For the past week or so Hannah and I have been playing this game called “I just happen to be in the neighborhood, standing here next to you, so if you want to reach down and pet me, I won’t move or back away, and I’ll wag my tail”. This morning we took it to a new level. I woke up around 5:00 am and as I stretched and rolled over in bed I heard the unmistakable thump of Hannah’s tail against the side of my bed. Half asleep, I threw my hand over the side of the bed and to my surprise, it landed on Hannah’s head. I scratched and rubbed her head and back to the steady thump, thump, thump of her tail.
Hannah has been with me for three weeks, and in many ways has made tremendous progress. In particular, she has formed a pack with my own dogs. However, she has not been able to pass through that invisible wall that separates the two of us. I have never experienced dealing with a dog that has been through what she has, so I have no idea what to expect or what the timeline should be. Thanks to your advice, and the articles you provided, I know that it’s not a good idea to push a relationship. I need to take it at her pace. However, after 3 weeks, I am beginning to take it personally...it must be something about me. The step she took today has thrilled me because she initiated it. It was no accidental encounter. She still hasn’t approached me directly, but I believe we’re very close to a breakthrough. Wahoo!
