday and the dogs will be alone. The dogs will have access to the backyard. No one can get in our yard and they would be crazy to try with five dogs. Besides that, our lawn maintenance guy attempted to unlock the gate once without checking to see if the dogs were out. Sam (our blue heeler) jumped up for his arm as he reached across and I have never seen a man come away from a fence so fast! We were all outside. Sam’s bark is enough to scare most people off. He’s a big baby though. If you enter through the front door he will love you and submit to you by turning over and offering his tummy. Darlin’ doesn’t stay outside with the dogs much, nor does she follow them, but I’m sure if I’m not around she’ll catch on. I can’t help but have some concerns about her scratching at the front door and I hope it will be a good day for her even though I’m not home.<br /><br />I told my daughter about Darlin’s behavior yesterday. She said, “Mom, you are everything to Darlin’, she had nothing before you.” That’s true, but my hopes for her is that she learns to live as a pack member and family pet and that she doesn’t develop an unhealthy attachment to me. <br /><br />I spoil my dogs, I can’t help it. Mostly with affection, then I spoil with the food and treats, toys are last on my list. Each dog has his/her own story. Chloe was born to parents that lived in the same home. I adopted her as a puppy so she has never known any hardships. She’ll be six years old soon and has terrible health problems already. Sam loved his family, but they had a baby so he had to be re-homed. Bonnie was pulled from a rabbit hutch in Missouri. I beat myself up for not pulling all the dogs, but I tried to get help. Sweet affectionate Toby was a stray that wound up urgent at a pound in Tennessee. If you knew him you would wonder like I do how that could ever happen. Darlin’, fearful, starving, abandoned, living in the woods behind a rock yard for 6 months that I know of, yet the people at the grocery store told me she had been coming there for years. That life was enough to make any dog fear people. Her past makes it easy for me to spoil her and her trusting me makes it easier for me to give her more of everything. We have both gained something through it all. I swear I must have been a sheep herder in another lifetime! <br /><br />I love them all, but I can’t keep my hands off of Darlin’. I pet, pat, kiss, stroke, hug, and rub her down every second I get. I do it so much I catch the others dogs watching me and I have had momentary guilt. It doesn’t take much to realize I need to give to them all equally. Thank goodness I have two hands, though I could use a few more. Darlin’ came from nothing, she had nothing, she acted like she never had humane contact, but I know she had some contact because she’s been spayed. Her experiences must have been awful because her fears are so deep rooted. Yesterday when my husband came home she sat by my feet while I was cooking just shaking like a leaf. It’s been almost four months since she’s been here and she still has fear of my family. If I move too fast or raise my hands she becomes frightened by my actions. I told someone on Petfinder when they suggested I withhold her food until she eats from my hands that my nature is to nurture, but I don’t want to nurture an unhealthy attachment to me which may cause separation anxiety issues. <br /><br />I think I’ll go shopping for a bit and give Darlin’ some time alone at home with the other dogs. I’m going to try and keep the level excitement lower. I will ignore everyone when I leave and not give anyone attention when I come back home until I put my things away.Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-21207500012954212262009-07-07T21:52:00.012-05:002009-07-07T22:26:31.698-05:00Progress and UnpredictabilityThis Saturday, July 11, will mark Darlins’ four month trap-aversary. I took a lot of time off from work before I trapped Darlin’ and after I brought her home. I was completely immersed, mentally, emotionally, and physically in trapping Darlin’. Once I brought her home I was deeply affected by her fear issues. Her fearfulness made me even more determined to help her learn to trust me. No one that has ever loved a dog could easily sit by a dog that trembled at the sight of them without it touching their heart. <br /><br />I bought books, e-books, read forums, and started the Petfinder thread for support and helpful ideas. Quite honestly, Randy Grim of Stray Rescue and Petfinder helped me most. Randy, because he was trapping dogs that had not been socialized, and Pefinder, mostly for the support. The books couldn’t touch what I was going through with a ten foot pole. Darlin’ was too fearful to eat, let alone take food or toys from me. Once she started eating, it took weeks for her to eat when I was around – with my back turned.<br /><br />I have an online business where people were waiting for me to come back work. Ten years ago I wouldn’t have been so fortunate to be able to work from home or work when I want. Darlin’ coming into my life this year has been perfect timing for both of us. Once Darlin was accustomed to living upstairs where I could be with her at all times, I went back to work which has limited my time writing here. I see now I stayed away much too long – an entire month! However, I’ve been taking notes! Darlin’ has made phenomenal progress, although she has many fear issues to overcome. <br /><br />Some days, always when no one is home, she behaves a lot like a normal house dog. I leave my office and she sticks right beside me. I go to the kitchen for coffee and she is right there, sometimes sitting next to my feet. As soon as I go back to my office she gets back in her bed beside or under my desk. I always have four out of five dogs in my office. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVeG45l31X7xRQ3KHEK8gQWSpERv8m6QXyrb6sg-iXnj3XBgNhRlvCBE_pD6066glwLblwHnxM5nY0TjaMaHyTtf-7uiPaWDXBXNepX02EReoGJJSoDlTJWSa2pvMNw-1ParYDPhmKx0/s1600-h/S5002318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVeG45l31X7xRQ3KHEK8gQWSpERv8m6QXyrb6sg-iXnj3XBgNhRlvCBE_pD6066glwLblwHnxM5nY0TjaMaHyTtf-7uiPaWDXBXNepX02EReoGJJSoDlTJWSa2pvMNw-1ParYDPhmKx0/s400/S5002318.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355919675543379330" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSy6gaQR_D0vCMPq7yfDxZP5_1nusACIiERuvAu9CvWjuFtDN8SXVWwp6ojcWlsQlW-knV5IQBaCJhfxoEbps4O4LHrL-Owm5QYX2VPlNEzWeznCAOIefetGC3fcIxQVkSwyGDph5zkM/s1600-h/S5002364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSy6gaQR_D0vCMPq7yfDxZP5_1nusACIiERuvAu9CvWjuFtDN8SXVWwp6ojcWlsQlW-knV5IQBaCJhfxoEbps4O4LHrL-Owm5QYX2VPlNEzWeznCAOIefetGC3fcIxQVkSwyGDph5zkM/s400/S5002364.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355924765678854370" /></a><br /><br />Other days I feel like we’ve taken two steps forward and one step back. Like yesterday when she walked up to me outside; when I reached out to pet her she ran away. Every now and then she’ll start through the back door, but something spooks her and she runs back down the stairs to the corner of the yard. I go get her and carry her inside. Once she’s in the corner next to the fence she turns over and submits to me by giving me her tummy. Yes, she’ll eventually come back to the door, but I need her to know when I call her inside that she has to come. <br /><br />Then there are moments where she’s curious about her surroundings and my family. When we are home alone and I’m washing dishes or doing laundry, she walks around the house smelling the floors and taking in the scent of my family. She’s been watching my family more instead of running and cowering under my desk when someone walks in the living room. We have wood floors so whenever she is frightened and takes off running her feet are sliding out from under her. Sometimes she will jump up on the couch and squeeze in tight next to me or squeeze in next to me if she’s already on the couch. She no longer turns her head away; she actually looks at my family members now. However she still stares at the front door because she’s fearful that someone might walk in unannounced. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZEV3Ju2HxSe3vLgCoyTvAsHATe4o8h9snlvJg1tMsvw3Lv3sJB5TIYN3IRib5O1jZhcIRLAhQiYujF1Ix1b_YYYXCty-ztPIwUBYSOnVmydFqyM0JeUQOfW5XZ3yc9BX5lcFdrvdw-g/s1600-h/S5002361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZEV3Ju2HxSe3vLgCoyTvAsHATe4o8h9snlvJg1tMsvw3Lv3sJB5TIYN3IRib5O1jZhcIRLAhQiYujF1Ix1b_YYYXCty-ztPIwUBYSOnVmydFqyM0JeUQOfW5XZ3yc9BX5lcFdrvdw-g/s400/S5002361.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355924382063268722" /></a><br /><br />I’ve stopped carrying her out of my office! She’ll walk on her own most of the time, even if someone is in the living room which she has to pass through. She still has the look about her as though she’s afraid someone is going to throw something at her. She walks quickly as she passes through the room with her head turned to the side and lowered watching to make sure she’ll make it safely to the door. She acts likes she’s trying to escape from harms way. <br /><br />She is still sleeping in her dog bed on my side. There have been a few mornings when I woke up and she was stretched out in the floor. She probably got hot in her bed. My husband lets the dogs out every morning after he gets out of the shower. Darlin’ will stay in her bed until he leaves for work. He always brings her a treat and rubs her behind the ears before he leaves. She used to turn away and eat the treats after he left. He tells me she looks right at him now and eats the treat before he gets around the foot of the bed now. <br /><br />When I get up, the first thing I do is let her outside. I was going down with her every morning, last week I started closing the door because she can go down with the other dogs. I watch her; she’ll go do her business and come right back and wait at the back door. There have been a few times where she spent a few minutes in the yard, but she acts like she’ll get locked out. She is happier if I’m there, but quite honestly if you’ve seen our steps, I can’t continue walking up and down if I want to keep my knees. <br /><br />Because I read Darlin’ pretty well, I have been giving my husband pointers so that Darlin’ will learn to trust him. “Stop staring”, “Don’t stand there, turn and walk away after you leave a treat”, “Offer the cheese by placing up to her mouth, if she doesn’t take it, lay it on her foot and walk away.” One day I couldn’t get her to come downstairs to the yard. I was baffled because she acted like someone was there. I told her to come on, it was okay, and then low and behold I see my husband backed up against the downstairs door! I told him to get his butt in the house, “that this dog is smarter that he is”. When Cesar says, nose, eyes, and ears, it is in fact the truth. A dog smells first, she doesn’t need to see him to know he is there. <br /><br />So last night Darlin’ took a huge step in learning to trust my husband! She takes most treats from me. Every now and then she’ll run to her bed and I take her a treat, but most times she waits with my other dogs after coming indoors – during the day when we are alone. Last night my husband was fixing his lunch so I called out for some cheese. The dogs love Swiss cheese and Darlin’s ears perk right up when she hears the package. He walked over to the couch where Darlin’ was lying next to me. She wouldn’t take it so he would lay it down and I immediately picked it up and she ate it. I told him not to think about it, just keep pieces coming and once she took the first bite, keep tearing off pieces fast enough so that she didn’t have to think about who she was taking food from. That’s how I got her to eat from my hands, but it took two months before she took the first one and she wasn’t taking them consistently. She opened her mouth ever so gently, after that I told him to keep them coming. She took about six bites of cheese from my husband! He even got excited! <br /><br />My dad was Darlin’s biggest fan after I told him that I had been feeding her. He encouraged me to keep feeding her and no matter how down I got after I brought her home, he kept up the pep talks telling me that she would recover, to just give her the time she needs. My dad is coming to visit in August; he is very excited to see all of my dogs. He has only met two of the five dogs, but he’s especially excited to meet Darlin’. I have had concerns that she would hide and quiver under my desk the entire time he is here. He even commented that she will probably be frightened by him. Well, this past weekend over the July 4th weekend I had friends come with their two small children and spend the night. Darlin’ amazed us all! I did have to carry her out back because I knew she wouldn’t come out on her own. She went potty in the yard and came right back upstairs and laid down behind my chair. She was fearful and cautious, but she was there! She even went inside when I called her. She ran to a dog bed near the door, then I called her over to the couch and she laid there with me until I went to bed late in the night. Every so often my friend would tell me how amazed he was at her progress and I would stroke Darlin’s head and tell her how proud I was of her. Looks like my dad will actually get to sit in the same room with Darlin’! <br /><br />I love watching my dogs play. Well, as long as they aren’t too rambunctious in the house, otherwise I have them take it outdoors. Seeing them play really makes me heart happy because I know they are happy.