Tinsel's Journey

Have you ever tried to clean a fish tank around 3 dogs that figure it's a safe bet that you won't step on them, drop whatever you are carrying on them or in any way disturb them??? Well, Tinsel has decided that he no longer has to worry about mom. She'll go around him with the 50 lbs of water in the bucket and won't get a drop on him. I actually had to tell him to move out of the doorway that I needed to go through.
While there are still issues for him and I to work through, and he isn't the most comfortable around strangers he has made wonderful progress and it is just time and experience now. Oh, he still is awkward to get out of the car but he loves to travel. His grooming is still a work in progress but we are getting there slowly. He came out of the groomers on Saturday just like any other dog. Tail was wagging and he trotted up the street to the fire hydrant to have his pee before getting in the car. He still needs his ears trimmed - still hates them held but we can massage them most of the time. He is not as confident with men but I am finding that it seems to be common among inexperienced dogs even if men did nothing to them. He's happy to see Dave but he doesn't fully trust him. With woman he is much better. The journey has been filled with ups and downs but now there are many more good days and he is one happy, engaged little sheltie. I was thinking today while we are experiencing this horrible hot hot day that Tin is laying peacefully in his cool home with an air of contentment. I'm sure the pig barn wasn't very comfortable on a day like today crowded in a cage with several other dogs. Thanks for all the support you have given us over the past 6 months. It meant a lot to me.
Joanne and Tinsel
 
What a" Cinderella story". Thank you soooo much for sharing you journey with Tinsel. I am always eager to read your posts- you write in such a descriptive style and I feel like i know both you and Tinsel. Your story should be an encouragement to anyone thinking about taking on a rescue. May God continue to bless you and your family-furry and furless.
 
Oh I LOVE Tinsel updates! And I surely do know about the whole Mom will go around me part. 3 dogs, 2 cats and they ALL think that.

We just moved into a 2 story house. Some of the babies like to lay on the steps, in the hall, wherever is the MOST inconvenient for Mom. I finally have been telling them to "MOVE" when I come through. I'm not steady enough on my feet to go around/over them AND up/down stairs at the same time!
 
That update just made me cry picturing him coming out of the groomers. I hope this won't be your last update on Tinsel, we all enjoy reading about his progress and journey. Hugs to you both.
 
Mr Tin!
Finally, and the groomer still didn't kill ya or worse cut your ears off :winkgrin:

What a journey and it continues to show that giving the dog the time to learn positively instead of flooding him yields the best results.
Gosh, it makes my heart swell with pride to hear about him stealing, errr finding your sock.. indicating you LOST it, lol OR what a huge step to have him sit with you while you visit, those things would have been impossible for him to do comfortably just even 3 months ago... I love that you continue to listen to MR TIN, you don't have to be a whisperer but a listener, and you're a grade A amazing Sheltie listener in my books!!!
 
Dear Sheltie Nation:

First I gotta say that you guys all rock. Mom says that sometimes while she was writing about my journey it helped her to figure out other ways to try to help me. Several times she was given suggestions to try and often she just needed to sit quietly, that's hard for her, to just let me be me. While she sat at the computer keying in messages about me or reading what you were telling each other I learned that I don't have to do or be anything, that life is more than living in a cage being pulled out to breed and then shoved back in. Life for a little dog like me is being someone's friend. Many times mom would stop and look at me and just tickle me and smile. She told me about other shelties on Sheltie Nation just to help me get used to the sound of her voice. She was sad about some dogs and cats that went to the Rainbow Bridge too early or got hurt or became ill. She laughed about the antics of young puppies and the frustrations of their caretakers. Mom detests the word "owners". She says that we are entrusted with the care of an animal just as we are with a human child. Sometimes Rhi and Phoebe, my older and wiser sisters, would stay with us but most often it was just you all, her and me. I know that many of you prayed that mom would be able to help me. God heard your prayers. Some things still make me nervous but I know that I have to work hard to get past them. So thanks for being there for us. We'll keep in touch and mom will continue to let you know how things are going. As smart as I am, I don't know how to type!

Bye for now
Your friend,
Tinsel
 
Tinsel

You made me cry, but they were happy tears. I am so glad to hear how well you are doing. Tell your Mom to give you lots of hugs and kisses from all of your friends here.
 
Tagg said:
Dear Sheltie Nation:

First I gotta say that you guys all rock. Mom says that sometimes while she was writing about my journey it helped her to figure out other ways to try to help me. Several times she was given suggestions to try and often she just needed to sit quietly, that's hard for her, to just let me be me. While she sat at the computer keying in messages about me or reading what you were telling each other I learned that I don't have to do or be anything, that life is more than living in a cage being pulled out to breed and then shoved back in. Life for a little dog like me is being someone's friend. Many times mom would stop and look at me and just tickle me and smile. She told me about other shelties on Sheltie Nation just to help me get used to the sound of her voice. She was sad about some dogs and cats that went to the Rainbow Bridge too early or got hurt or became ill. She laughed about the antics of young puppies and the frustrations of their caretakers. Mom detests the word "owners". She says that we are entrusted with the care of an animal just as we are with a human child. Sometimes Rhi and Phoebe, my older and wiser sisters, would stay with us but most often it was just you all, her and me. I know that many of you prayed that mom would be able to help me. God heard your prayers. Some things still make me nervous but I know that I have to work hard to get past them. So thanks for being there for us. We'll keep in touch and mom will continue to let you know how things are going. As smart as I am, I don't know how to type!

Bye for now
Your friend,
Tinsel
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Sweet little Tinsel, I cried for all the pain and injustice you had suffered the first day your Mom told us about you. I am crying tears of joy now for you, your Mom and all the things in life you and your Mom will share together. God Bless you both. Go out and enjoy the world now as every Sheltie should. :hugs
 
Oh, Tinsel-so happy you are doing well; your journey often mirrored George's experiences, so you helped this mom of a rescue puppy do better with her sweet dog. It makes my cry happy tears to think of how you are learning to be a dog and to trust people and to enjoy life. Here's to steady progress as you go!
 
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