Lilly - stirring it up in USA

Lilly in the Orchard, enjoying romps off leash

Two exciting updates rolled into one, from Lilly's new family:

Amy writes to confirm something that we were all hoping to hear and never doubted... that Lilly really is a fine ambassador for Singapore's strays! She's been out and about at dog-friendly events and has stirred up interest in international adoption. Hey hey hey, just what we wanted to hear!

Amy says: "Lilly is truly very special. I believe that her way of making one feel special and delighted to have her attention, will make her a wonderful therapy dog, once she socializes a bit more." Let's all keep paws crossed that over time, and with Amy's training, Lilly will be assessed as suitable for such work. What a strike for Singapore Specials that would be.

Lilly's skinny dipping gets her into trouble:

I rushed home from work today, having received a distressed call from my girls that Lilly had disappeared in the orchard on a walk. I ran to the top hill of the orchard and whistled. Lilly raced up in minutes - smiling and dripping wet. When we walked together towards one of the ponds, she took off and was skimming the water in a graceful splash - looking back as if to encourage us to join her. Bindu did, and then the girls.

Lilly loves running free - but will be on leash with the girls, as she will not come to them when they call her. I'm not sure if she just trusts me more - she never strays out of my sight, or if she figures that they're just kids, and no need to mind them. But they have some training with treats to do.

Lilly is playful like a puppy with Hudson and Bindu - wisely she avoids Izzy, who nips everyone she plays with.

Hugs from us all - especially Lil Lil (as my girls have taken to calling her)

Amy and family,

Brimfield, MA : USA

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring -- it was peace. "-- Milan Kundera

Lilly - in the big outdoors!

Dear Singapore family

I'm one of the pack now. I prefer to be the lead dog - hold my tail high, and smile back at my humans with lots of love...

... and when Amy is at work, I chew marrow bones and get lessons from the girls.

I am happy and everyone is happy with me, even old Izzy. Though she steals my bones, I just take hers and we all get along.

Amy sends her best regards!

Much Love,

Lilly (American Canine Citizen)

Brimfield, MA

LILLY IS HOME

by the luckiest 'mom' in the world!

Dear Sherry and Jacque and Carol,

Lilly is Home! Please forgive me for such a long pause in communication - I decided to play hookie from work to spend a few sweet, quiet days with Lilly in Woodstock (no internet access).

She was never more than a few feet from my side - always watching me intently. On the 3 hr ride up to Ma, she perched on the arm rest with her head nearly on my shoulder. She was beginning to relax.

Lilly is cuddled beside me now as I write - with the most soulful eyes I've ever seen. She is a joy. True to her name, a special lady - dainty and elegant - and with a Brave Heart.

We have all settled in together at home in Brimfield today - having a romp in the orchard with her new pack, Lilly was tolerant of the sniffing and attention - but held her own. In the house, Lilly gracefully endured some unpleasant behaviors from Izzy (17lb 10 yr old female Boston Terror) and Bindu (Big, 1 yr old spayed, female rescue) and a cold shoulder from Hudson (Bigger, 4 yr old intact male). I wish I could tell you that our canines offered a warm welcome, but despite their initial inhospitable behaviors, Lilly is not in retreat - she bravely stands by me, polite, but firm.

Lilly has 3 new feline friends (we are relieved she doesn't chase them) - and didn't chase the chickens! I will post photos as soon as I am able. We are thrilled to have Lilly here with us, and I beleive she is beginning to feel at home.

I thank you all for sending Lilly to us - much more news to come!

In thanks, Amy

Lilly touches down!

Email from Susannah Goodloe, one of the SSOS team who made Lilly's journey to USA possible. What a sweeties, sitting in the back seat of Susannah's car, looking a doll!

Hi Sherry

I genuinely enjoyed bringing Lilly upstate today. Everything went pretty well and she was very calm throughout the day. Before leaving JFK she had a few bites of kibble and some water and we even took advantage of a sliver of grass.

