It's hard to believe, but it's been six months since Lilly came home with me.
I knew the first few months would be rough as we got things worked out in the household, and it has been. Everybody has had to make adjustments. But I also knew things would eventually work out, and they have.
My first concern was all her physical problems. These have finally been resolved after lots of trial and error and a dozen visits to the vet. She's very much a big, healthy, glossy German Shepherd from the waist up. I'm thinking about getting her a wheelchair, the dirtbike version, for her to use outside on our walks. It's going to have to have a handbrake I can set in emergencies, or she'll use it as her Panzer to invade Poland. She's just as strong-willed as she is strong.
Then it was on to her emotional problems. My vet's response to my request for an appraisal of her personality was "She's a good dog who needs training." Getting her training, I asked her behavioralist what was stronger in her nature- her will for power or her will to serve. He shook his head at me, patted my hand and said, "You don't have to worry about that. This dog wants to serve." This was my inexperience speaking as I dealt with my first non-passive dog.
So, I work on her training every day. As I type this, I have treats in my pocket and a clicker next to my computer.
For all my worries about her, Mr. Cracker summed up her nature best. His grandmother asked him the other day how the new dog was doing. He said, "She's a happy girl."
She is.
I'm also so happy to read this. It's wonderful what you and family have done to provide such a great and secure home for dear Lily.
Having raised a few German Shephards, they are intelligent and remarkable dogs, enduring and brave. Lily is going to reward you for your love and hospitality, I just know it.
Posted by: -S- at April 28, 2005 10:15 PMThanks. She says got here in the nick of time as our pack was sadly lacking in both security and discipline. It's been all she can do to whip us into shape.
She certainly is the most dramatic dog I've ever had. If you close a door with her on the other side, she screams in her big, deep voice and throws herself against the door. Repeatedly.
Mr. Cracker says she sounds like an old man. A peevish old man.
They BOTH look pretty happy. :-)
And LMAO about Miss Lilly and closed doors. I can just see it.
Posted by: Amy at April 29, 2005 07:28 AMDogs - all they really ask is to be with you, isn't it? Your post made me forget about waking up at 1 am Wednesday morning as I felt a tick crawling across my scalp.
Posted by: Salt Lick at April 29, 2005 11:40 AMFrontline, Salt, Frontline.
Posted by: Donnah at April 29, 2005 12:21 PMOh, the DOGS get Frontline. It's Frontline the ticks are running from when they crawl off on us! I told Mrs. Salt she'd look kind of sexy in a dog collar, but this did not amuse.
Posted by: Salt Lick at April 29, 2005 12:31 PMHappy anniversary!
Posted by: John from WuzzaDem at May 1, 2005 12:44 AMConga-rats to you all.
donnah: If you close a door with her on the other side, [Lilly] screams in her big, deep voice and throws herself against the door. Repeatedly.
Didn't have that exact problem with The Wonderdog when he first got here. I just wasn't allowed to go outside without him launching himself at the door. Then standing on his back legs propping himself in place with his two front legs, he'd watch me until I came back in.
"I'm not going anywhere. I'm not leaving you! See! You can still see me! I'm just taking the trash out!!!"
I honestly don't know when he stopped. It took about six months or so, maybe a little longer, before I noticed he'd stopped doing it.
Maybe he thought at first I wasn't ever going to come back? Dunno. Now he doesn't give a hoot because he knows I will.
He doesn't even bother to get off of MY bed to greet me, which is where he heads as soon as I close the door behind me.
Even if I'm only going outside to take out the trash.
Posted by: Doyle at May 2, 2005 06:38 PMLOL. I think you might have lost some status, Doyle.
You missing any?
