|
Bonnie Blue Belle
Flower Girl at Home
March 8, 2008
Bonnie Blue Belle has been with me and my animal companions now for two weeks. There has not been any "one step forward and two steps back" for this precious little girl. She has taken many steps forward and sometimes may sit and wait but has not regressed in any way, which is unusual for puppy mill survivors. She has stolen my heart and filled up a space that was left when my Maggie passed away last year on the night before Thanksgiving. She does not take the place of Maggie but has helped fill the void.
Bonnie has slept outside of her crate since the second night she has been here. There have not been any accidents in the house and she knows to go outside. She loves to cuddle and comes to be touched with loving hands that she knows are not going to hurt her. She learned her name quickly and comes when called. She perks up her ears and wags her tail just like a dog should when they know joy. Sometimes when I am not home she has to stay in her crate so when I return and let her outside she runs, jumps, trots and hops like a bunny all over her new yard. She loves to be outside and even found a ball to tear into. Bonnie and Tinker Belle (another puppy mill survivor) are getting to know each other and hopefully Tinker Belle will feel safe enough to play with her. My best information is that Bonnie was born in January 2002 so she still has some of her puppyhood left to enjoy.
Bonnie's energy and health have improved since she is getting the best care and knows that she will never again go hungry. She is still a little shy about a few things but that is natural for any sheltie. Bonnie is the third puppy mill survivor to come live with me and my house "o little dogs" and cats and we are grateful to have her living with us and know that she is safe in her forever home
March 11, 2008
More updates:
Bonnie has finally learned to come into the house through the dog door by herself so today was her first full day out of her crate while I was at work. I work outside the home about four hours in the mornings so I have been leaving her in the crate -- not because I thought she would have an accident in the house but because one day she went out the dog door somehow with the other dogs. It was very cold and I was about four blocks from work and I felt strongly that I needed to come back home. Sure enough, she was outside. So now that she knows how to come back in I feel better about leaving her out of the crate just in case she gets out on her own. She hasn't exactly figured that out yet.
She amazes me everyday with her energy and the look on her face when she runs around the yard, or comes to me to get petted.
April 14, 2008
Today Bonnie Blue Belle officially became a part of our family. She has come a long way and is happy and getting healthier every day. She plays with toys and runs around the yard. She still has a few of the issues that puppy mill survivors come with but we will continue to work on that. She is extremely shy and will hold back sometimes when I walk toward her to pick her up. Shelties are shy by nature but the conditions that these dogs live with in the puppy mills contribute to fear behaviors. We love her and she is part of our family forever.
She is a real blessing in my life.
Thank you, Hope and PCSR.
Cheri and her family of dogs and cats and whatever the cats bring in.
|
|