We were met by Amy's cousin, who said that Amy's sister Hillary would be bringing Lilly up to see her this weekend.

Since the crate was big I put it in the back and let her sit in the backseat. She was an angel for the whole ride and even napped. What a sweetie! I'm sure she'll be quite something once she gains some confidence.

I've attached some photos of our journey (which are also posted on facebook).

Susannah

Farewell to Lilly

Lilly & Christine, Terminal 3

Departure Day: Thursday, 16th July 2009, 2100 hrs:

Happy and relaxed after two woppingly long walks, Lilly hops into the back of the car, and heads off to the airport - with Martin, Sherry & Christine for company - to check in for her Singapore Airlines flight to New York City, and a new life as a much-loved pet!

Angela & Lilly at check-in

It wasn't hard for passenger Angela to find us; we were the ones with a dog crate covered in love messages - and of course a fine looking dog. Walking happily on leash with Christine, tail wagging high, we headed to the priority check-in counter (no-one there, we got first class service thanks to Angela's "gold" travel card), up on the scales to discover dog-in-crate weighed 29 Kgs, then round the corner to the Excess Baggage Charge desk. Singapore Airlines now charges on a "per piece" concept so lovely Lilly's fare was an affordable S$ 300 - Bow Wow Economy Class!

Sherry, Lilly & Christine

My calm exterior cracked a little when Lilly got anxious and "asked" to be let out of the crate, but taking deep breaths I ignored her, managing to say a grateful thanks to Angela for being such a hero as she headed off to the departure lounge, with all Lilly's paperwork in hand. Christine finally dissolved when Lilly was wheeled away, but through tears said she knew this was a great chance for Lilly. I believe so too.

Courtesy of Carol & Paul, Lilly's inflight entertainment was a delicious marrow bone that will last the whole journey. Jacqueline gifted Lilly with her special St. Christopher's charm to keep her safe on the journey, and I gave up a sweaty old t-shirt so she could sniff and daydream about our walks on the beach. Home then for a long anxious wait until we hear of Lilly's safe arrival.

The night before : Lilly's Champagne Farewell Party with the PJs

"What's going on 'ere?" an inquisitive and indignant Lilly asks, "That's my bedroom wall you're writing on!"

Tim and Jacqueline arrive for Lilly's farewell the night before departure with the customary bottle of fine Champers to celebrate Lilly's voyage to America, and after numerous hugs and I-love-yous with the golden girl Lilly, they write a special "bon voyage" message on Lilly's crate.

Farewell to Lilly

by Carol Peiffer

Carol & Lilly out walking

Lilly, our first SSOS rescue dog (Singapore Special OverSeas) is on her way to our friend Amy's house near Boston, USA.

My son, Paul, and I said our good-byes a couple days earlier so as not to upset Lilly on her day of departure - I was bound to bawl! There were many happy tears here in Singapore, as she became a fast favorite to all who came to know her. We were all delighted to know she was heading to such a wonderful home.

Lilly will spend her summers swimming in the Atlantic and winters playing in the snow in the mountains. At her home, she will spend time with her new family along with two dogs, two cats, farm animals, wild animals and a large extended family of friends on a huge farm land with lots of acres to play on.

She will no longer have to hide from cruel dog catchers and abusers, and never go hungry again.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. Best wishes for Lilly and her new life.

Carol

What a difference a boy makes!

Lilly's last day's in Singapore and Daisy's progress:

A little over a week has gone by since Daisy came to me for fostering - time, I felt, to step up her socialisation with the help of some willing and dog knowledgeable friends, Carol and her son Paul. A great way to introduce dogs to new people (or to other dogs) is through walking together, so we rendezvous'd at East Coast Park yesterday morning - an area where Daisy already feels relaxed - and off we set along the empty footpaths. Four people, four dogs. It took only a couple of moments for Daisy and Lilly to fall into stride beside Paul and 20 minutes later, by the time we headed down to the beach, Paul and Daisy were best mates!