<br /><br />I was beginning to wonder if Darlin’ would ever play with my dogs. They have wrestled and chased each other through the house and it didn’t even stir her curiosity. Not even when the two Jack Russell’s are rolling all over my bed and Darlin is lying in her bed on the floor. Toby (rough coat JRT) starts barking if Bonnie (smooth JRT) gives in because he wants to keep going. Sam, our blue heeler, charges at the Jacks and sounds like he’s growling because of his deep voice. Then Chloe comes running and barking because she’s the most vocal, and she looks for the one in the most compromising position so she can mount them and show her dominance. When all four are going at it I’m usually in the background telling them it’s time to take it outside. I open the back down and they practically roll through. Darlin’ doesn’t budge from where she’s at, either under my desk, on a pet bed by the couch, or in her bed in the bedroom. All of that activity and no response from her led me to think she didn’t know how to play.<br /><br />I was wrong, Darlin’ does know how to play! As with all things, Darlin’ had to come around in her own time. The whimpering sounds she made outside were about her wanting to play! It’s the way she asks them for permission to chase them or she’s asking them to chase her. Yesterday morning Bonnie (smooth JRT) took off running and barking around the yard. That’s the way she gets the dogs to chase her. Darlin’ took off after her, they split up coming out from behind the shed and Darlin’ had Bonnie chasing her! It didn’t last long because Bonnie is usually the one that likes to be chased, but oh what a joy it was to see Darlin’ flying around the backyard! It’s funny too because the other dogs just stop in their tracks looking confused like, “Hey, what’s she doing running around the yard!” <br /><br />Besides the chase, it’s actually been a month since I first saw Darlin’ really play with one of the dogs. Toby (rough coat JRT) has bonded with Darlin’. Toby was last in the pecking order here, coming from the pound in February; Toby has been great about just falling in line. He is the baby, being the smallest and definitely the most affectionate dog I’ve ever owned. When Darlin’ was in the garage kennel I would sit with her behind the closed gate. Toby use to come over and brush against the wire gate like he was in a kennel at the pound hoping someone would stick their fingers inside and touch him. Sad and sweet at the same time, I use to say “Mommy’s in jail” and stick my fingers through the wire and touch him. I kept them all separated because Darlin was so fearful. <br /><br />Toby wants to be near me ALL THE TIME and Darlin’ also wants to be near. Neither likes to be alone in a room. The other dogs are always with me, but secure in their own space. I think that’s the reason that Toby was willing to share my attention with Darlin’. Toby had it rough in his young life. He was skin and bones when I brought him home, but I thought he was just underweight. My Vet thought he was around two years old. He has since put on more than two pounds including some muscle so we are thinking he was right at a year or turning a year old. Toby has had a fractured hip, his back foot doesn’t quite touch the floor, it dangles when he stands still. He has little scars in several places on his body and he is fearful of cars. We are thinking he may have been hit by a car when he was a stray, before he ended up at the pound. Of course we will never know. <br /><br />Somehow dogs just seem to know that other dogs have had a hard time. He slept in a dog bed next to Darlin’ on my side until I put him in bed with me one night. Now I hear his tail hitting the floor at night, wagging in anticipation of me reaching over and lifting him into the bed. That’s how he asks permission to sleep with me; he can easily jump on the bed during playtime. Toby loves Darlin’ and was the first to initiate play with her in my office. He is still the only dog in my pack that has really played and wrestled with her. One morning while they were playing, Darlin’ actually grabbed a toy and played with it too! Toby makes sure that there are always toys in the floor - something to grab quickly to tease and keep the excitement going. He loves “his babies”, I put them away and he drags everyone back out. Since the pictures were taken Toby and Darlin have played together like that three or four times. He’ll come up to Darlin’ and wrap his front legs around her neck and she’ll sit up and put her paw on him. The play bow begins and it’s on! I love seeing them play together, I could never get enough! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoVBBKnqROwLUnvrfbobdMkGqRb5O1NdD1HDNX7so1isjPbYBFPAr3hueQzOG6QqxK46w1oCeYZj_WtvbLpajcO9R-YcMjfUMKTorwB8_tiJJOZqvDgGutGajFbmB-bj54PPEJI-RCyc/s1600-h/S5002082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoVBBKnqROwLUnvrfbobdMkGqRb5O1NdD1HDNX7so1isjPbYBFPAr3hueQzOG6QqxK46w1oCeYZj_WtvbLpajcO9R-YcMjfUMKTorwB8_tiJJOZqvDgGutGajFbmB-bj54PPEJI-RCyc/s400/S5002082.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355920163515118530" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKGn1m8vp3A5vQqYuc64v8PktC5zngSD-GdiLWMKXWAmsNygSHOJlRTIZuxb4pISqTQhsH7qDdmUIiYbyYeP1GHdC9VWET6K8mDjrf3yMtdp0e_fHdrMAu7TzFO582ZAFKKVpmop6pf0/s1600-h/S5002093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKGn1m8vp3A5vQqYuc64v8PktC5zngSD-GdiLWMKXWAmsNygSHOJlRTIZuxb4pISqTQhsH7qDdmUIiYbyYeP1GHdC9VWET6K8mDjrf3yMtdp0e_fHdrMAu7TzFO582ZAFKKVpmop6pf0/s400/S5002093.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355920446649910578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-w3cvIagpd_niZEhDxpL-9yaiyIi-68IAmXDXPBcmI3vPwvYGpnqrjO7bt0vlgfQBFB5Ua-vfU0O44D5Ouek-ZLwwipsGdQ9oIjUlDNdR9jkmXtLA-kWhsI5k8-3Ov1Lz5wmJk-DrHWI/s1600-h/S5002121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-w3cvIagpd_niZEhDxpL-9yaiyIi-68IAmXDXPBcmI3vPwvYGpnqrjO7bt0vlgfQBFB5Ua-vfU0O44D5Ouek-ZLwwipsGdQ9oIjUlDNdR9jkmXtLA-kWhsI5k8-3Ov1Lz5wmJk-DrHWI/s400/S5002121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355920732126255746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eJCFXquvm-gIoabiommRy8WufLMvK3DCpLtpD2yWg1mA2xHtz2ZmluH4kXbDOLWHhWmB5zROvUsIDAHdkkiUESZYH054UeCOXQnLJrMyeF5QTBjefKJwN7-9JHTbhhUTyPyU8SOGjfg/s1600-h/S5002108.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eJCFXquvm-gIoabiommRy8WufLMvK3DCpLtpD2yWg1mA2xHtz2ZmluH4kXbDOLWHhWmB5zROvUsIDAHdkkiUESZYH054UeCOXQnLJrMyeF5QTBjefKJwN7-9JHTbhhUTyPyU8SOGjfg/s400/S5002108.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355920948875716018" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDPAm7K9rv4i749GME1BKiB2E6MeGhtAlTak0-KdC463iHnb53OtE2jqFTruPXsS3F6bnmKwqdKSFYfTEGOaVBLAA21l8wRqZ7iWyEdQ3Cd3GA4F5q-vXQyNaRkDYCR9lJJdLL-Twmz8/s1600-h/S5002146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDPAm7K9rv4i749GME1BKiB2E6MeGhtAlTak0-KdC463iHnb53OtE2jqFTruPXsS3F6bnmKwqdKSFYfTEGOaVBLAA21l8wRqZ7iWyEdQ3Cd3GA4F5q-vXQyNaRkDYCR9lJJdLL-Twmz8/s400/S5002146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355921684356009266" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd9gYW6PyYVueDGyziGFpyXvzitH6gq2DDTChfHzfXfYmFPQFD1IGYZFvAEDj1Kg_JDGgN18ORkEmx_f5uWSdKxjwrrZjOzfK8UnNQuGSUUfuN7ViMYaw4OwjpmwHm6EqmrtrTuyNSoc/s1600-h/S5002179.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd9gYW6PyYVueDGyziGFpyXvzitH6gq2DDTChfHzfXfYmFPQFD1IGYZFvAEDj1Kg_JDGgN18ORkEmx_f5uWSdKxjwrrZjOzfK8UnNQuGSUUfuN7ViMYaw4OwjpmwHm6EqmrtrTuyNSoc/s400/S5002179.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355922522595221938" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLsjXtl1hYIHpJlIMedGPO7quK_-msNk49molODT4sxSBRn-Q0Pgb7nsQhJXedTt3fOQjEYHENGpNoVWOYwskf9H7DlNg6PY3xWXKvtYXwB0kJsg7CLkAPW7_N0Jl5DmLQTg4HK3vonc/s1600-h/S5002183.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLsjXtl1hYIHpJlIMedGPO7quK_-msNk49molODT4sxSBRn-Q0Pgb7nsQhJXedTt3fOQjEYHENGpNoVWOYwskf9H7DlNg6PY3xWXKvtYXwB0kJsg7CLkAPW7_N0Jl5DmLQTg4HK3vonc/s400/S5002183.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355922834366003554" /></a><br /><br />If I can get everyone downstairs when it’s time for the dogs to eat, I’m able to feed Darlin’ in the kitchen with the other dogs. My husband is usually the only one around and he’s easily persuaded to go watch TV. If my children are around, she will stay in my office so I take her dinner in there. Later when the house quiets down I’ll call her out to come sit with me on the couch and we watched Food TV or dog shows together. She is uncomfortable even on the couch with me if she hears the TV downstairs so I ask my family to close the door. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQy3QFNhhENiDXJTUOl_wQt1RD5SRHu9Z57mBH4rQXngPshJ6VlqKUcuu3-dO4yvqtHLZCoMR9udrRRhtT_8oIPqQ5MvaxN6cC-XcaABipn3Yg6mwlw5VKrB4dbsqVsSq67__1h5VCZ5I/s1600-h/S5002276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQy3QFNhhENiDXJTUOl_wQt1RD5SRHu9Z57mBH4rQXngPshJ6VlqKUcuu3-dO4yvqtHLZCoMR9udrRRhtT_8oIPqQ5MvaxN6cC-XcaABipn3Yg6mwlw5VKrB4dbsqVsSq67__1h5VCZ5I/s400/S5002276.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355923266606606658" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Tonight….