Good morning ,CP gang! I just wanted to give you all an update on our sweet little Ella, who we adopted on Monday, from a shelter in a neighboring town. Our precious girl is settling in more and more each day, but it will understandably take some time for her to truly feel like this is Home. Bless her heart, they said that when she arrived at the shelter, she was terrified of absolutely everything...sounds, people, other animals, etc...pretty much everything. So, considering that, the progess she has made in just the last few days is pretty encouraging. She's already quite snuggly with me, and will even paw at my hand if I stop petting her before she's ready to be done. Considering how hard it is for her to trust people, that little paw reaching out to gently pat my hand, trying to encourage me to pet and interact with her for longer...well, needless to say, that certainly melts this Mama's heart. Ella is still pretty wary of the rest of the family, but we know that will come in time. She has let Chica sniff her a bit (as long as I'm holding Ella), but as soon as there's any eye contact, she gives a little warning growl and then hides her face in my shoulder. There's been some tail wagging (towards me), and much less cowering and shaking in response to the rest of the family, so that's definite progress. She has never learned to walk on a leash, so I've started working on that. We've started slowly at first, and just with short walks, since it scares her. After a few tries though, now this morning she actually seemed kind of excited about going on a short walk!

So we're making steady progress helping this nervous little sweetheart learn that her new home is a safe and nurturing place, and her whole family is here for her. I am SO glad I followed through on the strong pull I felt to adopt this precious girl! Thanks again, everyone, for your guidance and support on that decision, and I'll take and share more pictures as our newest furbaby becomes more comfortable with her new home and family.

...and, speaking of pictures, in this pic it appears that Ella is attempting to hypnotize me with her brightly glowing doggie eyes! "Look into my adorable face and piercing eyes...you are getting sleepy...so sleepy You are now under my command, Mommy. You must buy me things...lots and lots of things. This new bed is comfy, but a soft fleece blanket would be a nice touch. I don't care for this blue harness they put on me at the shelter...when does the pink fleece Gooby harness hoodie you ordered me arrive? I would like a mini Kong, and some freeze dried liver treats as well. Now you may take a short break from online shopping for me, and give my belly a rub. I have only been here a few days, but you are already under my spell."

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Thanks for the update!

She is absolutely so precious!!

I'm so glad she is coming out of her shell. Good work! Now Ella, be good---your Mom has done so good, don't give her any problems!

So pleased she's doing well

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Sounds like she doing great and your doing a great job.

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In His Service
Theresa and Amberleah Lou Lou

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Funny how things work out sometimes, isn't it. This was definitely meant to be.
I'm happy Ella is safe & sound with you. She's very pretty too.

Your description reminds me a bit of how Bella was. The one thing that helped
build her confidence(other than walks and basic training) is the fact that she
did not get special treatment. Meaning she was treated the same as my pups,
having to sit before meal time, no giving into whining, no nurturing of fears or
anxious behaviors, etc. The reason I did this, is because I knew she would
eventually improve, and once she did I did not want her feeling like she's
superior to my other dogs, because she gets extra cuddles or because the
house rules are bent for her, you know what I mean. There is a way to still
provide a lot of TLC without feeding her anxieties. I wouldn't call it tough love,
but perhaps equality. This also assures that the other dogs do not develop
jealousy. Even though this baby is very pitiful right now, coming from a shelter
and all, it's still very important to ensure your current dogs still receive the
same amount of walks, cuddles, play, etc. that they are used to. In my
personal experience this proved to be successful for everyone involved.

I wish Ella a happy and healthy long life with your family. I'm very happy for you guys.

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Woohoo great news! I am so happy for both of you

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Thank you Jan896

Thank you, LS, that's good advice and, I'll admit, something that I needed to hear. I don't want to cause problems for Ella or any of our furkids, now or down the road, by not treating them equally during this time of transition. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of that, and for the other good tips. That's one of the things I love about CP...the chance to learn from, and ask questions of, the more experienced chi Moms on the forum.

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