Day 71: Hard Work & Perseverance

Bessie’s tail has been a valuable tool for evaluating her emotional progress. For the first few days it was droopy and tucked. Little by little it lifted, and tentatively swished side-to-side. Today, when Elana came home with groceries, it was whipping around in full circles.

Now that Bessie’s more comfortable, some less desirable behaviors are emerging, including but not limited to: barking, continued whining, big-time separation anxiety and neediness… and eating Elana’s potted plants when my back is turned. She’s also increasingly demanding of attention. I’m trying to nip all these issues in the bud, but I lack the animal expertise. Thank goodness for online resources, at least, and for the moral support these past few days from my daughters.

With Elana’s company, I took Bessie in the car for a couple errands. On the ride she (Bessie, that is) was frisky in the back seat, wouldn’t settle, and somehow undid the safety strap attached to her harness. [Oh, she’s great in the car. She’ll just curl up and go right to sleep. —The former-Dusty’s foster mom.] When I stepped out of the car to pump gas and pick up my curbside order, she was agitated, even though Elana was with her.

Other times, however, she’s mellow and calm. Having spent the first year of her life as a stray, she adores being outside. The sandbox is now her go-to napping spot. She’s always begging to go out, but once there I can never get her to do her duties. I want to teach her to perform on command like Otis did. I think male dogs are easier in that respect.

This afternoon, during an amply socially distanced visit with Anna, Bessie spotted a fat squirrel fearlessly sunbathing on its belly atop the fence, its legs draped over the edges in the heat. Bessie froze and glared, front paw raised, ready for the chase, but the rodent, unconcerned, sashayed along down the road without ill effect.

Here’s what I’ve been working on with Bessie, to see if she makes improvements as we approach the start of the second and final week of this trial:

• Separation anxiety: Once again following online advice, twice this afternoon I went out the front door with her watching, and hid on the porch for 30 to 45 seconds, returning with only the most low-key of greetings. The time is supposed to increase daily, slowly. Hard to do when I hear scratching on the other side of the door.
• Crate training: I lured her into her crate with her brand-new Pickle Pocket (a rubbery thing you stuff with treats, recommended by Molly’s vet friend, Sarah). Then I closed the door on her. She was so into the toy she didn’t care about her imprisonment. Following online advice that Elana linked me to, I sat right there by the door with her, and then opened it after a few minutes, before she could complain. (If I opened it after she began to whine and paw at the gate, I’d of course be teaching her that whining is effective. Because it is.)
• Possession of food and toys: I’m still testing her to make sure she’s not aggressive over either. I don’t enjoy the process, but it’s a crucial exercise. Aforementioned Sarah said that, when taking away a favorite and tasty thing, always to exchange it for an item of greater value (a piece of turkey, maybe).

It’s hard work. I am trying to persevere.