</strong><br /><br />I typed this post at different times throughout the day today with breaks in between. I took Toby with me to Pet Smart this afternoon because he loves to ride in the car. When we left Darlin’ followed us to the front door and when I came home I could see through the glass that she was standing on her hind legs like a Kangaroo. I’ve seen her do that before. When I come in the door the dogs gets over-excited and Darlin’ runs to my office and whimpers for me to come to her. Today she was so excited wagging her tail and whimpering that when I called out to her she barked too! <br /><br />I asked my husband to take the dogs out back this evening so that I could try and walk Darlin’ on a leash in the neighborhood. It’s time she learned to walk on a leash. I have waited until I felt it was safe enough since the heartworms should have died off. Since she followed me to the door and she gets so excited when I return home, I thought it was a good time. <br /><br />I did not put a harness on Darlin’. I cinched up her collar pretty snug. She has lost a ton of hair, her winter coat was thicker than I imagined. She’s still losing hair and I’ve used the Furminator on her, but because of the hair loss her collar is definitely a lot loser than it ever was. She has only had it on for ID and more like a necklace than anything up until today. She didn’t want to walk out the front door so I tugged a little. When I pulled I could see that the collar was still too loose for my comfort level so I tightened it some more. She didn’t want to walk down the stairs; she immediately got nervous and started shaking. I picked her up and carried her to the sidewalk and put her down and started walking. She did great, she walks fast, taking several steps and practically stopping so that I can catch up, but the leash is only about 3 ft long and it stretches when the dog pulls. <br /><br />She walked right next to my legs, the perfect walking partner, better than the other dogs would do, but she was nervous with her ears back against her head. I had only planned on going about a block, then turning around and coming back home. By the time I got to the street behind my house a car came by and she pulled over into a yard. When she did I noticed the collar was lose again so I tightened it good and decided to go home. I immediately thought to myself that I would not walk her again until I get a tight fitting collar that won’t slip or I put a harness on her. She walked well, but I could see that she was nervous. She held her tail pretty low too, but not quite tucked between her legs. We were in front of the house next to mine when she pulled wanting to go down their sidewalk. I knew she wanted to go home so I told her that we were almost there and tried to encourage her to walk a little further. She resisted so I thought I would just cut through the neighbor’s yard to get to my house faster. As I pulled, she reared back and turned her neck so that the collar slipped over her head! I stood there in shock as the last ten months of my life flashed before my eyes! <br /><br />I called out to her and she looked back in my direction, but she ran. I kept saying, “this way, come on Darlin’ this way” and I started running home hoping she would run after me. She looked for a second as though she would, but turned and ran in another direction. I was at my front porch when my husband walked outside because he heard me. He asked me which way she went, but I asked him to go back inside because if she saw him she would run even faster. I think I had my hands over my face saying, Oh my God to myself because my deepest fear had just come to pass. <br /><br />I caught a glimpse of her behind my neighbor’s house heading for a concrete ditch that leads to a culvert. A culvert big enough for Darlin’ to run through! I slid down into the ditch nearly losing my footing and followed her through some overgrown brush. She looked back and I kept going calling her name. Just before the culvert there is a hill that leads up to the side yard of a house on the side street. Darlin’ reached the top and turned around. I came up the hill and called her, “Come to Mommy Sweetie, Come to Mommy.” She stopped, turned to me, sat down, and gave me her paw! She was scared, her ears were back against her head. I slipped the collar back over her head and picked her up and started carrying her home. My husband drove up and I waved him on telling him I would carry her. She hasn’t been in the car since we brought her home in the trap. She was already scared, that’s why she slipped her collar and ran. She wanted to go home. He parked the car and came back to carry her to the house for me. I have a hernia from carrying her and it’s flared up a few times which scared me too. <br /><br />We went inside and she ran to her spot under my desk. I walked in the bathroom, laid my head in my hands at the sink, and cried like a baby. I’m tearing up again now as I type this and I imagine I’ll be emotional about this for a while. What an awful experience!!! I love this dog!!! I have so much of myself invested in her that I felt like I was mourning her loss the moment she slipped her collar. I fixed the dogs dinner and made sure there was extra boiled chicken on top. I was so upset about the ordeal that I asked my husband to pick us up some dinner. I didn’t hear him leave the house so I went to check and he walked out of my office. He had been in there telling Darlin’ he was glad she was home. We have a full moon eclipse tonight, there was a full moon the night I brought her home. I suppose in a sense I rescued her twice on a full moon. She rescued my heart when she stopped running and sat down! Darlin’ is home…again! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHky5RXTCtvPY0DG5A-RFf0mnabpOEEF5DfmsOqgkt68e3nDzmNC6vQHVGUIPgNdBguA6dXeOeFMxBeWuoNd9b3BgKG3qyBPQ27g3WThv5DuwrKVOaa_oIjxH2_3DUFdAL9mIAzwvVL1w/s1600-h/S5002357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHky5RXTCtvPY0DG5A-RFf0mnabpOEEF5DfmsOqgkt68e3nDzmNC6vQHVGUIPgNdBguA6dXeOeFMxBeWuoNd9b3BgKG3qyBPQ27g3WThv5DuwrKVOaa_oIjxH2_3DUFdAL9mIAzwvVL1w/s400/S5002357.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355923592149797906" /></a>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-45075610794974299052009-06-06T10:35:00.000-05:002009-06-06T11:22:55.949-05:00The difference a few days makesFor a dog to adapt to any new situation sometimes takes a few days. For Darlin', because she was so fearful, it's taken a lot longer. I find it interesting that the number eleven holds some significance for her.<br /><br />Thursday marked Darlin's 11th week in her new home and Thursday was the first time she laid her chin on my lap! She has pressed her face against my leg when we are sitting on the couch, but usually because someone has entered the room and she was hiding. She was pressed tight against me because she heard my husband in the kitchen. Once he left she turned her head and actually relaxed with her head on my leg. I stroked her head just like she was a normal dog. That night she felt closer to me than ever.<br /><br />As far as the significance of the number 11 - She was the 11th dog that I rescued since December. I trapped her on March 11th. Eleven days after I trapped her and brought her home was the first time she actually looked at me without turning away. She turned away many times after that, but that day in particular I remember when I walked outside she looked right at me. I ran upstairs and grabbed my camera so I could get a picture. I wrote everything down and have taken hundreds of pictures since bringing her home. I stood at the top of the deck taking pictures and talking to her, "Hey pretty girl." I was so excited my camera was shaking so my pictures were blurry. I was so amazed by her response that I told my family that perhaps soon she would be standing in the kennel when I walked outside.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfg8H72q_HxWAYEEKy824yzP7QQAL1bDuDfVHN4l32e4sfF7uwjqOL4vWQH37jkBUNNl6Hb5iqyHCmgKwD6NjqPYHxDtYYian40vy-RcvlytTUP43xjX6In0bmOYwkNjsfX1-ootFb38/s1600-h/S5000889.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344247855385591762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfg8H72q_HxWAYEEKy824yzP7QQAL1bDuDfVHN4l32e4sfF7uwjqOL4vWQH37jkBUNNl6Hb5iqyHCmgKwD6NjqPYHxDtYYian40vy-RcvlytTUP43xjX6In0bmOYwkNjsfX1-ootFb38/s400/S5000889.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then yesterday morning when I rolled over in bed and checked on her she sat straight up, stretched, and walked over to me. I sat up and she wagged her tail gently and licked my leg - just a feathery like touch of her tongue, but that was enough.<br /><br />I was gone about an hour yesterday afternoon. When I came home she was standing in my office doorway whimpering and let out a yelp. She was calling me to her! I put my things down, pet all of the dogs quickly and as I approached she gave me her paw! I then stroked her head, kissed her, and picked her up as though she was a small dog. She is heavy and not the size dog I would normally pick up off the floor. <br /><br />Last night I took her outside, closed the door so she couldn't run inside to hide, and asked my daughter and her boyfriend to meet me out back a few minutes later. I have a strategy for everything when it comes to helping Darlin' adjust to new situations. I knew when the downstairs door opened she would run and hide, but I also wanted her outside getting some fresh air. My daughters boyfriend stepped out first. Darlin' knows Ricky's scent and voice. She probably knew it before I trapped her because they fed Darlin' when she was wild several times because I couldn't. As soon as Ricky walked outside Darlin' let out a woof! Not a true bark, she just woofed about four times by blowing breath through her cheeks. She did hide in the corner, although not immediately. I don't want her to become territorial, but I so enjoyed her acting like a dog!<br /><br />Since Thursday when she laid her head on my lap, it feels as though she has allowed herself to get even closer to me. I'm thrilled that she loves her new Mommy!Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-86480254910543940862009-06-04T11:23:00.000-05:002009-06-04T12:07:05.156-05:00Steady ProgressDarlin is making steady progress learning to live as a family pet. Knowing her like I do now, I truly believe she didn’t have any human contact for a very long time. And I’m certain she hasn’t ever lived in a home because she is afraid of every sound and afraid to pass through a doorway. Little noises frighten her; like the time I dropped a pill bottle and she took off running like the house was on fire. One night I dropped the remote three times and she ran to hide. I even get mad at my clumsiness because I try and do everything I can to help her feel more secure. <br /><br />She was owned by someone in her life. She was not born in the wild. The vet shaved her tummy the day she came over and gave her shots and the heartworm test. She has a small faint scar, but there is no way of knowing for sure unless she goes in heat. I had hoped she had an ultrasound in her van, but for now we’ll just assume she is spayed. She hasn’t gotten pregnant since I’ve known her so that’s another good sign that she has been altered. Her stomach is much softer than my other female dogs and the skin sags a little so I think she’s had puppies in her life. <br /><br />In February I rescued two Jack Russell’s that were urgent at a pound in Tennessee. In order for me to send them to rescue, they had to be altered before I could pick them up because I was taking them out of state. Animal Control took them to their Vet and I picked them up from there the morning after surgery. The Vet told me that the female Jack Russell had a scar, but there was no way of knowing for certain if she was spayed or if it was from something else so they opened her up and found out she had been. Quite honestly I was shocked when I heard that. After that happened to that poor little girl, there is no way I want Darlin’ cut on if it’s not necessary. If she is in fact spayed, she’s obviously had human contact, but considering how fearful she is of everything, she must have been neglected by a previous owner and later abandoned. And she may have had some bad experiences while living as a stray. I just can’t imagine her having many positive experiences in her life. That really hurts too because she is such a gentle spirit. She deserved so much better than what she endured living in the woods, looking for shelter and food. <br /><br />Darlin’ has spent seven weeks living upstairs. She hasn’t adjusted as well as I hoped to my family, but she’s getting there. My husband continues to offer her bites of Swiss cheese (her favorite) in the evenings when he’s fixing his lunch for the following day. I’m referring to him these days as the “Stinky Cheese Man”. She’s at the point where she will look up at him, but he has to leave it on her foot and walk away. She’ll wait until he leaves the room before she eats it. She likes to be scratched behind the ears, something she enjoys from me, so my husband lays the cheese down, scratches her behind the ear and walks away. <br /><br />She is catching on to dinnertime and our routine. Since bringing her upstairs I have been the one to feed all the dogs because I add boiled chicken and broth to their food. I continue to offer Darlin’ special foods so that she will associate good things with me and her new home. Surely just getting fed is enough, but I spoil her because she’s special. And naturally I wouldn’t offer her something special without treating my other four dogs equally. My dogs gather in the kitchen when I prepare dinner because that chicken smells good and two of them are highly food motivated. If no one is around Darlin’ passes through the kitchen several times when I’m filling the bowls. When I’m finished she usually runs to her bed because she has been eating wherever she sleeps. A couple of weeks ago she hung around as I called each dog and placed their dish in front of them so I called her and put her food down too. I was so surprised that she stood there and ate some dinner before she thought about what she was doing and went back to her bed. It only happened once, but I can see now that the prospects are good for feeding her with all the dogs in the near future. My husband was out of town which helped her feel more comfortable that evening. Since he’s home she eats dinner most nights in my office. