Bela's Best Behavior

[Jaynie]

Every year, my church family has a Halloween barn party for all ages. Everyone brings food and there is a hayride, a cakewalk, bobbing for apples, and a lot of general fellowship. It's always a lot of fun, and some of the adults do dress up - my mom and dad were dressed in my dad's scrubs that he wears around the house, which went well with my mom's portable oxygen and rolling walker. My dad added a stethoscope and their look was complete. I went as a dog trainer - jeans, a "Obedience Training...because every dog deserves an education" t-shirt, tennis shoes, and (of course) a dog!

Yes, Bela attended her first public event, and her manners were perfect! I am so proud of her! She spooked not a single time, and had to be discouraged from joining in the cakewalk (which degenerates into chaos pretty quickly). I took my video camera, so here are some clips. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Brku...=youtube_gdata

[Chris]

What a little lady Bella is!

[Sharon7]

Awesome - she is really cute and I love her scarf. Congratulations, she's come a long, long way. You've done some good work here!

[Jaynie]

When I think back to last year, when we first got her, and how afraid she was of everyday, mundane things, I still want to cry. She was such a sad little girl that never uttered a sound, and never wagged her tail.

Her main problem was a severe lack of confidence. But oddly, the moment I put a leash on her, her confidence instantly doubled. She would be trembling and shaking and almost whining, but the second she heard that leash clip snap, she would stand straighter, the fear would evaporate from her eyes, and she would suddenly stop trembling. It was as if my confidence in her would travel down the leash directly into her.

She is "becoming" every day! The confidence issues (in most cases) are completely gone. I finally feel as if I can safely enter her in some basic obedience classes. I think training her in a group setting will be good for her.

Frankly, I never thought she'd ever get this far. And the way she interacted with all the kids made me think twice about my decision to NOT work toward her therapy dog certification. I'm beginning to think she'd be a fantastic therapy dog. Let's see how well she takes training. My Neechee was a therapy dog, but he was highly trained to CDX by the time we got the certification. He never did really like therapy work, but it allowed me to take him in to see my grandpap in the nursing home. But I actually think Bela could get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

The first time I watched this video, I cried. There was my poor little scaredy-cat Sheltie boldly approaching people of all ages, greeting them politely, and earning a little bit of petting or a tidbit for her trouble. She's beginning to work those deep, melting brown eyes. I am so proud of my girl! Yet, it was very little that I did. All I did was provide the love and reassurance and held the other end of the leash. That brave little dog did the rest, and I can't in good conscience take any credit for it!

She's done so much for me in the past year. She gives me a reason to get up in the morning and keep moving so I don't stiffen up. She encourages me to talk out my feelings and frustrations and watches low-brow television with me without passing judgement (LOL).

Sheltie Rescue has my eternal gratitude. They saved not only Bela's life, but my own as well.

OK, OK, I've said enough. Anyway, thought you'd all enjoy seeing my girl being a social butterfly!

[maddiesmom]

She is a beauty.

[Will]

Jaynie: I know you do not want to take credit for Bela's progress, but giving her the safe, loving and reassuring environment she needed is a huge blessing to her - and is to your credit. Keep loving each other. Cheers, Will

[dblock]

Go Bella, Go

Jaynie
I completely understand how you feel, Beau was just like Bella, Scared of everyone everything, he's 1000 times better. The only issue he has now is that he's afraid of other dogs. But, he's a sweet heart, so we adjust.

Enjoy your Bella and all her accomplishments,

[mcemily]

That video brought tears to my eyes. Way to go, Bela... and Jaynie, too! You two have done wonders together. She is a lovely dog, and has come so very far out of her shell, thanks to you.

[jomuir]

Well she was a perfect girl at her first party! She is so relaxed & curious I can see why you're proud of her

Seeing her blossom is a big reward isn't it? Our Roxie was terrified when we brought her home too & the only way she'd have anything to do with us, was to come on walks like Bela. She'd be shrinking away, hiding behind furniture from us, until the leash came out, then she magically transformed into an interested, engaged girl. Now she's relaxed, happy, and very confident. It took a couple months but was worth it!