Fully clothed (no bathers!), Paul and I waded into the sea, quickly followed by Daisy (stark naked) who didn't need too much encouragement. She's a great swimmer, happily circling me and Paul in fluid doggy paddle, not at all concerned by the gentle waves as Lilly sometimes is.

With only a couple of days before Lilly heads to USA, I decided to carry Lilly in deep, just to see how she'd get on. With a calmness so typical of Lilly, she doggy paddled back to shore, wondering what all the clapping was about. It was so wonderful watching her that I took her in again!

Not all dogs are destined to feel comfortable around children, and Daisy is possibly one of them. She's scared of sudden movements and loud noises and when in fearful mode, she's less happy to be handled, taking a warning nip if she feels threatened. Already I've witnessed a tremendous improvement though and with a little time and patience, and as her good experiences with people and her trust in them grows, she may overcome this. After all, she's still very young and has only been in a safe home environment for a few days. My strategy will be to try and avoid placing her in any situation that
elicits a fearful nip.

Next morning, Daisy broke new ground, boldly walking out of my front gate, across 3 roads, past moving cars and a barking dog, and onto the pedestrian pathway through my local park. On leash of course, and with 3 K9 pals. A miracle! Last time I tried this, we had to turn back within a few minutes, and I kicked myself for putting her through so much terror so early. She even managed to walk past a great big digger machine with just a slight quickening of her pace. I've noticed that rather than crouching and trying to pull away from scary moving objects (such as walkers and bikers), Daisy now stops and stares at them, not pulling away, before turning and walking on. I'm reading that as a good sign!

Pawtraits of Lilly & Daisy : At Play

After a tricky start (gggrr gggrr) Daisy and her Aunt Lilly are best of friends. (Yes, Lilly and daisy are related, both strays rescued from Kallang.

Lilly and Daisy go MAD in the garden, playing tug of war with leaves, racing round the palm trees, leaping obstacles... and tiring themselves out. Pure Bliss.

Darling Lilly, loved by many



Daisy, very relaxed travelling in the car now.


Daisy & Lilly love their walks along the beach. Lilly happily sits in the sea to cool off, whereas Daisy splish sploshes for a while before launching out deep with perfect doggy paddle. It's going to be great exercise for Daisy, along with the new treadmill that arrives today, Saturday 11th!

Lilly walks great on a leash. Daisy is improving daily but still likes to wrap her long leash twice round my legs every third step.

Lilly has visitors!

Sunday, 5th July : oh goodie, Visitors!

Christina (Lilly's rescuer) popped in, bringing her own 8 year old "puppy" Venus for a play date with my dogs. Lilly was delighted, sniffing, bowing and hovering over Venus, as were my other dogs Maffy and Nancy. Tiny Venus remained calm and unconcerned, running around the garden in her own little world of new scents. Finally the over-excited advances got to her, and with surprising speed she turned and, and.... well, stuck her tongue right out at Lilly! Well, that's what the photo looks like , and Lilly's eyes were popping out of her head in surprise.

Lilly is good with other dogs providing all the canine etiquette is observed. She will though retaliate if she's threatened.

As for cats, the other day we walked towards the local black stray who doesn't feel the need to move as dogs go by. On leash, Lilly made a playful leap towards kitty. I made a "tsst" sound, she stopped, looked at me, and from that point on ignored the cat, not glancing its way at all. Not sure what I'm reading into that, other than I feel Lilly will be easy to train to ignore cats. Harder I'm sure if the cat is fleeing! A "tssst" seems to redirect Lilly's attention from everything, just as calling Lilly Come grabs her attention and she wags up (in the house & garden, she hasn't been off leash with me outside).

Trying desperately to book Lilly's flight on 16th July and complete remaining paperwork in time for her journey to USA.

DAY 25 : SPAY DAY!!!!

On way home following spay surgery at "Animal Clinic" in Clementi

Monday, 29 June 09

1830 hrs: Sleepy but walking, Lilly -wearing a bright pink bandage around her waist - is led out by the vet nurse and I'm handed a list of post-surgical instructions to ensure I know how to take proper care of her - no food or water til next day, keep her quiet, no exercise for 10 days. Sob, no walks along the beach!