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1bYy-rMXrq7-EvIDwhTmBZhUmh0pYAuob12mOGw4EtBbLaBy4tdL7rvm4AjJHkpghqN8CbwaFF3WOID-A2jaM91kDB5CUm0WJ2NybRth8m3ZOOwGhrW5TyuC-1XrPlgXQUGzdAnx_-o/s1600-h/S5001146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1bYy-rMXrq7-EvIDwhTmBZhUmh0pYAuob12mOGw4EtBbLaBy4tdL7rvm4AjJHkpghqN8CbwaFF3WOID-A2jaM91kDB5CUm0WJ2NybRth8m3ZOOwGhrW5TyuC-1XrPlgXQUGzdAnx_-o/s400/S5001146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343509730745301474" /></a><br /><br />She is starting to take treats from my hands! She took one a few weeks ago, but I could tell by the look of confusion on her face that it was an accident. When she took one last week she didn’t have that look like she had thought about it. I was passing them out in the kitchen after the dogs came inside. I call each dog by name, and then they step forward and sit for me. Since Darlin’ has eaten at her bed, she would run to the bedroom and sit in her dog bed. I followed her, handed her the treat, and she took it. Then she ran back to the doorway to meet me there with the next one. She took several in bed and several standing at the doorway! I was so excited by her progress that I kept calling out names, passing out treats, and taking Darlin’ hers. <br /><br />Since last week she’s been coming to the kitchen doorway for her treats during the day while no one is home. She’d take her treat, then run back to the bedroom and peek her head out of the door. Instead of following her, I call her back to me. If she doesn’t come she misses out, but most times she will come now. If I keep taking the treats to her I will condition her to think all treats will be given to her in the bedroom so I’m trying to change things up. It will be nice when she waits for her treats in the kitchen like the rest of the dogs. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAthXqX8hY3mpW1UI_WpN-jbjn1p48fVJdhaZH7JirJr3B7D2HRPLkmDNzjmBe0IqrnxtUElj4UnVI66r41ZoewUTjamwMuXaRUu294sF1uM8vYX5eEklyKEWtNK6s9Tulej71Cmj723o/s1600-h/S5001800.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAthXqX8hY3mpW1UI_WpN-jbjn1p48fVJdhaZH7JirJr3B7D2HRPLkmDNzjmBe0IqrnxtUElj4UnVI66r41ZoewUTjamwMuXaRUu294sF1uM8vYX5eEklyKEWtNK6s9Tulej71Cmj723o/s400/S5001800.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343510474160378594" /></a><br /><br />Something else that surprised me that week happened when I went downstairs to watch TV with my husband (not something I do very often). My other dogs always follow me down so Darlin’ was left upstairs. A little while later my Jack Russell starting barking at something under the table. I thought it might have been a cat we have that growls when the dogs are around. I reached over and it was Darlin’! We had storms in the area and she was frightened so she came looking for me! I stroked her back and she made herself comfortable beside my chair and stayed there until I got up to go upstairs. She was panicked, but she was with me. <br /><br />I can’t tell you how good it feels to take a fearful dog into your home and later learn that the dog finds comfort next to you. On the other hand, it’s been a test of my patience, endurance, and dog training abilities having her here. Well, forget the dog training part. You can’t train a fearful dog until they trust you completely and are comfortable in their environment. Right now I’m working more at helping her learn by association. <br /><br />I don’t have to carry her to the yard any longer, but I do have to carry her out of my office to the back door if anyone is home - regardless if they are in another room. She stays close to me most times in the yard, however if I sit in a chair and give her a chance she’ll explore more of the yard. And she’s going potty all over now, something I wish she didn’t do. She was using the bathroom towards the back of the yard where the other dogs go, now she will go a few feet from the patio. <br /><br />If anyone is home and she is out back, she can’t take her eyes off the back door. I have 100+ picture of her looking at that back door. It’s her way back inside and probably causes her some anxiety wondering how she’ll get back in the house with my husband or children in there. It’s sad really, seeing her stare at the door when she could be enjoying her time outside. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2BgEhdtlwOm08pOE76eKp1Qmiu5GPRSmD6nt7X3grBb9_UBQYz_6L90zzfMUPrODQXUEPi2M6QzTQ47rHbZ4w3UMnMfQAvarGuMlpuBy1Ya5rU5Z6wiU3Ll_HpWKNqP2bSq0Bk03Nfw/s1600-h/S5001785.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2BgEhdtlwOm08pOE76eKp1Qmiu5GPRSmD6nt7X3grBb9_UBQYz_6L90zzfMUPrODQXUEPi2M6QzTQ47rHbZ4w3UMnMfQAvarGuMlpuBy1Ya5rU5Z6wiU3Ll_HpWKNqP2bSq0Bk03Nfw/s400/S5001785.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343511709426780530" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqQRoahyphenhyphenNdMZFkC35uLESksaBDV8Qd2bgaVGQCDny9zhyFUVcpDtCSTk4qTRdW8gGHYykO4B7bDSn9rif8MWak4XI13Txt0JOTFjvK5twLm7xRLRXXhyphenhyphenKORlfe3mZUnSR76vX1KJUjfM/s1600-h/S5001786.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqQRoahyphenhyphenNdMZFkC35uLESksaBDV8Qd2bgaVGQCDny9zhyFUVcpDtCSTk4qTRdW8gGHYykO4B7bDSn9rif8MWak4XI13Txt0JOTFjvK5twLm7xRLRXXhyphenhyphenKORlfe3mZUnSR76vX1KJUjfM/s400/S5001786.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343511818274821170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR8OOBXvi8t5umGTOVlZfzz3KAfTsakfsrdSAzcHPJGkcidNcDlEQ-lpSwwAkWUae7XAb-DyZBnvb5jmd-Gcgk4klesuJzAh71fro10ujMcYUaY9vmro6Lau_lWninvcWCfcl-3_tILQ/s1600-h/S5001887.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR8OOBXvi8t5umGTOVlZfzz3KAfTsakfsrdSAzcHPJGkcidNcDlEQ-lpSwwAkWUae7XAb-DyZBnvb5jmd-Gcgk4klesuJzAh71fro10ujMcYUaY9vmro6Lau_lWninvcWCfcl-3_tILQ/s400/S5001887.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343512161188800050" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_GoaRvyfb3XmjRYzK-GLAzWAUFInL_HnoVN3VOCFHLtAc6hDXTuiR_iyRuHTtsw9OJJaQVvoDn-ByzhSG9kt-BUV1SysTgc5kQscI9AaWy78zyWe-JZmGD3spJ1qIrrh51YEP5_8doo/s1600-h/S5001898.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_GoaRvyfb3XmjRYzK-GLAzWAUFInL_HnoVN3VOCFHLtAc6hDXTuiR_iyRuHTtsw9OJJaQVvoDn-ByzhSG9kt-BUV1SysTgc5kQscI9AaWy78zyWe-JZmGD3spJ1qIrrh51YEP5_8doo/s400/S5001898.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343512601300117074" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9YfEwfsu2A-pTXYtn5f1HLaMOOF6ctDQ1qCLQK088IJLPU4lqKvRN7_CORSl9WuAkKvRWYalBFu4Cv4OJkI6TSZ-oktSrxSFvRILXn8-X7yKWKfEZT_97agHWrw048rWUR3KtfuHob8/s1600-h/S5001907.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9YfEwfsu2A-pTXYtn5f1HLaMOOF6ctDQ1qCLQK088IJLPU4lqKvRN7_CORSl9WuAkKvRWYalBFu4Cv4OJkI6TSZ-oktSrxSFvRILXn8-X7yKWKfEZT_97agHWrw048rWUR3KtfuHob8/s400/S5001907.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343512818054603394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzF94wBVrGJeiMR9PMLaI4ZBxL-wXvyBzuMHwQ-zYPTp9_O20NtcOXrxIuuom9dhYiy44yw9VdVEh4xB2Bf8mtGqFY_llyDj7kmyv-ylrkFG2tQYXOIMpA05OAqJ-GbhMsStfVlfOjbmQ/s1600-h/S5001919.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzF94wBVrGJeiMR9PMLaI4ZBxL-wXvyBzuMHwQ-zYPTp9_O20NtcOXrxIuuom9dhYiy44yw9VdVEh4xB2Bf8mtGqFY_llyDj7kmyv-ylrkFG2tQYXOIMpA05OAqJ-GbhMsStfVlfOjbmQ/s400/S5001919.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343512999217604354" /></a><br /><br />She’s always anxious to go back up too, as soon as I start walking towards the steps she comes running. Once she reaches the top step she stops and stares at the door, then I begin calling her inside. It use to take a lot of encouraging words to get her to walk back in the door. The last few days she comes inside without too much hesitation, but she’s fast and runs right to a bed by the couch. <br /><br />I do see some “wild” behavior in her, or behavior a dog that’s lived outside without the care of a human would do. Last week I dumped one of the pools and water collected in a hole that my JRT dug. Instead of Darlin drinking from the fresh pool water, she drank muddy water from the hole in the ground. In fact, all of the water she drinks comes from the pools or water I give her. I will take a bowl to her when she’s sitting on the couch with me because she’ll smack her lips and I suddenly realize that she must be thirsty. Since she does not explore the house at all, she has never had a drink of water from the dog’s water bowl in the kitchen. Little things most people would never think about. <br /><br />I had Darlin’s DNA tested from Canine Heritage. I was so impatient that I checked the status of her test almost everyday online. Then when it shipped I found out I couldn’t get the results online after all! Her results were “In the Mix” suggesting she was a mixed breed with many breeds, but she had markers for Golden Retriever and English Coonhound. I’ve never owned either breed so I don’t know much about them, but after looking through Google images I could see both breeds in her. I had already thought about Golden Retriever and many Petfinder friends were thinking she’s part Beagle, probably because of the coonhound. She may still have Beagle in her somewhere too. The DNA test didn’t identify the breed that blows its coat because she was blowing her coat like my cattle dog - she still is. I think she is a beauty! She’s so graceful; sometimes she looks like she’s prancing when she runs across the yard. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeSje7wsOPABgGPFpWka1jzFHAOp6FR6_kG1sluXEd7WKzwJzfr6r4MecxAabJfs-_V2MeB02xFhnoxJ4Ojihb4mAblkwFJqR56nFANm0gPhuDeMMuP7VurfaBAFjtQ-WspRugxhrrh4/s1600-h/S5001614.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeSje7wsOPABgGPFpWka1jzFHAOp6FR6_kG1sluXEd7WKzwJzfr6r4MecxAabJfs-_V2MeB02xFhnoxJ4Ojihb4mAblkwFJqR56nFANm0gPhuDeMMuP7VurfaBAFjtQ-WspRugxhrrh4/s400/S5001614.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343514222167355906" /></a><br /><br /><strong>I see coonhound in her.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLAWAIVM6miTX669uE3dLe8o_W3Q5Y2dd0kooPL-q6HXJnpQxSnajziNz0h8tch1qVp1fEEwERb-tiFGo7kZuy5SiAM_0OJPOF3AHq9Wh3XExektFMLuiwac9-CZmIM3EFWuReCGNj9U/s1600-h/s5001683.