Bella's New Winter Coat

 

Bella has a new winter coat. The orange coat is lined with black fleece and is much easier to get on her than the 3 lightweight coats we were layering to keep her warm. She MUST wear a coat because she has a naked belly and tends to get cold quickly.

Bella & Wavoly ready to go!

Bella & Elizabeth share a moment

Comfy Couch at Grandma's

To Grandmother's House We Went

Bella traveled with us to my parent's house when we went to visit them this past Thanksgiving week. All in all it was a very successful trip.

Prior to our departure we were informed that Bella had been car sick on longer trips with previous foster-parents. We decided to give her a small breakfast, about 1/2 of the amount of food she normally eats. We then loaded up the car with 3 dog beds, gear and 3 greyhounds and off we went. We are pleased to report that we had not gastro-upset on our trip there or back. Perhaps it was the small meal, or perhaps it was the presence of the other greyhounds, or perhaps Bella is becoming a more seasoned traveler. Whatever the case, she did very well.

She also adjusted well to visiting my parent's home. We took extra precautions with exit doors. My dad installed a gate across the back door and we set up our x-pen (part of the gear we lugged with us) around the front door. The last thing we wanted to do was search for a lost dog.

Bella decided that my parent's couch was mighty comfy. Fortunately it was covered with a sheet to protect it. She would always comply with our commands to vacate the couch, although it was a bit reluctent.

We also found a fenced in baseball field where the dogs could have a really good off-leash run. This was the first time we had Bella off leash and she seemed to enjoy it. She would do crazy circle sprints of about 15-30 seconds followed by 2 minute rest breaks.

The only problem we had on our visit was due to an error on our part. Bella did not seem inclined to get up for the last turn out, so we let her alone. We woke up the next morning to find she had piddled on one of the carpets during the night. From this point on we are insisting she get up for a late night turn out whether she seems inclined or not. To be fair to Bella this carpet was probably the one Wavorly had piddled on during a previous visit.

All in all it was a fun time. Bella travels very well and adjusts very easily to new surroundings.

Settled In

No more "Stop touching me!"

Adding a new dog (or a new cat, too, I suppose) to an established family requires prudence and patience. There will be transitional tangles. With dogs it is about each one figuring out where the newcomer fits into the existing social structure.

Rio and Wavorly, our resident hounds, experienced this with us when we brought a two-year-old girl with a mending leg break (Wavorly) home to begin a new situation with a (sometimes) grumpy, eight-year-old boy man (Rio.) Now, two years later, they are best buds.

We experienced the same adjustment period when Bella came to stay with us. Posturing, barking, growling, and other expressions of dominance were displayed by everyone. (Well, not Lydia or me, for the most part.) No real aggression or animosity, just boundary testing.

Gradually, as the dogs figured things out and negotiated in a way that dogs do, tensions have settled a great deal. This scene pictured here is evidence of how far things have progressed. Yes, Bella's and Rio's paws are touching.

As Leela might say, "ahhh that's sho shweet!"

Personality

Now that Bella has been a part of our family for a month her personality is coming out. It is quite stressful on any dog entering a new environment. I wish I could convey that everything is going to be all right, that she will be well cared for. The only way to do this is to let time pass.

Now that is has Bella has relaxed. She has learned the house routines, where she fits into the family. Now she is less stressed and a lot of fun to be with. She is a wonderful companion. She loves riding in the car and is the best of the three dogs at getting into the car. She has a sweet prance when we are walking/running and is quite content to keep with the pack. She prefers to walk with Wavorly.

We are starting a bit of training with her. We did some "COME" training in the back yard, which is a fun, fun game that can pay dividends if she gets loose. (The "COME" game is played with 2 people who stand apart from each other. One gives the command "Come" and rewards the behavior with absolutely yummy treats and a big party. Then the other person at the other end of the yard gives the command and rewards. The dogs love to run back and forth, hopefully associating good things with the word, come. This has come in handy if one gets loose.) Bella thought running back and forth was the best game. We are also asking her to touch my hand before she gets breakfast. This is coming along slowly. It's not that she doesn't get it, I don't think she sees much benefit to it.

So there you have it, it's been a fun month so far. Can't wait to see what the next month will bring.