Outside, Lilly headed straight to the grass for a tinkle, then settled in the car and dozed next to Jolfha all the way home. I made up her bed, two rather than one doggy mattresses, and left her alone. She didn't stir much the rest of the evening.

Can't thank ASD enough (Action for Singapore Dogs) for supporting spay & vaccination costs.


Tuesday: 30 June
Breakfast in bed

Next morning Lilly was looking much better, had more of a wag about her. First thought on my mind was to remove her bandage (which I did, no problems underneath) and give her a tasty breakfast of biscuits covered in chicken stock and big chunks of chicken. She devoured the chicken, licked her lips, and went back to sleep.


She stayed pretty quiet all day, choosing the cool white sitting room floor as a resting place.


The wound is very small and neat, with just a few visible stitches that will dissolve by themselves over coming days. Lilly has had a quick look herself but thankfully doesn't seem interested in chewing them. She was given Rimadyl for pain relief at the surgery, and is now taking two anti-biotic tabs a day (250 mg Celexin) to aid recovery.

Lilly's journey : Day 21

Thurs, 25 June: Day 21 in foster care

Yes, 3 weeks have passed since becoming Lilly's foster mum - the best job in the world! Lilly has adjusted well, easing quickly into life as a family pet, becoming more playful and confident as each day goes by. Out on a leash in the familiar surroundings of East Coast Park, Lilly's tail wags high and she's no longer troubled by runners, bikers, roller bladers or the gardeners in large hats wielding brooms. Having a confident pack to walk with (Stilts and Maffy, me & Jolfha too) has undoubtedly helped. She likes to be striding up front, walking more quickly to overtake if Stilts or Maffy dare to take the lead. She's a jaunty walker, there's a hop and a skip in her stride, and she clearly loves the big outdoors.

After bathing all 4 dogs the other day, small Stiltsy acted crazily - screeching loudly, yapping madly, racing around, snapping at the grass and plants, rolling on mats to dry herself. She always does after a dousing and I've never stopped this bit of poco loco as frankly it makes me laugh. But Lilly thought it was abnormal behaviour, too hyper and out of control. In a second her body language changed, she stiffened, then made a fleeting dash at Stilts, a skilful pounce, snap (no contact). Stiltsy calmed instantly and Lilly returned to her mat and lay down. That was a telling off if ever I saw one! I think, given time, Lilly would emerge as leader of my girl clan - she seems a natural kind leader and has all the skills to stay out of trouble. She meets all dogs on leash in a courteous manner, circling, sniffing, enjoying.

It's early days but certain fears remain that make her want to flee, such as loud machinery, sudden noises, crowded streets with noisy traffic, things rushing headlong at her (who wouldn't be scared!), strangers, walking through a door into a small room full of dogs or people (big rooms are fine). Perhaps she'll never overcome these, no matter. Although she walks happily into her crate for food, I've noticed that she no longer wanders in alone to lie down. At nights, now, I have to lift her in gently; she's not stressed by this and settles quickly to sleep, but she obviously prefers being loose with the rest of the pack.

As the 2 week "honeymoon period" lapsed, I noticed Lilly became protective over her chew bone. She always lets me take it, remove it, hide it, chew it... but she has started giving out a warning growl if the dogs come too close. Something to watch at feeding times around other dogs - and a reminder to tell children to stay away from dogs with bones.

What Lilly hasn't mastered (yet) is SIT, not even for a tasty morsel - and not even when her favourite human, Christina, comes to visit and requests her nicely to SIT! Obviously my fault, I must be a slow teacher as Lilly has proved herself a quick learner in so many other respects. With my 3 others around me, all sitting on request for a treat, Lilly just stands, wags and smiles at me. I almost give in to those beautiful eyes. But no... I push lightly on the back of her legs (behind her knee caps so to speak!), down she plops, and there she stays not moving... even if the position looks uncomfortable. As I wiggle the morsel just out of her reach in an effort to get her to stand so we can try it all again, well, she just cranes her neck forward, not lifting her butt off the ground. She's at least learnt that butt on floor means treats... I just haven't found the correct way yet to get her to do the motion herself. Am working on it... but what didn't work was pressing down on her rear end above her tail, or waggling treat over her head and backwards.