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLAWAIVM6miTX669uE3dLe8o_W3Q5Y2dd0kooPL-q6HXJnpQxSnajziNz0h8tch1qVp1fEEwERb-tiFGo7kZuy5SiAM_0OJPOF3AHq9Wh3XExektFMLuiwac9-CZmIM3EFWuReCGNj9U/s400/s5001683.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343516292155134402" /></a><br /><br />Her favorite place is lying under my desk which is fine because I spend a lot of time in my office. At night I usually have to carry her out to a dog bed in the living room. Otherwise she will stand in the doorway and watch my son’s door because she hears him and his music or TV, usually both. She won’t always come out from under my desk on her own. Most of the time I pull her bed out so that I can pick her up. <br /><br /><strong>Recently Toby started running for her spot.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYDJYQ0ITNqXDT0B96qWYoRwqFWFThKu4te8wb3GFSSmo8ChMSB-use5lbviZ7OaL0rq62NKB3vwXZntEGfFlVpOg0_XUocUN0_FXl2LgJAj0V7X3wCShluaHJUBJ7Yqyx8PAQfb3FMc/s1600-h/S5001576.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYDJYQ0ITNqXDT0B96qWYoRwqFWFThKu4te8wb3GFSSmo8ChMSB-use5lbviZ7OaL0rq62NKB3vwXZntEGfFlVpOg0_XUocUN0_FXl2LgJAj0V7X3wCShluaHJUBJ7Yqyx8PAQfb3FMc/s400/S5001576.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343517225182873842" /></a><br /><br />Darlin’ enjoys the affection I give her. I kiss her more times in a day than I can count and I stroke her head and ears whenever I am near her. She is the sweetest, quietest, and gentlest dog I’ve ever owned. Her behavior may change as she becomes more comfortable around here, but for now she just wants a safe place and affection. I still haven’t heard her bark; not since that one time when we approached the trap. My dogs run across the yard barking when they hear other dogs nearby. Darlin’ will just stop and observe the other dogs. If they get too rowdy running and barking she’ll usually run to a corner in the yard. <br /><br />She is doing something I’m still unsure about, it’s happened several times. When she approaches one of my female dogs outside she will whimper. They don’t pay her any mind at all. They’ll continue sniffing the ground or pass right by her. She whimpers, her tail and ears go up, and she looks like she wants to play. <br /><br />She has whimpered several times for me. Once I left her in my office with her dinner and closed the door. I close the door because she doesn’t always eat right away and I don’t want another dog eating her food, especially after they just had their own. She is not food aggressive and will lie there while they eat her food. I fixed dinner and cleaned the kitchen, then I realized she had been in there alone over two hours. I opened the office door and she was standing there. When I spoke to her she gently wagged her tail and whimpered. I think she was lonesome.<br /><br />There have been a few times when I came home that she’s been standing in the office doorway when I come in the front door. My dogs greet me, one will jump wanting me to pick him up, “pick me, Mom, pick me.” He’s a recent rescue (foster failure). They are all happy to see me, then I hear her standing there whimpering – “pick me, Mom, pick me.” You bet I do! Once she was standing there with them, but I was so surprised that I think my excitement scared her so she ran to the bedroom. <br /><br />She’s learning to live as a pack member. They make sure she feels right at home too. If she is on a large enough dog bed or on the couch with me and there is room for one of them, they’ll lay right next to her. I’m sure they sense her gentle nature and know that she is no threat to them. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaVPZlG1f4FvzoHAC5ieHZyA-WyvebQ4j__J7rrcBONxznbqi4Knr9FKlgu7keWdDdpdGL6Dbyg9SpuXdhd3NjShQBF0joDynp0unlC3pl_imMnhoEJ7Kk8J9raFrVog4fiDXrCVjZCU/s1600-h/S5001179.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaVPZlG1f4FvzoHAC5ieHZyA-WyvebQ4j__J7rrcBONxznbqi4Knr9FKlgu7keWdDdpdGL6Dbyg9SpuXdhd3NjShQBF0joDynp0unlC3pl_imMnhoEJ7Kk8J9raFrVog4fiDXrCVjZCU/s400/S5001179.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343518184468116882" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4btVYQG4sjesj0lZf97FH8h1WQSpWjYAheR-ehQtyr58vQlNAiMAAo7ArXljpmXEruXn0B-tUqtDXeuULoe2dc1rz7Z7Ma5TMxYBjmdVRAi5pyFjh0s7BbfnmwrAmXB-9gLSR08HnLGg/s1600-h/S5001679.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4btVYQG4sjesj0lZf97FH8h1WQSpWjYAheR-ehQtyr58vQlNAiMAAo7ArXljpmXEruXn0B-tUqtDXeuULoe2dc1rz7Z7Ma5TMxYBjmdVRAi5pyFjh0s7BbfnmwrAmXB-9gLSR08HnLGg/s400/S5001679.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343517901450975298" /></a><br /><br />Living with four other dogs, you're bond to lose your favorite spot on occasion.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCPA9zRjM3E2BnR_SQkc0IfDJIXPBAo8utKngrkUjpW8sSEdF_68MdMCmk1fo3L1_kA0fyoMcMSEsy7DCHkrrDVEQqQWHmPy595R9mHPd2w0H4g3aoZ4KmkNndCOuS76s-fL_An14Bb4/s1600-h/S5001574.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCPA9zRjM3E2BnR_SQkc0IfDJIXPBAo8utKngrkUjpW8sSEdF_68MdMCmk1fo3L1_kA0fyoMcMSEsy7DCHkrrDVEQqQWHmPy595R9mHPd2w0H4g3aoZ4KmkNndCOuS76s-fL_An14Bb4/s400/S5001574.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343518918732768338" /></a><br /><br />Darlin seems to be doing well since her heartworm injections. Sometimes I wonder if she’s actually feeling better because the worms are dying off. Since her treatment she runs a little outside and just seems to feel better. It could be due to the fact that she’s had two more weeks here and time is on our side, but the treatment possibly affecting her behavior has crossed my mind. She still has labored breathing, which is especially noticeable when she’s relaxed or sleeping. I have no idea why, the Vet said her heart sounded good before the injections. Perhaps she will always breathe deeply. <br /><br />She sleeps in her dog bed on my side of the bed at night. When I moved her upstairs she slept in the dining room, then I moved her to the couch and left her there. After a few days I carried her to bed with me, her dog bed is on my side. Last week I carried two sleeping Jack Russell’s to bed one night - one in each arm. I decided to call Darlin to follow me and she did! She walked to her own bed three nights in a row, but it does take a lot of encouragement for her to do so. Last night I left them all sleeping in the living room, allowing them to come to bed whenever they were ready. When I woke this morning she was sleeping in her bed next to me. Sometimes I feel like I have another normal house dog. Sometimes I wonder how much longer she will be fearful.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EXVrJ9CrZZf0hBGvzINoCyjE9hIKIEUQ3Tf6nOO7FlIC7m9JYxgiYVtH5tnzDrsztgLBLz3R3tpUniqKfHGSFcHvQyLFexP0khv4ferH4Wp5zX_itcYkyB2H2Psio5Ogt0GuSIrYsYo/s1600-h/S5001003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EXVrJ9CrZZf0hBGvzINoCyjE9hIKIEUQ3Tf6nOO7FlIC7m9JYxgiYVtH5tnzDrsztgLBLz3R3tpUniqKfHGSFcHvQyLFexP0khv4ferH4Wp5zX_itcYkyB2H2Psio5Ogt0GuSIrYsYo/s400/S5001003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343515479130700354" /></a><br /><br />Darlin’ has so many firsts in her future. <br /><br />1. Eating dinner every night with my other dogs. <br />2. Drinking water from the main water dish in the house. <br />3. Not running or hiding when someone comes in the room.<br />4. Learning to walk on a leash without going stiff or submitting. <br />5. Coming when I call her name.<br />6. Playing with a toy - any toy. She has no interest at this point. <br />7. Running after the dogs, or playing with them.<br />8. Riding in a car – we’ll move one day and she’ll have to.<br />9. Going to the Vet.<br />10. Wagging her tail at other family members.<br />11. Overcoming fears – like the sound of a remote hitting the floor. <br /><br />I will be marking these milestones and many others off as she continues to make progress. <br /><br />Darlin started her new life her living in the dog pen outside because I didn’t know if she was aggressive or how she would react around my dogs. I also had to consider the health of my own dogs. This week I took the tarp covering off of the pen and stored her dog house. I told my husband I would leave the pen up in case I found another stray dog and needed it. Gosh, you should have seen the look on his face! I meant until I found the dogs owner! lolCanine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-24828768682330727142009-06-02T12:11:00.000-05:002009-06-03T11:37:42.259-05:00Rescue poem speaks to my heartSandra, a new friend that I met on Petfinder posted this poem on Darlin's thread there. This poem spoke volumes to my heart. It's Darlin's story and so many other abandoned animals story. It brought me to tears because the first half of this poem could have been written by Darlin and the second half by me. Darlin has made it obvious to me that all she ever wanted was to be loved and feel secure. Once I had her home I told her (even though she didn't understand the words) that she would never have to be alone again - and that she would always have enough food and a soft place to sleep.<br /><br /><strong>RESCUE POEM</strong><br /><br /><em>Once I was a lonely dog, <br />Just looking for a home. <br />I had no place to go, <br />No one to call my own. <br />I wandered up and down the streets, <br />in rain in heat and snow. <br />I ate what ever I could find, <br />I was always on the go. <br />My skin would itch, my feet were sore, <br />My body ached with pain. <br />And no one stopped to give a pat <br />Or a gently say my name. <br />I never saw a loving glance, <br />I was always on the run. <br />For people thought that hurting me <br />was really lots of fun. <br />And then one day I heard a voice <br />So gentle, kind and sweet, <br />And arms so soft reached down to me <br />And took me off my feet. <br />"No one again will hurt you" <br />Was whispered in my ear. <br />"You'll have a home to call your own <br />where you will know no fear," <br />"You will be dry, you will be warm, <br />you'll have enough to eat" <br />"And rest assured that when you sleep, <br />your dreams will all be sweet." <br />I was afraid I must admit, <br />I've lived so long in fear. <br />I can't remember when I let <br />A human come so near.</em>Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-83687111002312271382009-05-15T20:33:00.000-05:002009-05-17T00:19:56.577-05:00Darlin's Heartworm treatmentWell, if I was ever going to feel like I poisoned my dog, it was this past week. Darlin’ tested positive for adult heartworms and microfilaria (immature heartworms in her blood) last month. She was scheduled for treatment last week, but the mobile vet had to cancel. She had injections here at home in the Vet’s van on Tuesday and Wednesday. She is much too fearful to take her to my Veterinarian. To do so could set her progress back and that’s the last thing I want, nor do I want to do anything that could stress or frighten her. <br /><br />Surprisingly she did not defecate when the Vet’s assistant carried her out of the house Tuesday. Usually I wouldn’t want anyone else to handle her, but since carrying her I’ve discovered I have a hernia. <br /><br />If you’re not familiar with the procedure, the dog gets an injection deep into the muscle in the lower part of their back, then a second injection 24 hrs later. She did fine and didn’t show any signs of discomfort. After her injection I had the Vet clip her nails because they have gotten long since having her. The day Animal Control came by to get his trap he saw Darlin wedged between the fence and the dog house. He commented that the pavement kept her nails nice and short. <br /><br />After the injection I took her back in the house and she ran under my desk to a dog bed. I quickly updated her Pet Finder thread to let her friends know how well she did. I wasn’t online 5 minutes when she started panting and drooling like she does during a thunderstorm. I really had no idea that she was about to experience side effects from the drug. <br /><br />Within a few minutes her bedding was soaked from drool and she was extremely uncomfortable so I called the Vet and asked about the side effects and how soon should I expect them to occur. I knew about the possibility of shock or seizures, but I didn’t know about other symptoms. She told me that it sounded like Darlin’ was having a reaction and to go ahead and give her the prednisone, then to give her Benadryl. It took her about two hours to relax. She laid down under a piece of furniture in my room so I laid across the bed and watched her.