Sunday, December 30, 2012

Bad with the good



Okay, for a few months I've been writing and posting Chester's stories ... for several reasons.

Originally I wrote as a diary of his progress, a way to track "do's and don'ts". Chester is our first, but likely not our last, rescue dog. Then I decided that sharing his successes and failures could help others who have (or might want to adopt) a rescue dog. From there it went from Facebook entries to the blog. Finally with encouragement from my husband and many Facebook friends, I decided to write a book. The book will be completed and published only when I feel we've made enough improvements in Chester's life for it to be a valid guide.

Several days ago I reported again on some obvious changes in Chester's health and happiness levels. It's time to tell some of the bad with the good.

After weeks of being sick, I woke yesterday starting to feel more like myself. We've had a very long winter so far and it's only December 30. Since we live in the Pacific northwest, we expect rain and grey skies but it can be depressing at times. What we didn't anticipate was for it to be the seventh wettest year on record. We've dealt with saturated lawns, muddy patches worn in the back yard as the dogs use the same paths to go from here to there. Grey skies that seem endless with few days of sunshine. Actually that's not normal either because we usually get more winter peeks at the sun than we've seen this year.

Yesterday morning Chester and I did our normal routine ... headed downstairs and outside for him to potty in the back yard and returned back upstairs to our room while we wait for Glenn and Casey to get up. Then we usually return downstairs for breakfast and another trip to the back yard.

Weather forecasters keep pushing days ahead when we'll see the sunshine. Tomorrow wasn't coming and I needed a mood change. One of my favorite ways to make that happen is heavy cleaning and moving things. Time for a shift of furniture and electronics in my bedroom and home office. Besides, with all the toys around, Chester has outgrown his sleeping area. Our grown kids could tell you childhood stories about escapades doing this over the years. When Glenn returned from work he never knew for sure where he'd find his favorite chair. Anyway, as I began removing wires from a few of the electronic gadgets in the bedroom, Chester began to shift around on his bed a bit. I wasn't anywhere near him and I assured him that he was fine. He settled back down. As I pulled more wires from the back of the TV cabinet, he began pacing around the room. He headed to the bathroom, then across the hall to my office and back. I figured if it made him that nervous that he would definitely freak out when I actually began moving the components themselves.

So, after Chester settled back on his bed, I shut him and his toys in the bedroom. I'd been gone maybe 10 minutes, across the hall in my office, when I remembered a remote control from the other room. As I entered the room I was stunned. It smelled like a sewer and not only was there a huge pile of poo on the tile in the bathroom, but there was a wet spot on the carpet and footprints all over the room. Not only had he peed on the floor, but he'd stepped in it and tracked his now wet and muddy feet all over the beige carpet. This season we've been careful to wipe dog feet at the door and keep the dirt to a minimum on the dark color commercial carpet in the basement.

The upstairs bedroom isn't a small room, actually it's very large as bedrooms go. And having that door closed isn't a new thing to him. There are times during the day and always at night when I close it. Chester is happy to be there alone for short periods of time, although I only do that when there's something or someone in the house that might bother him.

I may or may not have told you that Chester doesn't bark, growl or make normal dog noises. He actually growled one time within the first week or so of being here. If Casey was locked in a room, she'd scratch at the door, then bang on the door with her paw and if that didn't work, she'd bark. The only sound Chester makes, other than during sleep, is this quiet whistle noise. He doesn't even do that much any more. At one time he used it to welcome me back after I'd left the room to make dinner or run a quick errand. 

Don't get me wrong, he's had a few accidents in the house before, mostly in the basement and usually on the tile floor. He came to us as a five-year old dog who doesn't "ask" to go anywhere. We anticipate his needs and respond accordingly. Since we're with him 24/7, most of the time it works just fine. He was raised in a chicken coop with 17 other dogs and then spent months in foster care in a home with a doggie door. We don't have one and won't install one at this house since we're trying to sell. We will have one at the next home.

I was shocked how quickly the fear overtook Chester to cause him to defecate in the house after just being outdoors. I was not happy this time, and he sensed my body language, although I never said a thing to him. I cleaned up the obvious and quietly walked him to the basement where he could spend time with Glenn and Casey until I completed moving things around upstairs. Next time I know to move the dog before I move anything else.

Today the sun finally made an entrance, blue skies above and frost below. Our grey skies keep the temperatures moderate. The rain keeps everything green and pretty year round. When the clouds disappear this time of year we finally get frost. This year the frozen ground is a welcome sight  ... means the mud is gone ... for a few days.

Order of the day ... 1-take Chester outside to potty, again. 2-escort him to the basement to spend time with Glenn and Casey. 3-shampoo carpet in the bedroom. At least that completes my mood change projects for now.

Bad with the good or good with the bad? I believe Chester would tell you that most days are very good. We can weather a few bad times ... if for no other reason than to truly appreciate all the good ones.









Friday, December 28, 2012

I'm not a stuffed animal

Don't get me wrong. His favorite toys are still his collection of stuffed animals.

For the better part of three months I've referred to Chester as being like a stuffed animal himself. Put him in a corner or under a table and he stays there until you go retrieve him (no pun intended). Well, it's time for that moniker to be dropped.