She has so many other talents though, that my failure in getting Lilly to understand my mad gestures and human-babble about such a natural act as sitting... well, it's hardly worth mentioning.

More coming, after I pick up Lilly from Animal Clinic where she is being spayed on Monday.

Wishing for Wings

Graphics courtesy of SCAD volunteer, K. Mameaw

If you are travelling from Singapore to Amsterdam or Boston, can you be the wings that two rescued dogs need?

Four month old Daisy and 3 year old Lilly were strays in Kallang, an industrial suburb of Singapore. Up until 6 weeks ago, they knew nothing but hunger and the fear of running for their lives from dog catchers or those who viewed them strictly as lunch.

Today Lilly is in temporary fostercare in a private home and young Daisy is being cared for in a shelter (Action for Singapore Dogs, ASD). Both are being assessed and prepped for a long journey by air, that will take them to new lives, far better lives, with people who truly understand the responsibilities of dog guardianship, will understand their "special needs" as rescued strays, and will offer them a kind word and a pat before they turn in each night.

They need two wings and a prayer! Can you help?

This is a rewarding, no cost, almost hassle-free experience. We handle all the import and export paperwork, pay excess baggage fees, and meet you at the check in desk on day of departure to handle the process. At the destination airport, you collect Daisy (or Lilly) at the same time you collect your luggage and hand her over in the Arrivals Hall to our representative. References are available from others who have kindly been "wings" for stray dogs before.

Lilly : Singapore to Boston (preferably on KLM through Amsterdam). She has a new family waiting for her, if we can get her there (cost effectively) as accompanied baggage with a Boston-bound passenger. Is that you?

Daisy: Singapore to Amsterdam (preferably KLM direct). Daisy will live in private fosterare with the kind folk at SCAD.NL (http://www.scadbangkok.nl/ ) until her forever family is identified. Can you take her?

To register your interest, or to find out more, email Sherry : sheridan@loxinfo.co.th

With grateful thanks and hugs

Sherry Conisbee : Founder & Past President (retired), >> SCAD Bangkok

Jacqueline Peterson-Jarvis : Volunteer & Fundraiser, >> Action for Singapore Dogs

Christina's visit and Lilly's life before...

Lilly, sneaking on the bed for a chew of her bone. How at home she seems.

Sunday 14 June - Day 10 in foster care : When Christina arrives at my gate, Lilly goes beserk - yapping, tail wagging, whole body wiggling side to side in sheer joy at seeing her.

Hardly surprising when you learn of Lilly's history. Christina first discovered Lilly 2 years ago living under a rank of stores and huts on a constructon site near Kallang Leisure Centre. She was taking care of a litter of pups, perhaps her first. On closer investigation, Christina was upset to find around 20 stray dogs there; 5 or 6 were adults and the rest puppies. Christina decided to help them all as best she could, taking them food in her lunch break and talking with the men living close by to encourage their involvement in the dogs' safe keeping. With local dog catchers who are paid 'per dog caught' - regardless of whether the dog is loosely 'owned', collared or licensed - the chances of these friendly dogs and puppies being removed and culled was high.

Christina fed and cared for the Kallang dogs for 2 years, and as Lilly casts adoring eyes at Christina in my sitting room, you know she recognises Christina as her saviour and trusted friend. Christina says Lilly is smart, really smart. When the dog catchers came, Lilly knew to run and hide and those instincts kept her safe over the years in an area that was regularly patrolled by the catchers. It is those same base instincts that today manifest themselves in flight everytime she meets 'danger' in the form of strangers or cars coming towards her. In the safety of her new family, Lilly will learn over time to be more trusting.

