Changes

Yesterday, I put on my coat and stuffed a doggie bag in my pocket.  As I got on my shoes, I turned to call Bella, and there she was, already silently by my side.  This morning, as I dressed, Bella got up and came toward me.  When I looked at her, she turned back to her corner, but she came easily when I walked to the front door.  She's never gotten up and moved while I was in the room before.   She's never walked toward me before.

During the night, I heard quite a bit of movement.  There was head shaking and the sound of toenails crisscrossing the floor.  When I awoke, I expected to see Bella's blanket all messed up and a torn stuffed animal, but the room as as neat as ever, and Bella was curled on her bed.

Yesterday, overly optimistic, I let a friend accompany us on our walk, a bit behind me.  It made Bella nervous for an hour afterwards.  Later the trainer, Karolin, reminded me that Bella isn't ready to meet anyone new yet.  So I am attempting to balance my patience and excitement, as I watch the meds take affect.  Dr. Sarah is staying in touch, and the three of us, Bella's team, are watching her slow emergence from the catatonia of shut-down.