He's finally started to exert some of his own will in certain situations and at the same time he's responding to more of my wishes. He sits or stands still while I connect the leash and generally walks without resistance anywhere in the house or back yard. Lately though he tries to turn right towards the front door when we're actually headed left to go downstairs. He loves to ride in the car and if we go right and out the front door he knows that means a trip of some sort. If we're just taking a walk in the neighborhood we exit through the garage. Chester may be limited in some aspects of his life, but nobody in our household ever said he was stupid. He catches on quickly, the only things holding him back are his nerves and level of stress or fear.

Here's some of the most recent changes in Chester's behavior:

1 - The leash is never required to return upstairs from the basement. He returns to me and the stairway door multiple times each day when I call him. That's misleading because he would return if I never said a word. He prefers to be upstairs in his "space", but if he is otherwise preoccupied in the basement, he will come when I call his name.

2 - Occasionally he actually comes when I call his name for other reasons, not often, but that's improving.

3 - He acknowledges me when I speak to him. He sleeps on a dog bed at the side of my bed, so if I look down at him from my bed, he turns to look up and acknowledge that I've spoken to him.

4 - Today when I not only showed him the leash, but the halter, he stood up and walked to me so I could put it on. That always means he's either going for a walk or in this case, a car ride.

5 - He approaches us more often when we offer him a treat. Previously he stayed under the table or in his corner and the only way he got food, water or a treat was if we brought it to him. Now, especially if it's one he really likes, he will approach us and sit or stand to get his share.

6 - Last night not only did he sleep with his back to the open room, he was completely exposed sleeping with his head in the corner and his tail to the room.

7 - He hasn't had nightmares for awhile. When he had them they'd wake me up as he was obviously in distress. I'd pet him and talk softly to him to calm him down so he could return to sleep. Chester does still snore sometimes when he first falls asleep. Funny, very deep sound coming from this otherwise small boned dog.

8 - For the first time since he became part of our family, I let him outside in back (for potty breaks) by himself or with Casey. Chester doesn't go outside to the back yard for anything other than potty breaks. He believes he's an inside dog and has no interest in playing or patrolling the yard out there like Casey does. I have been so concerned about Chester's propensity and ability to escape, I've gone outside with him every time for several months. Last week I started turning him loose in the fenced yard by himself without fear that he'll try to escape. I go to windows in the basement where I can watch him run. He makes a right turn outside the patio door and runs, all out, around the corner and up the hill. All the while his tail is raised and sometimes wagging. He prances and bounces and jumps around and is obviously enjoying himself. Back and forth, up and down the hill he runs, each time returning to the patio door to see if I'm there to let him inside yet.

All things considered with Chester's progress, I can't refer to him any more, in good conscience, as my stuffed animal rescue dog.


















Thursday, December 20, 2012

Trust



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).


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.

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.














Saturday, December 8, 2012

Follow me

For two months we've taught Chester to move throughout the house on a leash. He's always good about it; sits there and waits to be hooked up. But he never initiates the move himself. When returning upstairs he now stops part way up the stairs for me to unhook the leash. Then he scampers the rest of the way on his own and runs back to our bedroom. Showing a bit of independence is a great indication that he's starting to heal.

Glenn and I feed the dogs about the same times each day. Potty breaks outside are scheduled about the same times each day as well. We know that repetition is important in learning anything new, for people or dogs. But we feel that in Chester's situation it's probably more so because he needs an extra level of comfort before he'll even attempt anything new. 

Chester ignores normal dog obedience commands. In fact, until recently he ignored anything we said, literally. No eye contact, no movement on his part at all as if he didn't even hear us. We know he's not deaf, he just chose to tune people out of his life. He only sits on command when I hold a treat above his head and say "sit". I could say "run" and he'd still do the same thing because it's a cheat and he's not obeying. It's instinct when dogs look straight up, their bottoms automatically hit the floor. That's the only time Chester will sit on command, if I raise a treat above his head.

At first I had to drag Chester everywhere. I should have made a video of me pulling his leash, sliding him along the hardwood floors down the hallway. At that time I kept the halter on him except when he was ready for bed. Trust me, it's easier pulling a dog on a halter than with just a collar (and safer for him). The visual of that makes me laugh now ... this 55 pound dog just sitting there, sliding down the hallway. It wasn't so funny at the time. On carpeted floors I had to physically lift him up to get him to start moving and he stopped frequently for any number of reasons. When Chester decided that it was okay to walk with me we stopped using the halter inside the house. 

Yesterday morning when I woke up, he was in the middle of our bedroom floor playing with one of his prized stuffed animals. That's a fairly new behavior and he only does it when he thinks I'm still asleep, or when I'm out of the room. Anyway, I dragged myself out of bed, put my shoes on and a jacket and grabbed the leash for our normal walk downstairs to go outside. Chester stretched, as usual, and walked towards me. But instead of sitting to wait for his leash, he got up and headed to the door and all the way outside with me following him. When Chester decided it was time to return upstairs, he walked to the basement door and waited for me to open it (another first).  That probably doesn't sound like a big deal to most people either, but it's a positive sign. Our dog who acts like a stuffed animal and lives under tables and in corners is feeling confident that he can express his wishes and won't be punished for it.

This morning was the same. He waited for me to get ready, headed to the door, down the long hallway, around the corner and downstairs, across the family room and out to the back yard ... all by himself. Amazing how much pride I have just watching him do things that should be natural to any dog.

Progress comes slowly for Chester but every bit of it will help him become a well adjusted and happy dog. One step at a time and someday he'll follow me anywhere.