<br /><br />I had hopes that the second injection the following day wouldn’t affect her as bad. As soon as Darlin heard the assistance voice as she entered my room she started trembling. Dogs may live in the moment, but they don’t forget negative experiences right away. I certainly have witnessed that in a number of dogs throughout the course of my life. The assistant carried her out to the van; I figured she wouldn’t defecate even though she was so scared since she went outside shortly before they arrived. Besides, she did so well the day before. Nope, her anal glands (pardon me) leaked all over the assistant. The Vet said they have no control when they are that frightened. <br /><br />The Vet gave her something to help counteract the side effects of the injection, plus she had prednisone 30 minutes before she arrived. The second injection was harder on her than the first and it was pretty scary.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHs5Yg0lMeFdFnRGkslMa3nLlSH9e4ju4p5DRW2iExQJ1M0ZaymCCM9mhMtwbO6d8vCMZ194pGLh-vlZr6-htDwMBS2clRw4OLWSPFNfj4_8YrN8zj7Oyqtd0Xgjl-sl9Bmb3i4cS9cU/s1600-h/hw1.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHs5Yg0lMeFdFnRGkslMa3nLlSH9e4ju4p5DRW2iExQJ1M0ZaymCCM9mhMtwbO6d8vCMZ194pGLh-vlZr6-htDwMBS2clRw4OLWSPFNfj4_8YrN8zj7Oyqtd0Xgjl-sl9Bmb3i4cS9cU/s400/hw1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336229549541240418" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqAGOWCci01iHvBt_ZrOIR75YNGdbhWdePyMAjk6VqyNh1pTi0tRj5RXMxOB31_fiuwQB_IRI7cfSNGeVF-7cZY9GMsdCkebm8pAyccvpp6Ha_Sm69phPRvQfXyMGVqPKugPLD9IVN6I/s1600-h/hw2.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqAGOWCci01iHvBt_ZrOIR75YNGdbhWdePyMAjk6VqyNh1pTi0tRj5RXMxOB31_fiuwQB_IRI7cfSNGeVF-7cZY9GMsdCkebm8pAyccvpp6Ha_Sm69phPRvQfXyMGVqPKugPLD9IVN6I/s400/hw2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336229688410635234" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRo-PMC71IKVMMDE42TN9tyKTFRBygDOsAZ2_DMrWS6IJPZ6qSo_bHf8p0D-QBKTHd5N6ozQHl2qZ-W-NjhkyddVjifsXDW4m76FsI0A2hlHMDC0E1KqFu3w3E8ypHweFGj270Wk3wNQ/s1600-h/hw4.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRo-PMC71IKVMMDE42TN9tyKTFRBygDOsAZ2_DMrWS6IJPZ6qSo_bHf8p0D-QBKTHd5N6ozQHl2qZ-W-NjhkyddVjifsXDW4m76FsI0A2hlHMDC0E1KqFu3w3E8ypHweFGj270Wk3wNQ/s400/hw4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336229881859394354" /></a><br /><br />Her heart was racing; she was breathing and panting deeply. She was drooling again and no matter what she did she could not get comfortable. If you follow this blog you know she is a very calm and sweet dog. She demands nothing and she is so well behaved that if I didn’t interact with her you would never know she was asleep in my room or under my desk. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcwQRMdOvE2F7RnE63wVACrd7r4Anw2BVyV50-NhWZtnr3b4sGsHxVSaPFeyi_teOWy6xUuA4Rv98r9rdC6nQDZVJcBlMqp4lfDhZOJqlR_FKEriA9te9H1X4HYWCPY0yoO2ZTnSkzug/s1600-h/hw5.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcwQRMdOvE2F7RnE63wVACrd7r4Anw2BVyV50-NhWZtnr3b4sGsHxVSaPFeyi_teOWy6xUuA4Rv98r9rdC6nQDZVJcBlMqp4lfDhZOJqlR_FKEriA9te9H1X4HYWCPY0yoO2ZTnSkzug/s400/hw5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336230018808681778" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDH-1wj3_WjXsinTGgfcPtMMMpWEhDOEZWdH38DNGepmV7FHs6Oas08kGehpk8nOxKU3062JOVjz_g_HadT8qeDUcRalPwVeFEbPia2EPVs783Nm9kDdXdhd9WAxK6DUWS0V_p9Wr4a4/s1600-h/hw6.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDH-1wj3_WjXsinTGgfcPtMMMpWEhDOEZWdH38DNGepmV7FHs6Oas08kGehpk8nOxKU3062JOVjz_g_HadT8qeDUcRalPwVeFEbPia2EPVs783Nm9kDdXdhd9WAxK6DUWS0V_p9Wr4a4/s400/hw6.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336230220676299586" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfx5n7WfsL4kLb6fSJBqpnr9JJqfL7LBVw_TG1u_u5K3zjQQNO9cpWnIwTB5JFVsJmAMdcjllG3iSP62rfXwO8YyvaKYWg1Dcxe1d-ZF7yu9Yi_8Ac0M74nJjWxw4EinEIHvPlT5nY_Y/s1600-h/hw7.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfx5n7WfsL4kLb6fSJBqpnr9JJqfL7LBVw_TG1u_u5K3zjQQNO9cpWnIwTB5JFVsJmAMdcjllG3iSP62rfXwO8YyvaKYWg1Dcxe1d-ZF7yu9Yi_8Ac0M74nJjWxw4EinEIHvPlT5nY_Y/s400/hw7.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336230416701013874" /></a><br /><br />She was biting at dog beds, scratching at the dog beds, she stretched out one minute and balled up the next minute. This went on for two hours and it was about 4 hours before she could really relax. It was more like she collapsed from exhaustion. I never saw the whites of a dog’s eyes like I did this week. I watched, took some pictures, and had a long talk with God. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yIFn1jZfA0z1lRZOs-PO83TFKPK27gCnsx8nKCPzjU7RI0PT-OAKh7b8aaCyCGlyaL0ZeY1cOxGLIKWQAvSK7BAWBmUUGh3ZM2zEy_DA89ebWFw8QzxgkIxpsJn11C-AaiCVpkNJ_YY/s1600-h/hw8.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yIFn1jZfA0z1lRZOs-PO83TFKPK27gCnsx8nKCPzjU7RI0PT-OAKh7b8aaCyCGlyaL0ZeY1cOxGLIKWQAvSK7BAWBmUUGh3ZM2zEy_DA89ebWFw8QzxgkIxpsJn11C-AaiCVpkNJ_YY/s400/hw8.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336230585962082498" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgJbjjGxmpST1qRteM9BJp6sP0lWRpc_d9F-ULM_aMnrqVlhDmGW7SYe7iKF3gEHRFDHwOODYWToHyrGEi9tywxuBBU-QFGnG1oOLi79rjaIG847EWAWpRuNz6xtVo4NFLZJ62a9w3FE/s1600-h/hw10.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgJbjjGxmpST1qRteM9BJp6sP0lWRpc_d9F-ULM_aMnrqVlhDmGW7SYe7iKF3gEHRFDHwOODYWToHyrGEi9tywxuBBU-QFGnG1oOLi79rjaIG847EWAWpRuNz6xtVo4NFLZJ62a9w3FE/s400/hw10.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336230759077774594" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD18yCXxQ3xoxqE0vGoyXyREUaG8NqJt530lM0z_yEzbpehHLCYhE-25O5Pm134lp6K8WIBTfWefwZlQuxusDAeZNzkJTC-igabNSLzY_XnUbcPM1Vhv_gt5UT8PHgNY_nEXpLrqzcACo/s1600-h/hw11.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD18yCXxQ3xoxqE0vGoyXyREUaG8NqJt530lM0z_yEzbpehHLCYhE-25O5Pm134lp6K8WIBTfWefwZlQuxusDAeZNzkJTC-igabNSLzY_XnUbcPM1Vhv_gt5UT8PHgNY_nEXpLrqzcACo/s400/hw11.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336230931822924882" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADAhAdm96VEz9B8mD6bzovlAt5q6OpBtwogpYigu-iiBkznKPfuViOcC5no7IqRgCgfSEVTeIIIFEbNH4nVlBQDzHyhbIz_qKqg7GVbbuEu1wwY6hLTKXr3I5eUy9ksU0khVjQwuKsIM/s1600-h/hw12.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADAhAdm96VEz9B8mD6bzovlAt5q6OpBtwogpYigu-iiBkznKPfuViOcC5no7IqRgCgfSEVTeIIIFEbNH4nVlBQDzHyhbIz_qKqg7GVbbuEu1wwY6hLTKXr3I5eUy9ksU0khVjQwuKsIM/s400/hw12.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336231086728767378" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdLPQTskyYMULq7IvyHNqoy2QU2uUxBnRDx4L0bCA-zJBAFjVPHqu_50JACTjqKPEJzdDHa-hYIzk3X9TvlykHtz_3IQfLwJ9FJeM_LJaYtlBbVW3ljr-BQ2n0HAiZWhyOcL7L0gT8Ns/s1600-h/hw13.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdLPQTskyYMULq7IvyHNqoy2QU2uUxBnRDx4L0bCA-zJBAFjVPHqu_50JACTjqKPEJzdDHa-hYIzk3X9TvlykHtz_3IQfLwJ9FJeM_LJaYtlBbVW3ljr-BQ2n0HAiZWhyOcL7L0gT8Ns/s400/hw13.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336231287253736274" /></a><br /><br />We moved to my bedroom long before it was over. I laid in the floor for awhile, then I watched her from my bed. Two of my dogs crawled over beside her and took turns being near her while another was in a bed nearby. There was no doubt in my mind that the dogs knew something was wrong with Darlin’. You can see that in Sam’s eyes. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xSu5l6XMxQj4fNeQzYENfsJXIV8uEFZi70CQA6OWiSAt4BMY4qv9eDrCPsOrsyJZq9vjFXueiyWNYGvbLz0KzoH1jRvhFRqOfsHR8ztPew8hi259jDOk-mTDqftN_iJ3T3LDl554Vhk/s1600-h/hw14.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xSu5l6XMxQj4fNeQzYENfsJXIV8uEFZi70CQA6OWiSAt4BMY4qv9eDrCPsOrsyJZq9vjFXueiyWNYGvbLz0KzoH1jRvhFRqOfsHR8ztPew8hi259jDOk-mTDqftN_iJ3T3LDl554Vhk/s400/hw14.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336231446150510210" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo-jnkSA0Ob6L741Ca7Bj-kbkCbzXkcUZY8hPSvi_I_BBYvujX2dPrloK9Dnv1rhynMOnAueJ4MFSqOxHEW11aW3A2DEyCf_jZ0FCfjjHVs72LKVeXNt7C85vNrWMSguTfwGsUaSvHOo/s1600-h/hw15.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo-jnkSA0Ob6L741Ca7Bj-kbkCbzXkcUZY8hPSvi_I_BBYvujX2dPrloK9Dnv1rhynMOnAueJ4MFSqOxHEW11aW3A2DEyCf_jZ0FCfjjHVs72LKVeXNt7C85vNrWMSguTfwGsUaSvHOo/s400/hw15.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336231619042789090" /></a><br /><br />She didn’t move out from under that piece of furniture. She did eat two peanut butter dog biscuits and most of her dinner later that night so I knew she was feeling better. She also drank about 12 oz. of water once she relaxed. The next morning she was acting more like herself again and today she was even better. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNI0AlysmJaUVBf3GPUQr6EgwlTInKUppgdGiD5rragbITQdsf_KOhDCkWNQuiO2iZzzfdbZzlXsUNeN3RZdgJ_nxS50hn0hWEGgiiu2W9KCk-If2YfCxY972Ryj1j_W3Rpw-fAJFv02s/s1600-h/S5001332.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNI0AlysmJaUVBf3GPUQr6EgwlTInKUppgdGiD5rragbITQdsf_KOhDCkWNQuiO2iZzzfdbZzlXsUNeN3RZdgJ_nxS50hn0hWEGgiiu2W9KCk-If2YfCxY972Ryj1j_W3Rpw-fAJFv02s/s400/S5001332.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336232536102453826" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDvA2u3wWdGRK_Tl38J-Dvu1udU76bWfELHCJm1gpLPhY0eqQUmK9cNDow_4Lla8mtXZqbFzFNDSKsHHiJ547BYJZF-7GvC7r-Zq42ILGmOuPBOoLNFBjHN1tNoAwn5IEcWo-72yV5tw/s1600-h/S5001358.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDvA2u3wWdGRK_Tl38J-Dvu1udU76bWfELHCJm1gpLPhY0eqQUmK9cNDow_4Lla8mtXZqbFzFNDSKsHHiJ547BYJZF-7GvC7r-Zq42ILGmOuPBOoLNFBjHN1tNoAwn5IEcWo-72yV5tw/s400/S5001358.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336232733906992994" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I-iI-rQa9rgHzgi5oU2eXosWrRQ7ZD-6WqHfgvAjKFHqttMpvJFLzwcz1D5O7v2MS8POJJYxCtEAYtUXHtQBfG4Mw2_De_dbfQt4VMmUzCVhva77P9FJmRlvWOLe6Llxv0i7A-aIMDk/s1600-h/S5001356.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I-iI-rQa9rgHzgi5oU2eXosWrRQ7ZD-6WqHfgvAjKFHqttMpvJFLzwcz1D5O7v2MS8POJJYxCtEAYtUXHtQBfG4Mw2_De_dbfQt4VMmUzCVhva77P9FJmRlvWOLe6Llxv0i7A-aIMDk/s400/S5001356.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336232956598908258" /></a><br /><br />I’m so glad it’s over. Now I will carefully monitor her activity and stressors over the next two months. Once the worms begin to die off (beginning 5-10 days post treatment) if the heart or lungs are stressed it can be fatal because the worms could cause a clot in the lungs, also known as a pulmonary embolism. Since she is still very fearful it won’t be difficult to keep her calm, however I am concerned about the stress and anxiety that her fears cause on her body.Canine Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13513801321874664247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9190864266174223701.post-61173471201332481642009-05-05T13:07:00.000-05:002009-05-05T14:39:22.262-05:00Building Confidence through CuriosityOnce Darlin’ was living upstairs she became more curious about her surroundings and I began to notice her behavior changing. She started showing some interest in living as one of the pack and seemed to be enjoying her new location. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujtA5p2Nijdjgy07XVkrMs7aYXzyOcHgDvA3Qh6DIGg-IqBwNvQbF1kB02gyvnBGVh2QBd4Qa4jnwlAEI5rcPAZa5ZQAXR7RSQNGEQOhq2_PBkF7hYCr7VkHz6GlL1BG3BRW3gavCSPE/s1600-h/S5000521.