One step forward, two steps back ... or two steps forward, one step back
Such is the life of a rescue dog, even in the most loving of homes. I believe Chester's doing the latter, but it's still a daily struggle. Most of the real progress will come when he can truly trust us.
Not long after he came to our home he was moving from room to room with me, on his own (2 steps forward) ... now he prefers to camp out in the bedroom and only moves when I leash him (1 step back). A few weeks ago Chester decided that first thing in the morning he'd go to the basement unleashed to go outside to potty ... now he's back to requiring the leash before he moves anywhere from the bedroom (2 steps forward, 1 step back). Although the leash is NEVER needed to return upstairs any more. He comes when I call him and heads upstairs when I open the door. (2 steps forward ... period).
Not long after he came to our home he was moving from room to room with me, on his own (2 steps forward) ... now he prefers to camp out in the bedroom and only moves when I leash him (1 step back). A few weeks ago Chester decided that first thing in the morning he'd go to the basement unleashed to go outside to potty ... now he's back to requiring the leash before he moves anywhere from the bedroom (2 steps forward, 1 step back). Although the leash is NEVER needed to return upstairs any more. He comes when I call him and heads upstairs when I open the door. (2 steps forward ... period).
Chester has made much progress and is a long way from what I'd call "healed", but he's headed in the right direction. It's been over a month since we returned home from the trip that disrupted the continuity of his new life in our home. He's only been part of our little family for almost 3 months. We recently found out that Chester's previous life, for most of five years, involved him and 17 other dogs living in a small chicken coop. I'm not sure I want more details. He was a "breeder" dog for a puppy mill and was thankfully rescued by Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon early this year.
This new life must seem like a completely different universe. He stays warm and dry in his own bed, with lots of his own toys ... inside, not outdoors in a coop. He eats regular meals, twice a day healthy dog food with real meat and veggie people-food snacks between meals. He not only doesn't have to compete for food, he sometimes helps himself to anything in his sister's bowl that's left after a meal ... she could care less. There's plenty of fresh water in a clean bowl any time he wants to drink. We take him for walks. He goes out to potty numerous times a day so he's not forced to relieve himself near his food or bed area. The humans keep the back yard free of yesterday's "piles" so there's never any chance of stepping in it. Chester gets petted many times a day and brushed. He especially enjoys being brushed. We speak to him lovingly and tell him he's a good boy. He enjoys watching TV from the comfort of "his" bed, which is in a protected area next to mine. Although he rarely accepts, he knows he's welcome "on" either of our beds or the basement sofa as well.
Every evening after dinner Casey gets feisty, so we have playtime. Chester has the opportunity to join in, although he rarely does, with running and chasing balls or squeaky toys. He watches intently as his adopted sister (Casey) and I play fetch, chase or tug-of-war. He doesn't know how to play but is learning by her example. You can tell he wants to join in, but just doesn't have the courage yet. The most daring thing Chester ever does is to grab a toy when Casey isn't looking. He proudly prances it back to his corner as if he's successfully stolen the crown jewels. This time of year we play in the basement where it's warm and dry. Note: the basement was built as the "Man Cave". It's become the "man and dog cave", or recently I refer to it as "canine romper room". Picture the floor scattered with bones, ropes, balls, toys and dog hair ... you get the idea.
Every evening after dinner Casey gets feisty, so we have playtime. Chester has the opportunity to join in, although he rarely does, with running and chasing balls or squeaky toys. He watches intently as his adopted sister (Casey) and I play fetch, chase or tug-of-war. He doesn't know how to play but is learning by her example. You can tell he wants to join in, but just doesn't have the courage yet. The most daring thing Chester ever does is to grab a toy when Casey isn't looking. He proudly prances it back to his corner as if he's successfully stolen the crown jewels. This time of year we play in the basement where it's warm and dry. Note: the basement was built as the "Man Cave". It's become the "man and dog cave", or recently I refer to it as "canine romper room". Picture the floor scattered with bones, ropes, balls, toys and dog hair ... you get the idea.
There has been some strictly forward progress this month. We're proud and thankful for every little improvement. He cleans himself regularly, especially doesn't like having dirty feet when he's been outside (wet or muddy paws are unacceptable to Chester). He goes to work on the feet as soon as he is back inside. Note: we live in the Pacific NW and I doubt there's been more than one or two days since mid-October that it hasn't rained. Our back yard is soaking wet with patches of muddy and no chance to keep feet clean.
Chester's weight has increased from 55 pounds in late September to 70 pounds this month and his hair coat is now shiny and beginning to thicken. He comes to us from wherever he is, under a table or in the next room, when we say "chicken". That means chicken jerky treats. He and Casey love them. He drinks water most of the time from a standing position, although he still prefers to eat his dog food from a prone position. Sometimes he forgets that he's supposed to be fearful and actually stands to eat as well.
