Lilly

Lilly’ s Story

Oct. 20, 2007

Angie writes: We got home safe and sound with our shy little house guest Lilly. You were right Linda, there was nooo way we could walk her, so we stayed outside on the front lawn with her, then after about 20 minutes we took her in the house. I did go in beforehand and let my guys get her scent (barnyard) from my hands and they did very well I must say. They can probably sense her fear so they know she isn't walking in to take over. Shannon and Kelly did she go pee at all during transport? Just curious as she wouldn't do anything except try to hide under the car or cower really low on the lawn. That's about it for now, we are all smitten by this tiny little girl.

Oct. 21, 2007

Angie writes: Lilly did quite well during the night. Kevin let her outside on a leash and she peed for him, then was back in her crate without a peep all night. She still has not eaten anything but did drink a bowl of water. This morning I was up at 7:30 am and let her out with my two which went very well - they don't bother with her at all. Lilly did sniff Josie's paws and Josie being the diva she is, told Lilly off (Lilly just looked at her). She went pee for me as well. We let her out again about an hour later this time without a leash, her posture improved with her head and tail raised (good sign). She was constantly on the move exploring everything, even responding when I made my "hey" when she was walking through my gardens which she immediately got out of. She explored for a good hour outside and was even panting a bit and peed two times more for which I praised her.

My mom and visiting, aunt and uncle came over for a coffee and we left Lilly's crate open and left the patio door open as we were sitting on the deck and she came outside all by herself. She explored the backyard more and then sat beside my uncle on the deck. She is making constant improvements as the day goes on. She did however find a hiding spot behind our garden which is hard for humans to access but we know how to get her out and most likely will be blocking it so she cannot get back there. This is the first submissive foster I have had - usually they are of the dominant and spastic variety (with the exception of Tye).

Kevin gave her a bath and she was ok just stayed low. I am confident that these pooches are going to come out of their shells and learn how to live and love like our dogs do. Lilly watches my two a lot and I think she will playing before long. We have left her crate open and she has come out on her own and back in again which is exactly what I want. I am so optimistic about these pups that they are going to do well, I can feel it (there is no need to be sad about them as this is the best thing that could have happened to them). Onward and upward!!!

Oct. 21, 2007 (later)

Angie writes: Lilly really enjoyed the ground beef I boiled for her although she wouldn't eat it until Kevin put a piece up to her mouth and held her bowl - then she dug in. She took some water from my hands too - no food aggression whatsoever - I don't think there is an aggressive bone in her body.

Oct. 22, 2007

Angie writes: The only sounds Lilly has made are yawns, or sighs that is it. We went out in the afternoon to get some bath wipes, a collar for Lilly and some ground beef to cook up for her as she still hadn't eaten. We were gone for about 1.5-2 hours tops and to our delight she ate some of the kibble and most the pieces of ham we put in to entice her into eating. I was very relieved that she ate and drank more water too. So far she has only peed but always out in the yard. Lilly likes to hide every chance she gets inside or out. We had to block off access to the side and back of the shed; after that was blocked off she hid in the flower behind some shrubs. From now on I am putting her on the leash in the backyard as it helps build a bond between Lilly and us. Another thing we have been doing is gently putting her into a standing position with her head up high and tail up to and this is helping. I was really pleased to see that she lay under the table that was beside the couch we were sitting on and Tye was laying on his bed right in front of the table. Slowly but surely she is coming along.

Oct. 23, 2007

Angie writes: Lilly went for a walk today! I was so proud and amazed, Kevin suggested we try to talk her for a walk and I am soooo glad he did. I think she is starting figure out that she does not want to be left alone so she followed behind Josie and Tye and did a great job keeping up. She seemed to relax too as some of the head wrinkles went away, her eyes looked relaxed instead of stressed and her posture was relaxed as well. I am so proud of her.

Oct. 24, 2007

Angie writes: Lilly is getting braver and braver everyday. We used to have to pull her out of her crate and put her leash on right away if we wanted her to go out; yesterday I came told Josie and Tye "Wanna go outside?" then opened Lilly's crate, turned around and walked to the patio door and she followed. This morning Kevin opened the door to let them out and she went by herself with only the dogs - we used to go out with them. She is a fussy eater and will only eat her kibble during the day or night when she is in the crate and does not have any other food. She is starting to come when I call her so she is getting used to her name. It's all positive here, sorry this update is so short but I am tired and had an all-day meeting. I can't wait for Kevin to come home so we can all go for a walk.

Nov. 4, 2007

Angie writes: I just wanted to send a quick update on Lilly: she is doing great and it is amazing how much progress she is making. I saw her wag her tail for the first time on Oct. 24, that was the first day I heard her cry as well (she is not a fan of the crate). She wags her tail when we let her out of the crate in the morning and she actually did a kidney bean dance last Nov. 1. (I am putting the dates in in hopes to help document her behaviour.) Lilly is very attached to Tye and they are always snuggling together on the same bed. I have been feeding her Satin Balls along with kibble for the past week in hopes to get some much needed weight on her little frame which she likes very much. I showed her how to play with a kong that has a cookie in it. She is interested in the nylabones but I think the ones we have are a bit too big for her so I am going to get her a smaller one of her very own. On Thursday she had her first vet appointment, and did really well. She just stayed still and let the vet and techs check her out and administer vaccines and microchip. On Firday Kevin's Mom and niece came to visit and she would sniff them when their backs were turned which is a big improvement from last weekend when my brother came
over and she wouldn't go near him.

This morning while I was out doing groceries, Kevin saw Lilly and Tye playing in the backyard! Lilly was bouncing around and head butting Tye (I guess she hasn't figured out how to box just yet). Lilly also seeks out affection from both Kevin and I (she actually came up on the couch with me and fell asleep with her head in my lap). I am soooo proud of how much she is coming into her own - everyday she gets stronger and more confident. She is good with the cat and even
our bunny (she actually started to play with him a few days ago - he is more her speed). That's it for now as I want to get outside and enjoy this gorgeous day - probably not many more of these left!

Nov. 7, 2007

Angie writes: I am very happy to say that the last two nights we have left Lilly out of her crate and she has had no accidents. The best part is yesterday morning when I came downstairs to let them out and feed them, I was greeted by not two but three kidney good morning dances. It appears Lilly is a quick study when it comes to boxer dancing and it made my whole day. This morning was the same thing again. Kevin even caught her boxing Tye yesterday out in the yard so she is definitely coming out of her shell.