Christina also explains to me Lilly's instant love of sitting in the sea. It was very hot on the construction site, and Lilly found a good way of keeping cool. She would lie down or dig a comfy spot in the drainage ditches that filled with water - it was cool, but also very dirty so Lilly often looked like a wallowing hippo covered in mud! But what a clever girl.

After some pups were taken to fill the plates of construction workers - a cheap and tasty food alternative - Christina and friends set out on a campaign to sterilise and rehome as many from that area as possible. Ten puppies have recently found loving homes thanks to the efforts of Christina and Jacqueline, one of them being Lilly's son, Billy. One little sibling named Daisy, amongst the last of the pups to be rounded up for rehoming, has yet to found a home... but her luck is about to change in a most thrilling way. >>read more.

Lilly's Journey : Day 8... at the vet

Off to the vet in Mr. Lim's taxi... Friday, 12th June - Day 8 in fostercare: Thankfully Lilly falls under the care umbrella of Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), and thanks to their wonderful organisation, she received her booster vaccines, a blood test and a rabies vaccine today. Soon she will be spayed which paves the way for licencing and the export papers she needs to depart Singapore for her new life in USA.

Dr. Chan Li Jun at Namly Animal Clinic recognised Lilly's nervous disposition and took time to get to know her before attempting any examination or vaccines. I was so proud of Lilly; she submitted patiently to all administrations and showed no fear aggression - thanks of course to quick and professional handling by the veterinary team. I can't thank them enough. Within two weeks of Lilly's departure, she will be back visiting Dr. Chan for health screening and a certificate of health.

Why I am here?

In the Clinic reception, Lilly was clearly uncomfortable in these new surroundings with lots of people, dogs and cats around her. Her tail stayed between her legs but she remained calm (not frantic), was happy to have a lady bend down and stroke her face and head, and was clearly interested in meeting all the dogs, especially one young pup sitting nearby. The more I get to know her, the more I judge her problem to be speeding objects coming towards her... cars, doors, hands, bikes - but not people or dogs. She genuinely seems fond of both species!

That evening, her favourite people come to visit - Jacq & Tim. Without them and the financial support of many of their friends, Lilly wouldn't be facing such a bright future.

A wag for Jacq

With Jacq's help, we started Lilly's basic training this evening... SIT! Lilly couldn't fathom what we wanted of her when a tasty morsel was raised over her head and backwards - which often prompts pups into a sit. She also resisted light pressure on her tail end to move into a sit. So, we'll be focusing on another approach. Every time she sits or drops unasked, unprompted, we will use those words until she identifies those natural movements with the right words... and we'll take it from there, slowly slowly. Watch this space!

Grateful thanks, in no particular order, to...

Veronica at ASD for arranging today's vet trip.

Ricky Yeo, top dog at ASD - for all the animal programmes his team undertakes.

Christina - for caring so passionately for the likes of strays such as Lilly.

Derrick - for so kindly and generously providing a travel crate for our girl.

Carol, Sue, Carrie and Gail for dipping into their pockets so generously the minute they knew Lilly needed help.

Amy and the Ferber Family for adopting Lilly

My hubby Martin for supporting my desire to be hands-on with street dogs again

Tim & Jacq for inspiring others to help dogs, and for always providing the Champagne!

Letter from Lilly

My dear American family,

This is me and my new pals... Maffy, Nancy and Jolfha in pink (sad, she has only 2 legs that work, the other 2 flop around mid air).

I've pawsed, dozed, slept and eaten at this nice place for a week now. The yap on the muttvine is that it's preparing me for a life with you in Massachussetts. Hope I'm doing okay, as I sure want to sniff out those lakes and trails... and meet a bear. A small one.

Every day the alpha in the house - she pricks her ears to the name 'Sherry' - has placed a rope around my neck, lifted me into a big kennel on wheels where shapes whizz past me quickly and takes me to places with lots of water or lots of people. I don't mind the rope now - it means we're gonna have some fun, new smells to sniff, new grass to mark. Not sure though about the quick-moving two-legged animals, who smell funny, approach me head on, don't circle slowly, don't give off any friendly signals and don't allow butt sniffing. Hopeless etiquette, can't imagine what kinda mother brought them into the world.

