We have our little rescue dog for almost two years now!
She is still an enigma, a bundle of odd behaviors and idiosyncracies.
Here is Elsa. And if you are a dog psychologist, maybe you can explain who she really is.
Bathroom Pleasures: You have your place and I have mine!
We have acres of grassy lawn but Elsa prefers to water the small rock bed just outside the front door.
There is a surprising benefit from this odd preference. Since no weed can survive Elsa’s acid rain for long, the rock bed stays her pristine and weed free watering place.
Maybe in her previous lifetimes she was walked on leash in a neighborhood of homes and chastised for going on a neighbor’s grass.
Play?
Huh?
Elsa does not play, will not fetch a ball or anything else, and has no apparent interest in stuffed squeaky animals or even treat-stuffed toys. Squeak a toy at her and she will turn away as if to say, “Stop hurting that poor little thing!” Throw a ball and she will watch its trajectory without moving a muscle.
No! No! Nooooo!!!!! Not the Car!!!!!!
Elsa does not enjoy riding in the car. She acts excited pre-entry, but once inside, hunkers down to shiver and shake in fear. Fear of what? Why doesn’t she look out the window or enjoy the breeze in her face like other dogs do?
Most times Bill drives and I ride in back with Elsa, who promptly puts her head in my lap and shakes and shivers.
Yes it is true! The Sky is falling.
Our poor little pup is terrified of thunder, airplanes, rain, far off traffic noises, falling branches, gunshots, firecrackers, and more. She is under my desk as I write this (shaking and shivering). I am sure she thinks the sky will fall because she is constantly looking to crawl under something.
If I am quiet will they come?
She is quiet and respectful of visiting deer, squrrels, groundhogs, birds or rabbits and never barks at them even when they get wind of her and begin to flee.
I have never had a dog who didn’t enjoy barking at visiting creatures, especially when they turn and run.
Well, she does bark at people (who I consider the most predatory anyway) and she did bark at that bear who came through.
I think she thinks protecting me from truly dangerous looking intruders is her real job.
The Lady-Who-Limps Saved Me. I will never leave her side.
Oddest of all, Elsa prefers my somewhat droll sedentary company to any other living thing. She rarely leaves my side and has evidently decided I am the only human who counts.
I totally agree with that last assessment of course.
And I enjoy the adoration until she follows me into my own non-rock bathroom.
Are you inviting me to get up there on that sofa with you? What will happen to me THEN?
There are times I would really love it if Elsa would jump on the couch or the bed, just for a hug. But even when I invite her, she refuses.
It is probably a good thing that she is never on the furniture since she is a prolific shedder. Again, I suspect she had some harsh training to keep her off the furniture. No amount of cajoling will entice her up, even in a thunder storm when she really wants to be cuddled.
I think I kinda like it here!
What Bill and I notice lately though is a more trusting happy dog who does a whole lot of tail wagging (on those occasions when she isn’t shaking in fear of something benign).
Elsa is full of strange behaviors and habits and fears, but maybe aren’t we all?
She is a little bit off, a little imperfect, a lot insecure, but aren’t we all?
It will be a two year anniversary soon and we think Elsa knows this is her safest place and where she lives with her most ardent fans.
And we know we will always be warned of visiting bears and unknown humans, and we are serene in the knowledge she will tell us when the sky is falling too.
She must have had a tough early life, but she sure is living on Easy Street now! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
We hope she does know how much she is cherished in this grand new world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Elsa needs a thunder shirt! I know several thunder-terrified dogs (the ones who start shivering and trying to crawl under something half an hour before you are even aware that a thunderstorm might be in the offing) who derive a great deal of comfort from one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dor, she sounds like she’s settling into her new life and I’m sure her previous life was no picnic. Re the thunder and loud noises, friends of mine are using thunder shirts for their dogs very successfully. You put the shirt/jacket on the dog when a storm is coming and they no longer shake and shiver at the thunder. Might be worth a try.
LikeLiked by 2 people
She knows she is safe with you and that for now, is all you need to know. Hugs to all three of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Elsa is in a very happy spot, even if she is frightened of many things. She has brought you much joy, and that is beyond price.
LikeLiked by 1 person
While you sit at your computer Dor go to youtube and you can search for videos to desensitize dog videos. Turn your speakers down so you can not hear the sound she will hear them and over weeks many of her fears will disappear as you notch it up a miniscule every few days until you can barely hear the noise. I did this with JT as she was often frightened by man made noises and she came to me as a 10 week old pup but due to a few attacks from dogs and a wayward firework she became cripple with fear at times so sad to witness when we love them so much. Wish I lived closer.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s amazing how similar Elsa’s personality is to my now-deceased cat. The cat would cower under the bed when strangers arrived, but she was never a lap cat even when we were alone. I may have mentioned that she sat in my lap exactly once in eighteen years. Apparently after trying it, she didn’t like it. Having been there and done that, she was satisfied.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s hard to overcome early trauma. You could try some medications but it sounds like she’s coming along, slow but with progress.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you are slowly winning her trust, and it sounds like she loves you most of all. All of us creatures are odd, indeed. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you are so right and I hope by the time she is old, the trust thing will no longer be pending. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is a slow arduous process. Like tonight she was afraid to go out because of the rain and my opened umbrella. But then she gave up and came along. Returning home she was a happy pup again and you could tell by the wagging tail and her need to scamper around the house.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice Eunice! I will try the densensitizing dog videos for sure. Thankyou!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are words of wisdom Anne. Thankyou!
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is true. We are all a trio watching out for each other. Thankyou for the hugs too. 🙂
LikeLike
Great idea the thundershirts. I got one for her when we first brought her home but she has since gained weight so it no longer fits. It’s either a diet or a new bigger thundershirt. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thankyou Michael! You are the second one to recommend a thundershirt. I did get her one early on but she is now several sizes larger (since we ply her with goodies). So it’s either a diet or a two sizes bigger new thundershirt! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a good person to work with her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Elsa is absolutely right about which creatures are likely dangerous and must be driven off.
Meanwhile, in our house, our dog Woofie will make certain we know about the deadly possum in the garden. At 2 AM.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So low you do not think she can hear them let them play anytime to are with her say early am with coffee or as you wind down for the night. xo call me if you need me ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
How I love the name, Woofie! And a possum guarder too. Perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She really is a good doggie – just full of fears.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like so many of us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice blog
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve said it before but it is so worth repeating – Elsa is a fortunate doggy to have such kind, understanding humans to love her now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need you to come for a visit to tell Elsa what you just said! Thankyou!
LikeLiked by 1 person