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujtA5p2Nijdjgy07XVkrMs7aYXzyOcHgDvA3Qh6DIGg-IqBwNvQbF1kB02gyvnBGVh2QBd4Qa4jnwlAEI5rcPAZa5ZQAXR7RSQNGEQOhq2_PBkF7hYCr7VkHz6GlL1BG3BRW3gavCSPE/s400/S5000521.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332403870409388434" /></a><br /><br />At first I’d have to carry her out to the deck after putting my dogs away. I wanted her to get comfortable going out in the yard from the upstairs and I hoped she would follow me without the fear of another dog in her way. She did it! She had not used the bathroom for 11 hours because of storms so she didn’t hesitate getting down to the yard. Since she took those steps with ease, I continued working with her, spending lots of time encouraging her with words to “go potty, that’s my good girl, and you’re doing great!” Usually I go down first and as soon as I start back up the stairs I hear her collar because she’s running right behind me. I’m hoping she’ll get comfortable walking down with the other dogs so that I won’t always have to lead her out to the yard. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmyLH3tzlyZULXjPEb3PVQI_McxLTS4hDomzWeo_dgSEoLxTg3mj-HJz8_CWzmd6zQ_DV0oahSgWSIah69849PGrfkqMlIan5BZKMFGejGp6GM915iLDoMkOzsJKTtlgsvzrlhlfG7no/s1600-h/S5000473.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmyLH3tzlyZULXjPEb3PVQI_McxLTS4hDomzWeo_dgSEoLxTg3mj-HJz8_CWzmd6zQ_DV0oahSgWSIah69849PGrfkqMlIan5BZKMFGejGp6GM915iLDoMkOzsJKTtlgsvzrlhlfG7no/s400/S5000473.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332404415699750370" /></a><br /><br />Darlin’ was afraid of the dogs and they were a little too eager to meet her so that didn’t help her anxiety. I kept them all separated from her the first three weeks, after that I gradually allowed them all a little time in the yard under my strict supervision. Her tail was always down tight between her legs, she would freeze when one approached her, and most times if she could get away she tucked herself tightly in a corner. She is more comforable now, but still not acting like one of the dogs. <br /><br /><strong>First introductions</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5-SukPAXCx7oX0s4IcLH5niUhIy0A07RxrdBcdwtXb2_-sXS6pouLuVDt3jFQKEermn1LMNQcCPFLBYsZraxkQitID9-4rZowz-zmECQi4eMUfK9JKnh_ja5fCdOGGV5ugYWkayzXyo/s1600-h/S5000033.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5-SukPAXCx7oX0s4IcLH5niUhIy0A07RxrdBcdwtXb2_-sXS6pouLuVDt3jFQKEermn1LMNQcCPFLBYsZraxkQitID9-4rZowz-zmECQi4eMUfK9JKnh_ja5fCdOGGV5ugYWkayzXyo/s400/S5000033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332405550283933410" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EoGPR37nsgVL8vWChNcD7YsO7THjsOq6CMOydmk2cVvdsiGef2rlE_TG5xLzNhpcmRsky3WgZWQ7LI4N21nEUqLHWzoOT2ifTELBqxOG1PCcD2X2qJPOEN9P3crXb_FIbXtqn9pP47w/s1600-h/S5000043.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EoGPR37nsgVL8vWChNcD7YsO7THjsOq6CMOydmk2cVvdsiGef2rlE_TG5xLzNhpcmRsky3WgZWQ7LI4N21nEUqLHWzoOT2ifTELBqxOG1PCcD2X2qJPOEN9P3crXb_FIbXtqn9pP47w/s400/S5000043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332405879264333858" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQO1-JGn7XPCrnKybq48Li7I-h4dukwmj6xPdBZ8sLXxAXcfRRi7yN8x8rjam5ip0gQSrNkHAIcgb_NSDDrjBaqNs5YhXT0vxwJWFek3AwDIdMhGjyWJ-p8QtL7Taw7xqDe0lY_zML9Ck/s1600-h/S5000180.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQO1-JGn7XPCrnKybq48Li7I-h4dukwmj6xPdBZ8sLXxAXcfRRi7yN8x8rjam5ip0gQSrNkHAIcgb_NSDDrjBaqNs5YhXT0vxwJWFek3AwDIdMhGjyWJ-p8QtL7Taw7xqDe0lY_zML9Ck/s400/S5000180.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332407162817324466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAq7tTqSt08GCoiz4hNhFYkMKzTV_OsnrfjQuqWbzSW2wCpMze4sPd0yR5shX-FtXlV3FhrWK0t2RK0bdLFAqUZ9t6-HmAcR_VkSLw7si2WNpDg9DphkEIT-U97WufgLSsXDnCtNEIPg/s1600-h/S5000181.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAq7tTqSt08GCoiz4hNhFYkMKzTV_OsnrfjQuqWbzSW2wCpMze4sPd0yR5shX-FtXlV3FhrWK0t2RK0bdLFAqUZ9t6-HmAcR_VkSLw7si2WNpDg9DphkEIT-U97WufgLSsXDnCtNEIPg/s400/S5000181.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332407318817217394" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Living as a pack member, not real comfortable with the dogs.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFTO2JppyKn5bfmN8tf6SQZ4-B17ubl9PQcYeIig1JOs53lI9w_IqiDaDgri1K2wgjsgW_hbCCppFCBNq-VnFoXVYKelmT-cDTllurR78q409ww_7im8EwSMNfuQlg2F7inQ7RxcdwoE/s1600-h/S5000629.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFTO2JppyKn5bfmN8tf6SQZ4-B17ubl9PQcYeIig1JOs53lI9w_IqiDaDgri1K2wgjsgW_hbCCppFCBNq-VnFoXVYKelmT-cDTllurR78q409ww_7im8EwSMNfuQlg2F7inQ7RxcdwoE/s400/S5000629.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332408635068619186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb8Wf8cN9PJka44RXycO6_aWOTrD1y-2_Yz5qJmAkWOlAxI2sQcJ_pOvRE0Bm71Mtma3fNGKFBx0bLbmVlF_q_ke1w5_r8MJIqpXNIbqayDzqt5Y-PntIH7sBrDELtbL29nu7de69ruo/s1600-h/S5000638.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb8Wf8cN9PJka44RXycO6_aWOTrD1y-2_Yz5qJmAkWOlAxI2sQcJ_pOvRE0Bm71Mtma3fNGKFBx0bLbmVlF_q_ke1w5_r8MJIqpXNIbqayDzqt5Y-PntIH7sBrDELtbL29nu7de69ruo/s400/S5000638.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332408833156891058" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQHwRvdSElaNyFkK7aSQn1J3OgW0VHDUNGpRJSd3avFlYOaTLy5Wk3MFiG7bPX4MdXgxtEvlR5DhkQOQKL3_kgUq9GsRtuUkstzLkcJF9yOjrkpay9aj5Ik9aaOdiedJsUi9s2oZGKBk/s1600-h/S5000652.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQHwRvdSElaNyFkK7aSQn1J3OgW0VHDUNGpRJSd3avFlYOaTLy5Wk3MFiG7bPX4MdXgxtEvlR5DhkQOQKL3_kgUq9GsRtuUkstzLkcJF9yOjrkpay9aj5Ik9aaOdiedJsUi9s2oZGKBk/s400/S5000652.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332409612847043682" /></a><br /><br />I loved to see her relax enough to roll and scratch her back. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sILZwCIjAAkO0iy-D6zr96uHhqWOQZvnZieo6PtdZChxoGOAvf_v3XCVoV_LFJefkh0CEaEmt8ACrHcrqB9nY9MVeTbiIxmj_oCM60jMMpyT8iVyZ4ph_bfDgUlKjN6CvTcIEpZP_sU/s1600-h/S5000486.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sILZwCIjAAkO0iy-D6zr96uHhqWOQZvnZieo6PtdZChxoGOAvf_v3XCVoV_LFJefkh0CEaEmt8ACrHcrqB9nY9MVeTbiIxmj_oCM60jMMpyT8iVyZ4ph_bfDgUlKjN6CvTcIEpZP_sU/s400/S5000486.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332411011502226754" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEN3qexgxURfH1hZ0ihrU-JY5-vBUFoyhr5RBRGZC9ph-qIC0SpbXrw7WSTfhL8Hf_cP2oKJCrf-ybX7mUy8rdGQkGAtazfPQLFwS6Y75emgGRQCO0lWyQMwE4KaLL7MeB96pwZDpjRI/s1600-h/S5000487.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEN3qexgxURfH1hZ0ihrU-JY5-vBUFoyhr5RBRGZC9ph-qIC0SpbXrw7WSTfhL8Hf_cP2oKJCrf-ybX7mUy8rdGQkGAtazfPQLFwS6Y75emgGRQCO0lWyQMwE4KaLL7MeB96pwZDpjRI/s400/S5000487.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332411251304898082" /></a><br /><br />In the daytime no one was home except myself and the animals so getting Darlin’ to go out wasn’t hard too do, but when my family came home she would stay in her bed because she’s still fearful of new people…or anything for that matter. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6dZWh6QWneMzEnsLv_HPI5OfnveIcO7Yxad_t8E7nqk7Q3L058AahWx61gpiAEytOLr_sVgbYLgN-gu7UDk8-RxpP0yRQKE1UJZVKVJp8bS84Yu-YiNamjzouPAGK8OmDLShie68NBM/s1600-h/S5000518.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6dZWh6QWneMzEnsLv_HPI5OfnveIcO7Yxad_t8E7nqk7Q3L058AahWx61gpiAEytOLr_sVgbYLgN-gu7UDk8-RxpP0yRQKE1UJZVKVJp8bS84Yu-YiNamjzouPAGK8OmDLShie68NBM/s400/S5000518.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332411821082382466" /></a><br /><br />In the evenings I had to carry her out back. She ran down the stairs, but getting her back inside took a lot of encouragement or I had to carry her upstairs. There have been many times she would make it to the top step, but as soon as she saw me in the doorway calling her in she ran back down. I’ve have to be patient with Darlin’, but I have to admit it can get frustrating. I started trying the leash again on the nights she wouldn’t come when I called her, although most of the time I was standing in the yard with her. She doesn’t let me out of her sight for very long and follows behind, but she’s so careful about coming back inside. She’ll be walking around the yard and freeze because she heard something in the kitchen, at that point she goes on high alert. <br /><br />When she does come in she runs to a dog bed by the couch, that’s her first stop. That’s also where I started giving her treats that she will now eat in front of me. For her to lean over for food within seconds after I lay it there is truly a miraculous thing for Darlin’. She went from not eating for three days, to eating late at night, to eating when I offer her food while I’m still present. I’ll take it! I believe she will be taking food from me within the next month. Paws crossed! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfDp4PHyvYPcs312nWA-alQTBBtNiDj9WevAJa5AtJC-UuIIZfSDdA9t8C3ZA1C6mr9mXkS924gVffWl3Z0tVA_eZv3ZszznVny_gB6eG3KK2PeffEj0HjihzAYC7Hd6LGrMCkVqjldA/s1600-h/S5001005.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfDp4PHyvYPcs312nWA-alQTBBtNiDj9WevAJa5AtJC-UuIIZfSDdA9t8C3ZA1C6mr9mXkS924gVffWl3Z0tVA_eZv3ZszznVny_gB6eG3KK2PeffEj0HjihzAYC7Hd6LGrMCkVqjldA/s400/S5001005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332412726713975298" /></a><br /><br />One mistake I have made is thinking (or expecting) that she’ll make progress everyday when in fact it takes a few days for her to try something new, which isn’t bad at all. During her sixth week home when she was doing so well living in the dining room, she discovered the shed out back. This girl has gotten herself stuck in some tight spots when she was scared so I don’t know why I was surprised that she could crawl under the shed. She went under and came back out twice one afternoon! And she came when I called her to go get her treat. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvn7n2p5fOc8E_uPtDf_13Nx2-CL9mb0M7TMZRXt6hHXHzR-r8jx3ZTAvl45Tr2JwZx5VkW5R9RnNRsVzdr4MiE0svYUFmfUXtyI35wrHVFz4awPo4kklkc3hX5ehCpW2vMO96Ih1xwdk/s1600-h/S5000680.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvn7n2p5fOc8E_uPtDf_13Nx2-CL9mb0M7TMZRXt6hHXHzR-r8jx3ZTAvl45Tr2JwZx5VkW5R9RnNRsVzdr4MiE0svYUFmfUXtyI35wrHVFz4awPo4kklkc3hX5ehCpW2vMO96Ih1xwdk/s400/S5000680.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332414008569330306" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKy6lhxc3eD-sgAq2sUidpF9ou09tHf62g0Al0SRzol2WdijweOHMAN1ZM_XRRFl26l1NMUI32EiY7fv6tMYMn71sBCPHS9pov1TP-_fKmIsJcAG-u96zTdiD9DHDEoq6u1uiomKEZ-8/s1600-h/S5000719.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKy6lhxc3eD-sgAq2sUidpF9ou09tHf62g0Al0SRzol2WdijweOHMAN1ZM_XRRFl26l1NMUI32EiY7fv6tMYMn71sBCPHS9pov1TP-_fKmIsJcAG-u96zTdiD9DHDEoq6u1uiomKEZ-8/s400/S5000719.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332414460845612642" /></a><br /><br />My daughter and her boyfriend walked out on the deck just about the time that Darlin’ made it to the top. She saw them and ran back down and went straight for that shed! And she was still under there 8 hours later! <br /><br />I was pretty upset, I didn’t want her hiding out all night, and yes, I knew she would come out eventually; it just seemed like a setback for her. I took the dogs out late and could see her muzzle under there so I started calling her, but she moved further back. I started throwing Frisbee for my JRT and spent a little time just standing around the yard with them. <br /><br />Once we were finished playing I called all the dogs to go get their treats, a word I know that Darlin’ has learned, and I called for Darlin’ to go “eat”, another word I know that she understands. She had also missed her dinner so I hoped she was hungry. I went upstairs to the kitchen and called each dog by name and started passing out treats, over and over with the back door wide open. Then I heard Darlin’s collar from when she shook herself in the yard. I kept calling out names and passing out treats and within a few minutes, guess who goes running to her bed in the dining room? I closed the door and went to praise her, when I reached for her head she sniffed my hand. I had been passing out Beggin Strips and that hand sniff meant a lot coming from her, it was a dog thing and I don’t get to see much natural dog behavior from her. She got her Beggin Strip and dinner followed, which she didn’t waste any time eating that night. The next morning my husband nailed boards across the bottom, now no one gets under there. <br /><br />That weekend she had been outside and on her way in the house when she ran into my son, so she took a detour and ended up in my office. She found an empty space under my desk and laid there and napped. I figured that was the best place for her since I’m in my office a lot. Well, she spent the next two days under there and it became her new safe place. She hasn’t been back to the dining room! <br /><br />It's nice to be trusted.