I can never resist writing about our little dog of course. I rescued Elsa and talked to her and stroked her on the long ride home. And now, over a year later, she never leaves my side. Well she does go out with Bill but jumps on me first for permission and then comes running back as if I might disappear while she is selfishly “doing her business.”
Elsa has a whole array of idiosyncracies, no doubt leftover from experiences with previous owners.
- Toys? Forgeddaboutit! She will not play with toys. And walks away from the squeaky ones (maybe thinking they are hurt?). Her basket of toys remains in a corner completely and utterly untouched.
- Chasing a ball for exercise? Nope. She will not chase a ball or anything we might throw. But, she will chase a bumble bee and maybe even go in for the kill.
- She is food driven and has gained way too much weight since she arrived. Elsa is on a diet now.
- Elsa is afraid of: Almost everything. Last week we were out on the driveway and we were both looking into the woods at the wind in the trees. It was an idylic moment all right until a very large branch came crashing down into the forest (many many feet away). Elsa ran for home and had to be coaxed out for days after. What do you expect when the sky was really falling?
- No need for a leash anymore. Elsa is afraid of: The outside.
- Don’t Leave! I fear for probable Anxiety Attacks when I finally begin to drive again and leave the house. We are ALWAYS together now thanks to the Pandemic. I have never had such a close relationship with a dog. Will I be housebound forever for fear of leaving the poor pup? Will it be my separation anxiety or hers?
- Elsa will still flinch if you try to pat her head. But she is getting better now – a bit more trusting. It has been over a year, so maybe we are making progress – if only the sky would stay up there so we could all Stay Safe!
Virginia Views 