Happy Birthday to my Bela-girl! She turned six today! She will have been in her forever home for a year on June 6th, so I guess this is her rescue date, as given to me by her foster mom.
In a way, it is her birthday, because she got a new life when she went into rescue! She spent her first years as a puppy mill mama. In spite of this, she is gentle, affectionate, and good-tempered. For the first six months she lived with me, she made not a single sound and didn't wag her tail at all. She was traumatized, timid, and very sound-reactive.
Her story is one of successes, fortunately. Once she learned that I wouldn't hurt her, she developed a lot of confidence - she began to enjoy riding in cars, pupperoni treats, the dog park, and being the cuddle pup sharing my sofa when I lay down to rest. She quit flinching whenever anyone moved towards her, and learned that every car ride would not end at a new home.
Six months after she came to us, my DH brought home a second dog - Gracie the JRT. Our first time at the dog park with both of them, something magical happened. Bela found her voice! A couple of days later, she began to wag her tail, instead of carrying it tucked up between her legs. At the same time, she became more outgoing and less skittish. Her confidence grew, and she let Gracie know without a doubt that SHE is the alpha dog.
They are great doggie buddies - even sleeping on top of each other. (Now, my boys wouldn't have been caught DEAD doing such a thing.) When Gracie gets a bit too rambunctious (she's younger - almost two now) Bela gives her a look, and Gracie calms down.
Bela has been such a blessing! She keeps me active and always wants to be near me. She is rapidly learning to communicate with me in that familiar Sheltie way. (Like staring at me, then cutting her eyes over to what she wants, then back at me rapidly several times.) She barks regularly, but for only one reason - treats. Not for doorbells, garage door openers (ours are old and sound like the house is coming down), or people on the porch. Just treats. And they have to be good ones. Other than that, she really doesn't bark. We usually have a session for the mid-morning treat and another for the mid-afternoon treat. I think she thinks if she keeps on barking, she'll get more treats. That NEVER happens. LOL
She's still in the process of bonding with DH, as he's not around her as much. She's got his number, though. He falls for "the stare" every time. DH isn't a dog person, so it's kind of fun to watch her try and manipulate him.
It never ceases to amaze me that a dog that presumably never lived indoors nor knew what it was like to be someone's beloved pet can be such a loving, independent, gentle, and even joyous dog! She still has a ways to go with the confidence and noise reactions - but you wouldn't believe it is the same dog. I know I've made tons of mistakes with her - she's my first rehab dog - but she's turned out better than I've dared to hope!!!!
So happy birthday, little girl, you are the brightest star in my sky!!
In a way, it is her birthday, because she got a new life when she went into rescue! She spent her first years as a puppy mill mama. In spite of this, she is gentle, affectionate, and good-tempered. For the first six months she lived with me, she made not a single sound and didn't wag her tail at all. She was traumatized, timid, and very sound-reactive.
Her story is one of successes, fortunately. Once she learned that I wouldn't hurt her, she developed a lot of confidence - she began to enjoy riding in cars, pupperoni treats, the dog park, and being the cuddle pup sharing my sofa when I lay down to rest. She quit flinching whenever anyone moved towards her, and learned that every car ride would not end at a new home.
Six months after she came to us, my DH brought home a second dog - Gracie the JRT. Our first time at the dog park with both of them, something magical happened. Bela found her voice! A couple of days later, she began to wag her tail, instead of carrying it tucked up between her legs. At the same time, she became more outgoing and less skittish. Her confidence grew, and she let Gracie know without a doubt that SHE is the alpha dog.
They are great doggie buddies - even sleeping on top of each other. (Now, my boys wouldn't have been caught DEAD doing such a thing.) When Gracie gets a bit too rambunctious (she's younger - almost two now) Bela gives her a look, and Gracie calms down.
Bela has been such a blessing! She keeps me active and always wants to be near me. She is rapidly learning to communicate with me in that familiar Sheltie way. (Like staring at me, then cutting her eyes over to what she wants, then back at me rapidly several times.) She barks regularly, but for only one reason - treats. Not for doorbells, garage door openers (ours are old and sound like the house is coming down), or people on the porch. Just treats. And they have to be good ones. Other than that, she really doesn't bark. We usually have a session for the mid-morning treat and another for the mid-afternoon treat. I think she thinks if she keeps on barking, she'll get more treats. That NEVER happens. LOL
She's still in the process of bonding with DH, as he's not around her as much. She's got his number, though. He falls for "the stare" every time. DH isn't a dog person, so it's kind of fun to watch her try and manipulate him.
It never ceases to amaze me that a dog that presumably never lived indoors nor knew what it was like to be someone's beloved pet can be such a loving, independent, gentle, and even joyous dog! She still has a ways to go with the confidence and noise reactions - but you wouldn't believe it is the same dog. I know I've made tons of mistakes with her - she's my first rehab dog - but she's turned out better than I've dared to hope!!!!
So happy birthday, little girl, you are the brightest star in my sky!!
. I bet when she found her voice and started wagging her tail you were over the moon! I pray more shelties in need find loving happy homes also.
& licks your way !!