Monday, April 06, 2009

Along Came Nancy

Bow and I are back from level two of our trainings with Pawsitive Tails. I continue to be thrilled with this great resource and its University of Sussex educated owner, Emma. We are now in a socialization class, sort of a 12-step group for rescue dogs, and the only other member is a super sweet but very challenged one-eyed Boston Terrier named Nancy. (Not actually her on the right.)

I had already heard about her challenges and the Job-like patience of her family to endure her biting and fear-driven behavior, but it took only a second to see why they could not give up on this little sweetie who wants to love and be loved but is still working to be confident and comfortable. Nancy has made remarkable process over just a month, and she might one day become a good buddy with Bow, I hope.

We kept them at opposite ends of the room, and Bow got high praise for staying calm during our hour. I continue to see improvements on our walks and am surprised to realize that I have now spent nearly seven months in the magical kingdom of basenjis. Nancy certainly pulls at one's heartstrings, but there is still just one little girl who gets to snuggle under my covers.

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7 Comments:

At 8:53 AM, Blogger mouse (aka kimy) said...

kudos to bow...and best of luck to nancy...I have found that dogs have a remarkable ability to unlearn - and have never agreed with that adage that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, I have found that one can -the key of course is one needs both patience and love.....

 
At 9:09 AM, Blogger Aunty Christ said...

Awwww! What a good girl Bow is. She'll be a good influence for poor little Nancy, I hope.

 
At 9:11 AM, Blogger Ladrón de Basura (a.k.a. Junk Thief) said...

Mouse and Aunty - When I first heard about Nancy, I didn't have much sympathy for her. But the second I saw her -- and even when she spazzed out a couple of times -- I could see why the family just couldn't give up on her.

 
At 3:44 PM, Blogger Salty Miss Jill said...

And a lucky girl she is. :)

 
At 3:52 PM, Blogger Ladrón de Basura (a.k.a. Junk Thief) said...

Salty - According to Emma she can put up quite a fight, but it's all fear-based.

 
At 2:59 AM, Blogger WAT said...

"but there is still just one little girl who gets to snuggle under my covers."

It all sounds so hetero.

Amazing how dogs are almost like children who absorb and learn good and bad habits.

 
At 7:59 AM, Blogger Ladrón de Basura (a.k.a. Junk Thief) said...

WAT - Well, children don't get into playground fights where they lose an eye, but Bow is definitely my "girl".

 

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