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Last night I realized another sign of progress with my canine family.When Lola came here, she was a friendly little girl. I guessing, however, that her previous family didn't cuddle with her very much. She didn't seem to be scarred, as some of the others did, but it seemed that she didn't know what to do with physical contact from humans. She would let me pet her or scratch her for only a minute or so at a time. She seemed somehow uncomfortable with it past that brief period. Then she would scramble away, sometimes to play (understandable, as she is still very much a puppy), sometimes it seemed she just needed to put space between us. It was peculiar to me because all my others loved to be fussed over, even during their hardest times, and wiggled to get closest to me to the attention.
I didn't push it. I petted her when she let me. When she scrambled away after 10-15 seconds of petting, I let her go. I certainly didn't want to let petting become a punishment. Then, last night it dawned on me that she is now allowing petting, belly rubs, ear scratches go on for as long as I will indulge her. In fact, she comes in now, runs and plants herself next to me, and even nuzzles my hand to get my attention! She is not only accepting loving attention, but she is actually seeking it out!
Lola has been with us for six months now. Her adjustment has been fairly uncomplicated. Rules to learn, expectations established, and now I'm thinking, a trust established for accepting physical contact. It is very nice to know she has reached a new level of "owning" her home and her place in the family. :)
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It feels good, doesn't it? The world needs more people like you. --Cheryl
ReplyDeleteIt does feel good. And yes, more people should rescue these babies; I'm at capacity!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a good Doggie Mommy!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that Lola is allowing you to cuddle more with her. There is nothing better then cuddling up next to your dog. I just wish Sophie would allow me to do it more often.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I'm glad I'm here for them! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCaroline, me, too. It is definitely how I know if I'm succeeding with them. You know, it seems with larger dogs, there is much less inclination for them to snuggle. I don't know why. It could be their humans don't expect that kind of relationship, but I know that's not always it, as with Soph. Interesting thought.
What a happy post to read - I love hearing all about the furry ones. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Casey, and I love talking about them!
ReplyDeleteUmm Lyn could I please please please send Pepper to your doggie house. Maybe you can reform her evil ways.
ReplyDeleteWhat a Rock Star! She has a good mother.
ReplyDeleteBobbie, as long as Pepper doesn't weight over 20 pounds, send her along. Not sure I could manage a dog bigger than that!
ReplyDeleteMJ, She is definitely a rock star! Or is that a ham? a flirt? Anyway, she is sumpthin'! Thanks.