A Little Wiggle Goes a Long Way

 

Something happened yesterday that got my family and I so excited that we have spoken of it several times since. After two months of us acting like total fools with Lizzie, she finally responded in such a way that we all shouted with joy at the sight of her wiggling her stubby tail! Yes, she wiggled her little nubbin. She was so happy that she let the little stub do a happy dance. Granted, it only lasted a few seconds, but still...she finally wiggled her tail! Woo hoo!

Now, how do we get her to do it some more?

Everything is Out to Get Her

 

I finally remembered to take my daughter's Flip Video Camera on our morning walk. I caught Lizzie in action. Just when Lizzie's level of bravery seemed to be continually on the rise, a major setback has occurred. What caused this relapse? I can't be sure of all the reasons, but I DO know about one. One thing that I did so casually and without thought seems to have frightened my darling girl tremendously...what was this horrendous event? Well, I crumpled a plastic shopping bag, while she was in the same room! I was on the opposite side of the room with the bed blocking her from my sight. When I crumpled the bag to put it on the shelf (to recycle later) she darted out of the bedroom so fast, nails skidding on the wood floors. I went to her immediately and she was shaking like crazy. Following this episode she was terrified to come back into the bedroom. She did return with a lot of encouragement, but she's been on guard ever since. This was Tuesday evening.

Prior to this terrifying ordeal there was the sudden relapse in her use of the stairs. Specifically going down them fairly confidently to not wanting to descend them at all, or so hesitantly she stops on each stair and turns sideways. I have no idea what happened. I mean she is with me just about every time she uses the stairs and I have no recollection of anything out of the ordinary happening. She's gone up and down the stairs with me this morning and so far, seems much more confident.

We installed a ceiling fan in the office earlier this month. She didn't seem to pay much attention to it until a couple of days ago, when I was watching her while she ate. She seemed nervous while eating and shied away from her water bowl twice in just minutes. I noticed her looking nervously at the plastic storage drawers in front of her bowls. Ah, there was the reflection of the ceiling fan in the plastic AND in the water. Why hadn't it bothered her before? And why did she seem okay this morning?

Returning from our walk this morning something finally occurred that I knew was coming some day. Arriving at the back stoop where we enter the house Lizzie had stopped and was waiting for me to open the door, when all of a sudden she leaped back and under my foot as I was coming up the step. She continued in my direction and I went down on the brick steps, dropping the Flexi Lead. I was so frightened that she would run away that with surprising speed I rolled over and crawled the short distance to grab the leash handle. R-E-L-I-E-F when I had it in hand. She was freaked out and shaking uncontrollably. I sat there on the ground attempting to calm her down before we finally went inside.

We've had a couple of horrifying thunderstorms this week as well. Sunday's storm was so violent and so loud. The thunder booms shook the house and windows repeatedly. I don't coddle her during the storms, but just offer a calm and quiet presence for her to be near.

You couldn't tell by how relaxed she is now that she's a "Nervous Nellie." She looks perfectly calm and secure.

Well, her peace didn't last for long, as the sound of the tractor mower outside has sent her into a fit of worry. What horrendous daily occurrence is going to freak poor Lizzie out next?

A Lizzie Movie (video)

I finally remembered to take my daughter's Flip Video Camera on our morning walk. I caught Lizzie in action. I hardly have to worry about keeping up. She ain't exactly speedy.

Lizzie Meets the Neighbors

 

What type of neighbors are the most important to a dog than other dogs? On the way home from our walk yesterday Lizzie had a chance to meet up with the three large dogs from across the street, who were out with their humans for some exercise. When they first approached us Lizzie went behind me and sat with her back to my legs and more importantly, to the BIG dogs. While the humans were chatting, the big dogs patiently waited and Lizzie ventured farther from me. The big dogs laid down. Lizzie laid down (still behind me.) The female dog was more curious about Lizzie. I was remembering how grouchy Lizzie had been with the little Maltese earlier in the month, but she was behaving quite differently with these dogs. After a number of minutes she and the female introduced themselves, nose-to-nose with no growling or grumbling. What good girls! All-in-all everyone was on their best behavior.

Last evening I was settling in to my recliner to read. Lizzie's bed was next to me, where I could reach down to pet her. I was quite surprised when she sat directly in front of me and politely asked to come up. She hasn't done that since she first came and we were having thunderstorms nearly every night. I put a blanket on my lap and up she popped. She settled down immediately and stayed there for two hours! I had to shift quite a bit, as my legs were going to sleep, but even as I moved about trying to get comfortable, Miss Lizzie didn't budge. Several times she turned her head around, resting it on my shoulder and staring sweetly into my face. "How could you be any more adorable?" I asked her. She couldn't be is my answer.

We went out for our walk before 6:30 this morning. I don't know if it can be attributed to the fact that it was cooler or because she was just happier, but she did lots of "zoom zooms" this morning. Ears back, smile in place, and her legs racing like crazy. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy Lizzie style. Whee!

Too Much of a Good Thing

 

Can a dog get burned out on receiving too much love? I wonder sometimes if Lizzie will get tired of us constantly bombarding her with affection, petting, and goofy talk. So far she seems to accept it all with a knowing calmness - knowing that she's the top dog. The little queen. The doggy light of our lives...

A more practical concern of mine is that she always remain calmly accepting of the treating of her eye. She was and still is so patient while I clean it and administer her ophthalmic drops. Her patience sure makes this necessary routine much more bearable.