Today will be Dave’s first time left alone with his cast. The problem is that people don’t respect fences and walk right up to the house. Some of the non-adoptable dogs are non-adoptable because of their temperaments. They don’t like people. They don’t trust many people and they can bite. Most people assume that they can walk right in as we are a public place. But our non-adoptables live with us - they are now our dogs and they have access to the yard. Norrnally the first alert alarms get us out the door of the house to stop people at the gate. Dave will have trouble getting to the door let alone across the yard. Hopefully we won’t have any visitors to disturb this morning. Stan is driving me as Bear has to visit the dentist this morning. Murphy’s law is still at work - her bridge broke last night! Luckily she could get in this morning but that leaves no one at home to help out Dave. Will keep you informed when I get back about my results and Dave lonely sojourn at home alone!
I just received an update on shy little Heidi - a true rescue from the Kispiox shoot. I am sure that Colin and Heidi are a perfect match!
Hi Yvette,
Thought I would update you on how the day went.
Heidi arrived on time and I, of course, was anxious to meet her. She is an adorable and loving little dog (even smaller than I had imagined). I took her out of her crate on the ride home–it took a little coaxing but she was fine for awhile, but I think all the traffic and construction noise on the Squamish highway—and all the bumpy construction zones were a little too much for her. She retreated to the car floor.
I got her home and took her for a walk in the yard—she seemed really happy— I spent much of the afternoon with her out in the yard on the grass. She spent much time exploring and getting her tummy rubbed—-she can’t get enough of this!!
She seemed much happier outside than in—at first she bounced about from bed to couch and spent a lot of time sniffing about—-I had her up on the bed and the coach, but unfortunately, she didn’t stay long—she feels, for the moment anyway, more secure under the bed!! I have been giving her lots of attention and lots of hugs and I have been getting lots of licks, but she is still uneasy and shy and I can see it might take a little while to get her feeling like this is her home. I know that her day has been stressful–having to leave Turtle Garden, staying overnight in Smithers, taking the flight down to Vancouver, and then driving to Squamish to her new home. I hope that she will feel more confident in a few days and less stressed out.
The cats’ noses were out of joint with Heidi’s arrival. They both were down at the end of the hall peering out of one of the bedrooms. Heidi barked a couple of times—Ramseys went through the tough cat act—but there were no incidents. I think with time Ramseys and Heidi will be buddies!
We did go on one short jaunt today down to the pet store—-she managed to get a hold of a pencil that had fallen under the bed—-so now that that is gone—she has some lovely chewy toys and treats!!
The ladies at the pet store found her adorable—-she was a little shy at first but warmed up to them. She really feels comfortable when I’m holding her and she is SO light!!!
Anyway, we will see how tonight goes—I have bought a new bed for her—but she is welcome to sleep with me. If, however, she doesn’t want to do that I will let her do whatever is comfortable for her.
I am thinking that likely she will want to sleep under the bed, but I hope she will opt to sleep on my bed or her new bed which will be next to mine.
We’ll see what happens. I will keep you undated!
One thing though—-I know that she is really trying hard. I hope that things will get even better as some time passes. She’s one terrific little pooch!
Cheers,
Colin
And a PS from Colin:
Out in the yard shortly after sending my first update, and
Heidi really enjoying herself—running around, tail up, looking most happy! Jumped up on me—ran after a few balls—-first sign of play!!
Colin
©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.
I’m so glad to see that Heidi has found her Colin. Loved reading about his update on Heidi, he sounds so aware and sensitive to her needs.
Comment by Jude — August 24, 2007 @ 6:39 pm
Sounds like she is doing really well Colin, as you say, a lot of changes in a couple of days.
In her overnight stay with me she never made a sound; but was very curious outside, she is probably not very used to being in a house, never mind traffic, paved roads, different smells, vegetation, people etc. She did seem comfortable in a crate, she spent the night in my big one, lots of room to stretch out but still could give her a feeling of security. I’m sure she’ll be on your bed in a short while.
Good Luck to both of you.
Lorna
Comment by Lorna — August 24, 2007 @ 11:29 pm