Baby Steps, but Progress!

Molly has been with us two full months now. She is slowly getting over her fears from past harsh treatment and is beginning to act like a pet instead of like a fearful barn/outdoor dog who would just like to sit in a corner and be left alone.

When she snoozes during the day, her body language indicates that she is relaxed and feeling secure. Look at the loose tail and the way she is stretched out instead of curled up protectively.

When she turns her face and body away from us to sleep, we know she is really feeling secure, and that makes us so happy. (We no longer keep the leash on her full time - we did that so if she panicked, we could grab it and intervene, helping her to calm down.)

She continues to be very gentle with us all, never growling, snapping, offering to bite, or acting aggressively despite the fact that someone has obviously harmed her in the past. She allows Mila to crawl up to her and interact, even cuddling on the doggy bed with her.

Molly's progress is slow and hard won. Sometimes we take steps backward if something unexpected happens (for example, a Valentine banner I had hung over the fireplace fell down, causing her to bolt and be upset for quite some time. I put the banner away - it was not worth scaring her again should it fall again.)

She's sleeping at my feet as I write this. That in itself is an accomplishment - she came over on her own volition and settled in. I scratched and petted her, gave her a few treats, and then got online while she relaxed into a nap. It's what I was hoping for when I got her after a seven year no-dog drought - a dog to be a family member, a friend, a companion, one who loved us as we loved it.

I think we're headed that way at last.