A certain sweetness seems to be waking up in Bella. Her expressions are more tuned in, curious, and gentle. I am convinced that she is a good natured dog. Her ears are perky when I talk with her, and she often tilts her head to one side watching me, quizzically. I love it when she pops into sitting position and looks at me in bed. I am told that it will be 6 to 12 months before I see her personality revealed. Already I've see cooperativeness, even in fear, and a timid enthusiasm. She now takes treats readily from my hand. I can't remember the last time I had to place the treat in front of her instead. She continues to come to the front door every time I call her for one of her mini walks. I pet her a little bit when I give her her pills hidden in little liverwurst balls. Sometimes she closes her eyes slightly with pleasure, leaning into my hand.
I lay an easter egg hunt of treats out on the bedroom floor frequently. Two weeks ago, even one week ago, she might ignore them most of the day. Yesterday, she watched place a treat on the cushion near her bed, on the floor near the closet, on the floor near her dish. As soon as I sat at my desk to resume my work, she got up and ate them one by one.
Outside she seems to be consistently fearful. It is best if we don't see a car, person, or dog. Even if we don't, she keeps her walks short, and hurries back on the way home. Her pulling is worse: she is more insistent. Most of her day is still spent quietly on her bed. At night I hear a lot of scratching. I am dying to bathe her, but I think I will try brushing her instead. In the morning I find tufts of black hair. After a walk I sometimes hook her outside so that I can run the vacuum. Her bed is filthy with tufts of hair and moist areas from her panting. As I write, she is quiet, no panting, and we are both enjoying the morning stillness.
I lay an easter egg hunt of treats out on the bedroom floor frequently. Two weeks ago, even one week ago, she might ignore them most of the day. Yesterday, she watched place a treat on the cushion near her bed, on the floor near the closet, on the floor near her dish. As soon as I sat at my desk to resume my work, she got up and ate them one by one.
Outside she seems to be consistently fearful. It is best if we don't see a car, person, or dog. Even if we don't, she keeps her walks short, and hurries back on the way home. Her pulling is worse: she is more insistent. Most of her day is still spent quietly on her bed. At night I hear a lot of scratching. I am dying to bathe her, but I think I will try brushing her instead. In the morning I find tufts of black hair. After a walk I sometimes hook her outside so that I can run the vacuum. Her bed is filthy with tufts of hair and moist areas from her panting. As I write, she is quiet, no panting, and we are both enjoying the morning stillness.