His tail is almost always "out" ... horizontal or out and up when walking or running. It's rarely between his legs anymore, although he did do that this morning when I introduced him to the Christmas tree in the living room. He doesn't often go into that room because the family room is dog territory. Casey always makes a fuss over the lights and ornaments (never disturbs them, but obviously admires them). Chester ignored the tree and its bubble lights completely. His only response was to tuck his tail neatly between his legs and wait for me to release him so he could return to his room. I'm sure he was uncertain if he should be there and was visibly uncomfortable.
He truly loves his stuffed animal collection. Some of them were bought new for him, others are rescued from Casey's old toy box. When she tires of them, they become shreds of material on the basement floor with puffs of stuffing scattered around like clouds. Ultimately the squeaker is located and chewed until we see her with it, then it's all trashed. Chester does no such thing to these cherished and beloved animals. They are his friends. He gently plays with them, moves them strategically on his bed between himself and the wall whenever Casey approaches. He knows she might steal one and a guy can't have too many friends. He reminds me of a preschool aged girl with her dolls. These animals are definitely his treasures.
Chester's most outstanding achievement to date came this week. Any other "dog Mom" wouldn't pay attention to something this "ordinary". Thousands of dogs do it every day without anyone taking notice. As I mentioned, he spends a lot of time in our bedroom, on his bed watching TV or playing with toys. This used to be where he slept at night (more on that below). No matter where he is in the house, he's ALWAYS in a protected area ... in a corner, under a table or chair ... he must have his back protected and where escape is easily possible. Most of the time now it's a corner as opposed to under something, but there are areas where under is safer than out. Note: he's recently begun sleeping at night elsewhere in the bedroom but always in a corner.
On several occasions this week I noticed Chester, in his bed area, playing with toys or taking naps ... and his back was AWAY from the wall. He trusts that he's safe in that place and isn't afraid to expose his back to the room. I've never seen him do this. He trusts me to keep him safe in his little space. He knows this is his home and I won't let harm come to him.
Trust ... now that we're seeing the first real glimpses of it. Anything is possible.
Chester's weight has increased from 55 pounds in late September to 70 pounds this month and his hair coat is now shiny and beginning to thicken. He comes to us from wherever he is, under a table or in the next room, when we say "chicken". That means chicken jerky treats. He and Casey love them. He drinks water most of the time from a standing position, although he still prefers to eat his dog food from a prone position. Sometimes he forgets that he's supposed to be fearful and actually stands to eat as well.
His tail is almost always "out" ... horizontal or out and up when walking or running. It's rarely between his legs anymore, although he did do that this morning when I introduced him to the Christmas tree in the living room. He doesn't often go into that room because the family room is dog territory. Casey always makes a fuss over the lights and ornaments (never disturbs them, but obviously admires them). Chester ignored the tree and its bubble lights completely. His only response was to tuck his tail neatly between his legs and wait for me to release him so he could return to his room. I'm sure he was uncertain if he should be there and was visibly uncomfortable.
He truly loves his stuffed animal collection. Some of them were bought new for him, others are rescued from Casey's old toy box. When she tires of them, they become shreds of material on the basement floor with puffs of stuffing scattered around like clouds. Ultimately the squeaker is located and chewed until we see her with it, then it's all trashed. Chester does no such thing to these cherished and beloved animals. They are his friends. He gently plays with them, moves them strategically on his bed between himself and the wall whenever Casey approaches. He knows she might steal one and a guy can't have too many friends. He reminds me of a preschool aged girl with her dolls. These animals are definitely his treasures.
Chester's most outstanding achievement to date came this week. Any other "dog Mom" wouldn't pay attention to something this "ordinary". Thousands of dogs do it every day without anyone taking notice. As I mentioned, he spends a lot of time in our bedroom, on his bed watching TV or playing with toys. This used to be where he slept at night (more on that below). No matter where he is in the house, he's ALWAYS in a protected area ... in a corner, under a table or chair ... he must have his back protected and where escape is easily possible. Most of the time now it's a corner as opposed to under something, but there are areas where under is safer than out. Note: he's recently begun sleeping at night elsewhere in the bedroom but always in a corner.
On several occasions this week I noticed Chester, in his bed area, playing with toys or taking naps ... and his back was AWAY from the wall. He trusts that he's safe in that place and isn't afraid to expose his back to the room. I've never seen him do this. He trusts me to keep him safe in his little space. He knows this is his home and I won't let harm come to him.
Trust ... now that we're seeing the first real glimpses of it. Anything is possible.
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