Do you have doors in your habitat? Cor, they're tricky. The one in the moving kennel is the worst... bang, and I'm trapped. Can't understand why my K9 pals take it so calmly but it's great once we're moving along. If I'm not on a rope, I like to perch high on the back seat, watching everything. I fall off a lot though. Three times I've jumped in by myself, and oh boy, each time I get a yapload of praise and pats from the she-boss. Anyway, you ain't gonna get me walking thru ANY door in the house that has some 2-legged or 4-legged standing guard. No siree. Not me, not even when they're crooning "c'mon Lilly, it'll be okay." Only gonna move through when they back off... yeh back right off. That's when it's safe.

I gotta a really nice place to sleep at night - it's small but I feel all snug, no-dogs to chase me, no 2-leggeds to kick or throw stones at me. I zizzzzzz all night, 10 hours or so. And best of all I get a bone to chew every night I go in. Two sometimes.

Got a special outing today; hope I like it. Booster jabs, rabies, tick fever test - and a manicure and pedicure if I smile nicely. Hope the Hairy Dogmother will be looking out for me.

Please write if you have time. Meanwhile, I want you all to know I'm studying hard. Next week I have to learn something called 'sit'.
Many licks,

Your Lilly xxx

Summary end Week 1
by Sherry
Fine on collar/leash providing there's no noisy/speeding traffic.
Crate training going very well.
Does not like quick/sudden movements towards her.
Comes to name, but will only approach if coast is clear: no doors, no people, no dogs to hamper her progress.
Loud and unfamiliar noises get an immediate down-tail and crouch - it's at these times she might flee.
She wags excitedly at other dogs, scenting the air after them (providing all is peaceful around).

Lilly's Journey : Days 4 & 5

Photos by Jacqueline Peterson-Jarvis & Sherry Conisbee

On the dog's end of the sofa, one eye on Animal Planet

Monday and Tuesday, 8 & 9 June:

Don't get me wrong, but Lilly is proving a bit of a disappointment.

Having swatted up on all the dog behaviour books, revised the best crate training methods, and spent money on buying netting to to make our garden escape proof, Lilly's transformation from a scaredy-cat industrial dog to companionable house dog has made all these preparations a wasted exercise!

Let's recap...

Last Thursday when I visited her at fabulous Mutts & Mittens, she was nervous, obviously wary of me and all new strangers, and did not enjoy my attempts at physical contact. I never saw her tail as it was tucked so far between her back legs. But she always had a wag for the M&M staff, so I knew there was hope.

A few days later...

By choice, Lilly sleeps in her crate (door open) for an uninterrupted 10 hours.

Rushes to the gate with the rest of our pack to "see off" the enemy (the dustbin men)
Enjoys walks on leash and wading in the sea.

Play bows to humans and dogs, gets real frisky on the beach.

NEVER tries to escape. On the contrary, moves so close to my heels that she keeps tripping me up. (Note: buy another dog training manual). That's indoors, haven't been brave enough to let her off leash outdoors, and I probably won't.

Recognises that I am a Super Hero, with powers to stop speeding bullets [cars]. Am slightly worried she also thinks I control the tides (Nother note: buy doggy life jacket).

Bows her head so I can put on her collar and leash

Plays with a tennis ball. In fact, she threw the darned ball back to me, honest truth, but I guess that was fluke. But hey, if she could repeat it, Amy could sign her up for American Idol.

Lilly doesn't want to escape. Martin can put on hold all escape-proofing of our garden.

Jumps in the car to go out (first time today!)

What a Lassie she's turning into.

Note for all: available on Amazon. "On talking terms with Dogs : calming signals" by Turid Rugaas is a good "kind" read for anyone fostering a nervous/shy dog like Lilly.