Well, Stella went to hang with her possible new owner this morning. We met at a neutral place (Raven Rock Park) so that the dogs could all meet, and things went off without a hitch. All seemed interested but not overly interested in each other, and sniffed cordially, and then it was off for walkies. Stella found the creek, and that was when Lyn realized the weight of what I mean when I say Stella LOVES water. She jumped in with all 4 feet, and splashed and dove and rolled in the water till she was soaked, all with a huge grin on her face. I gave Lyn Stella's leash so she could walk with her. Stella seemed responsive to her and walked nicely and did what Lyn asked of her in so far as coming, heeling and sitting. True to her nature, Stella was happy to comply. We enjoyed our walk down the Nature trail, and then it was time to load up. Stella was happy to once again jump in Lyn's truck, and stake out her position in the back seat. As they drove off, Stella was looking out the back window watching me as they drove away, and it tugged at my heart strings. Lyn has a really good handle on dog ownership and training. I liked her ideas and how she handles her other dogs, they are very close to my own ways so I feel pretty sure that Stella will understand Lyn pretty easily. I had to go over with Lyn Stella's commands, and it was difficult for Lyn to quit saying "Come" as opposed to "That'll Do" but one of two things will happen there. Either Lyn will remember, or she will teach Stella a new command. We decided to give Stella 30 days with Lyn before any monies, spaying or paper work (besides rabies cert and shot records) changes hands. I want them both to feel as if this is a good placement, and if not, Stella will come back home. I really had no pressure on myself, to place her, but if a good home happen to come along, it wasn't some thing I was adverse to considering, so, here we are. If they work out, great, if not, no biggie there either. Though I will most definitely enjoy the quiet. Stella has never had a problem letting us know when she was unhappy with being either in the kennel or crate, and there is a reason she wears a bark collar all the time. I sent the bark collar home with Lyn, and she had no problem understanding its purpose and putting it on Stella if it became necessary.
While writing this, I got a call from Lyn, she and Stella got home just fine, and she decided to take Stella out for a walk on the back 40 of her property. (Lyn lives on 25 acres) and Stella went wiggy on her. She was obviously scared and insecure in her new surrounding. Lyn asked if Stella had ever been away from me.....Hmmmm, now that I think about it, nope, she hadn't. So again I reiterated for her to keep a long line on Stella, and just begin the bonding process with her. Oh, and if you really want to be her new best friend, bring along a toy and play with her. Stella cant resist anyone who will play with her. As of this writing, she and Stella were laying on Lyn's living room floor together, watching TV, and the cats, whom Ive been told so far Stella hasn't paid a bit of mind to other than a mild interest in watching them when they strut in and out of the room. That's a good thing, as I told Lyn, I really couldn't say how she will react to the cats, and that if I had any concerns about this placement, that was the only one. I hope it all works out well for the both of them, Stella is a fun little dog, and Lyn has lots of fun plans for her, including getting her enrolled eventually in agility with Bon-Clyde training facility. Ive always thought Stella missed her calling as an agility dog, so maybe she will get that chance to try her paw at it now. I'm sure she would not only love it, but excel at it as well. So, end of chapter one in the placement of Stella. I will keep her progress updated throughout the 30 days, and hope it works out for the best for all concerned. Now, maybe Chris can have a nice game of ball without having Stella constantly trying to stop her every move. Especially now, since Hank has finally learned the purpose of a game of ball, and that is to get the ball, and bring it back to me, and not get the dog with the ball, and stop it from coming back to me. I think Chris will not miss Stella as much as I.
6 comments:
Hey, how come comments never appear? I always leave 'em!
I hope it works out well with Stella. It sounds like she has found herself a very nice place. I know what you mean about the difference in the house, and the other dogs not missing her ;)
Here they are! Ya just gotta go looking for them thats all. I dont know if I can, hadnt tried to post them off to the side or anything, ya just have to click on comments and they are there. Last night was the quietest this house has been in 2 yrs! Even the guys commented on how eerily quiet it was last night, didnt even seem like there was a dog in the house, when in fact there were 5! And Chris seems much more relaxed.
Well, there's something to be said for the household taking a deep breath - that's what mine did when AH left and took Bree with him. Hope you're hanging in there OK. ;)
How's it going with your girl? I know I miss my girl, who is coming back, but I miss her a LOT.
Thanks for asking. So far, from what I hear, Stella is doing well, though still a bit "lost" and afraid of the new place. She likes Lyn and her other dogs, so I think she will eventually fit right in once she gets use to the new place and differnt life style. I personally miss Stella, she is a fun little dog, and even though she had a few personality quirks that I didnt care for, Id learned to live with them and accept her for who she is. I dont think the other dogs miss her one iota, she did tend to keep everyone edgy, though i hadnt really noticed it with her here as much as I do since she has been gone. Still, she is on a visitation of sorts right now, and Ive allowed Lyn time to let her try to become a member of the family before any deals were made or money changes hands. At the moment, it looks as if Stella will remain with Lyn, but if she came back home it wouldnt hurt my feelings either.
I know JUST what you are saying! It is the exact same situation for me. So, I hope that whatever happens, your heart is good with it. If Stella came back, that would be good- then you will know she should be yours forever. If not, well, she should move on. It would be good if Stella's new owners had sheep, that would help with the transfer immensely, because she would feel more at home :)
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