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL65795v89KmfpFt5DhQnlJuAZHL7ckZdujMHODZ-E3ZPHZ2m6xj-iueFP_w7izS0Jv22btEM79rJhwYSnkUAM7HiChW0sHUlsnWK1moMWjyyEcxS0P7dgmxWhELFQZRw8upm4dS2gBw/s1600-h/S5000724.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL65795v89KmfpFt5DhQnlJuAZHL7ckZdujMHODZ-E3ZPHZ2m6xj-iueFP_w7izS0Jv22btEM79rJhwYSnkUAM7HiChW0sHUlsnWK1moMWjyyEcxS0P7dgmxWhELFQZRw8upm4dS2gBw/s400/S5000724.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332414950454582690" /></a><br /><br />I gave her a bigger bed<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKEsvWn33yfD-NRaOUeQ_zbut56M0Ar1tmfqtTog0l87xf9YlrJqZBphz7zLVKGWSIlgdTz1mzerKNhvamkRcGFb28YiISqIlv6Mw1cYEqYjx5lx6UBOJRL5MUnXwpmMVoHDsq5h19Bo/s1600-h/S5000753.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKEsvWn33yfD-NRaOUeQ_zbut56M0Ar1tmfqtTog0l87xf9YlrJqZBphz7zLVKGWSIlgdTz1mzerKNhvamkRcGFb28YiISqIlv6Mw1cYEqYjx5lx6UBOJRL5MUnXwpmMVoHDsq5h19Bo/s400/S5000753.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332415480416737362" /></a><br /><br />Darlin’ made great strides last week in feeling more secure. There were many times when it was work getting her out from under my desk, sometimes having to carry her out, but she made several successful attempts to come out on her own. During the day I took time out of my usual online schedule, closed my office door and spent time watching television. I knew she would want to be where I was so she laid in her bed in the living room. One afternoon she even slept on the couch with her head against my leg! When my daughter walked in from school she scooted and hid behind me, but she did keep looking back at my daughter which is a good thing. <br /><br />I went to check email and lost my spot on the couch.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwVFMMKoIAY4AIuma-kCwhllr5gOySwResnPN3Va-DHtiHiCRs1TfzK7W-gO5e7S-xY1_yW4hNUHpZ3Y8zj5qOto458x0D8q3xVsGAmDkcvKmbFFs2YQzVJfyOkqrcMXCYLUIEWGYvyk/s1600-h/S5000760.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwVFMMKoIAY4AIuma-kCwhllr5gOySwResnPN3Va-DHtiHiCRs1TfzK7W-gO5e7S-xY1_yW4hNUHpZ3Y8zj5qOto458x0D8q3xVsGAmDkcvKmbFFs2YQzVJfyOkqrcMXCYLUIEWGYvyk/s400/S5000760.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332416078627843394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFfcByrhXO9nvgD7bAnqV3TOUE0U8YGvefdixVJ2dVfTFGLvNGYgOwEDBRkV7spBpCGyUAKUZuRAxuIILjY3mfmTWL9Mtlr9tRdIqFrSKOvwO_HmbHWPb1lkhW8R5_dH-NKKO8_DXpeI/s1600-h/S5000608.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFfcByrhXO9nvgD7bAnqV3TOUE0U8YGvefdixVJ2dVfTFGLvNGYgOwEDBRkV7spBpCGyUAKUZuRAxuIILjY3mfmTWL9Mtlr9tRdIqFrSKOvwO_HmbHWPb1lkhW8R5_dH-NKKO8_DXpeI/s400/S5000608.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332416790758447826" /></a><br /><br />At night I would sit with her on the couch, then I leave her there and she has slept there all night for a week. The nights when we had thunderstorms I did leave my office open so she could hide under my desk if she needed to. In the mornings my husband would open my office so she had a safe place to go if she feels nervous. She usually disappears when he’s not looking.<br /><br />She walked through the kitchen a few times when I called the dogs for treats. She’s more curious now, but since she doesn’t take food from me she doesn’t stay long. Just seeing her in the kitchen really warmed my heart and gives me hope about what kind of dog she’ll be in the near future. <br /><br /><strong>"Darlin', come get your treat."</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMtN6O2dfwfaUBbibvTFTDXAhcC4OTx9Hf4Ub-DZGumUdH3k2mrObYXU1cVWwHTgIYX6k8XdS0oviInDuJhe3FI7VnRPpmBnlfX7rAWqke0UNr3fcK7Exk3OU1gWiHnpQADZT9ZRS0sQ/s1600-h/S5000867.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMtN6O2dfwfaUBbibvTFTDXAhcC4OTx9Hf4Ub-DZGumUdH3k2mrObYXU1cVWwHTgIYX6k8XdS0oviInDuJhe3FI7VnRPpmBnlfX7rAWqke0UNr3fcK7Exk3OU1gWiHnpQADZT9ZRS0sQ/s400/S5000867.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332417480265039682" /></a><br /><strong>There she is.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-Co_1n4CXcZM8X-8OeAGrc4A1cA_KyUdE2LmWDcM9muGtFB766Bhz6eQQZXcJE6z1D0ZWTjnBiNdJvuuO6O84WI6DVuMb25CsUnTUC8-wC1_SMAt0p48LM6dm6itHhWxJ_TIq_W7F4s/s1600-h/S5000858.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-Co_1n4CXcZM8X-8OeAGrc4A1cA_KyUdE2LmWDcM9muGtFB766Bhz6eQQZXcJE6z1D0ZWTjnBiNdJvuuO6O84WI6DVuMb25CsUnTUC8-wC1_SMAt0p48LM6dm6itHhWxJ_TIq_W7F4s/s400/S5000858.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332418105296200786" /></a><br /><br />She didn't stay, but she showed up!<br /><br />I have reminded my family that it took five to six weeks for Darlin’ to bond with me and we are still working on our relationship; therefore we should expect it to take as long for her to get comfortable with my family. <br /><br />She’s doing fine around the dogs these days. There are occasions where the pack gets over excited for whatever reason, and she may freeze up, or may run to my office, but most times she seems to understand what’s going on with them. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcFIw9yOmu4zECF9gsSy0j9rhl0IjKJT535w9vRX4jD55nv1-tgdpT68-HjUvSrsta3pYnj7yU3LgYSxNSKgr_S7zMYiwf_FMPV5uD7K1BEdb4bqFw6PASpazdy4gTj41UPIdV0XrUw0/s1600-h/s5000942.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcFIw9yOmu4zECF9gsSy0j9rhl0IjKJT535w9vRX4jD55nv1-tgdpT68-HjUvSrsta3pYnj7yU3LgYSxNSKgr_S7zMYiwf_FMPV5uD7K1BEdb4bqFw6PASpazdy4gTj41UPIdV0XrUw0/s400/s5000942.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332418530794391250" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSycjn8DYXZzJwF6zBrd130THsDlGGIkOHCbZXF-VRVO0KJ_TTnVPo8KTlxzv7XkTycOCRwkyTq8KYXa17EYE4rGSaKKAd16ogj4YYIaXYlXkmivkH1423nua5cRe61wwzilCQERXIdQ/s1600-h/S5000963.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSycjn8DYXZzJwF6zBrd130THsDlGGIkOHCbZXF-VRVO0KJ_TTnVPo8KTlxzv7XkTycOCRwkyTq8KYXa17EYE4rGSaKKAd16ogj4YYIaXYlXkmivkH1423nua5cRe61wwzilCQERXIdQ/s400/S5000963.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332419085808631282" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoAX2Z-_jDUDC8wJQZj1k8feAxS85b5297KwO0MHDdRM12x_cDDmeuD41f0QTOeWeXzwp8UqYiyZZM2nkJcC2uQaTt_QAAWXiTFqqyhzfkXEXXjteydonq_LuDzlzpq5qjWIaSVy5TNY/s1600-h/S5000967.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoAX2Z-_jDUDC8wJQZj1k8feAxS85b5297KwO0MHDdRM12x_cDDmeuD41f0QTOeWeXzwp8UqYiyZZM2nkJcC2uQaTt_QAAWXiTFqqyhzfkXEXXjteydonq_LuDzlzpq5qjWIaSVy5TNY/s400/S5000967.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332419230002477602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgumE4UMDzvRIjTmqLwrcgmccPyo_sUVi_1m8CdI0X0uObEakxLKIXpiJfQ2tuDs-qWlpbRKPCiuLAdw7WnoxVqbkpKxiBxLU7vklSBKB-IVg1EeFHuz2k-8jCvIdiQwh2VG1GLQokLEU/s1600-h/S5000968.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgumE4UMDzvRIjTmqLwrcgmccPyo_sUVi_1m8CdI0X0uObEakxLKIXpiJfQ2tuDs-qWlpbRKPCiuLAdw7WnoxVqbkpKxiBxLU7vklSBKB-IVg1EeFHuz2k-8jCvIdiQwh2VG1GLQokLEU/s400/S5000968.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332419480787760370" /></a><br /><br />I make a big deal out of everything I do with my other dogs, from playtime to treat time. I call everyone by name in front of her, they have to sit for food which she sees, and I praise like crazy. If she runs in from outside to her bed, then I pet her head and tell her, “Good sit” just like I do the others. If she has to learn basic commands by association, that works for me right now. Since she doesn’t play, is still fearful and cautious, and isn’t food motivated, it’s the best I could hope for in less than two months time. And more than I ever expected after researching fearful dogs.<br /><br />I’m doing better these days. After bringing Darlin’ home it didn’t take much for me to get emotional. There were times I couldn’t talk about her before I went to tears. It wasn’t easy having a dog that was shut down and trembling in fear, a dog that was so frightened of everything that she wouldn’t eat. It made me angry that someone dumped her or abandoned her and left her out there to fend for herself…for who knows how long before I met her. Once I saw in her eyes that she was learning to trust me, each day brings me a renewed sense of hope for Darlin’ in the months ahead. <br /><br />I take a lot of pictures. One day I took 140 of the dogs! I’m ending this post with some of my recent favorites. Keep in mind that Darlin’ appears like a normal happy dog in these pictures. I don’t take pictures of her looking afraid, I see that often enough. She has a long way to go before she has adapted to her new home and family and feels safe around everyone. She has gone from a feral dog to more skittish now, but a skittish dog is a fearful dog. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3YZsi98ZuHPVXpl2bfWXqQ1YZgqMxGy44djJOIOSGQPqJxHn1RHYYdMPI03kDwEARw0lrwzRdJrYqPYolh-SWIwl12xE2CN68f3zU0KN1e1TMqZXDB0uvqHPZyqC-_qDmXD4Va192Ac/s1600-h/S5000901.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3YZsi98ZuHPVXpl2bfWXqQ1YZgqMxGy44djJOIOSGQPqJxHn1RHYYdMPI03kDwEARw0lrwzRdJrYqPYolh-SWIwl12xE2CN68f3zU0KN1e1TMqZXDB0uvqHPZyqC-_qDmXD4Va192Ac/s400/S5000901.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332423412215430642" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdqgDj2vaPW3k9vWgmarpNR2peln3qIkfJSdgmwMU-26ordLVUhoPPb723OG28NExJ5hZfRxkfqCjy4I5_Qf-X7-n9qSJPU3dSbqBMwZpwvhr2uzE6ceod-sysoRh43LBDDk184l_5yY/s1600-h/S5000889.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdqgDj2vaPW3k9vWgmarpNR2peln3qIkfJSdgmwMU-26ordLVUhoPPb723OG28NExJ5hZfRxkfqCjy4I5_Qf-X7-n9qSJPU3dSbqBMwZpwvhr2uzE6ceod-sysoRh43LBDDk184l_5yY/s400/S5000889.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332423117540449682" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ0OJ6wuR_Wl9OOmmBtXgMSsOu3J3O3HtICLcd6yoKnyUPOJJerSPaoyn9nwvgWK6kPavs5e03u3jqNTcR16xQFbJ2OFJs1e6Z642dNYZ7ArjIYfF7g2P62YDiR1Iv93LJQxOvfaD624/s1600-h/S5000854.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ0OJ6wuR_Wl9OOmmBtXgMSsOu3J3O3HtICLcd6yoKnyUPOJJerSPaoyn9nwvgWK6kPavs5e03u3jqNTcR16xQFbJ2OFJs1e6Z642dNYZ7ArjIYfF7g2P62YDiR1Iv93LJQxOvfaD624/s400/S5000854.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332422983885110258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ8TrXq8nHojGt5R5W-iBdKV72ileLG8pjvbGH1A8ESrerBZPV3tb0iyCSawOlONi0kkzcuh0gednmI8nBheQyvH8K30IcfqGq965T5KVzV5DmfbCKymk23Isa_qDgZHpY2yfyH3mWBo/s1600-h/S5000805.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ8TrXq8nHojGt5R5W-iBdKV72ileLG8pjvbGH1A8ESrerBZPV3tb0iyCSawOlONi0kkzcuh0gednmI8nBheQyvH8K30IcfqGq965T5KVzV5DmfbCKymk23Isa_qDgZHpY2yfyH3mWBo/s400/S5000805.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332422783395020194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOufxfzGWGd3eY6OIrO-GG-t60-A3i0-2RNNIbN3UX1cLnDZGmVCwsPvcS-Bv1lOAv2UA7J6mH1oYVT093xRaBwRyfA2SKjpJDEdxjetKqL-qwlYr1-KgYkLkytViitvHcRZfqNc4w1Js/s1600-h/S5000712.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; 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