Its been 96 hours since I made a mad dash to adopt Indie and I feel every one of those hours trust me.
Although its been a bit of a shock to the system to say the least. As you many will agree having a new dog is like having a baby. She has settled into her new home wonderfully. Truly she has. She is now the morning alarm in real life. As soon as my 6am alarm goes off, there is no snooze for me any more! Oh No!, Indie is incoming with big wet kisses and the excitement of a puppy. There really is no better way to wake up is there?
I have a really good history on her life from going back to when she was 11 weeks old. She has been raised with the most beautiful manners, she is housetrained and a star pupil for her feeding etiquette. Sit, Paw, she LOVES her Balls (in days one has turned into 4!), walks fantastic on her training lead. She goes a lil ahead but always looks back to make sure I am still there.
She has no issues with any dogs whilst out walking. She just walks on by, even if the other dog is shouting Hi ! But it will be some weeks before I will introduce her to the family pack lets say. It takes weeks for a dog to adjust and too much, too soon and I am fully aware it will be a nightmare if this transition isn't handled properly.
Travelling, not so great. She pants a lot and doesn't settle well. But in time I hope to help her overcome that. Tried Adaptil in the car today, no change. Next time I am going to see how she gets on with a Thundershirt? Its all about finding what tools will work to ensure she is the happiest she can be. Always. Besides, I have booked a holiday by the sea for us in August and we cant walk there that's for sure!
So for now its lots of local walks and boy I am feeling the burn today. Its been around 18 months since I was able to walk a relatively fast pace. I also have a fabulous blister by the way. I really have missed the fresh air and the time to just switch off. Its been a tough year for many and I can honestly say the last few weeks have been tough. Having Indie has given me focus and to be outside again is just amazing. The weather has been glorious, bit chilly here in Staffordshire. Flowers are coming up, the swans are growing and you can just feel the change of the season.
I have booked a contained 2 acre paddock tomorrow for an hour. Her lessons will include recall as well as burn the energy off (she is a very young 6). Tried some tonight over on the park. Long leash and I just run in the other direction calling her name, then switched. LOADS of praise and she was loving it. BUT squirrels... hmmm. That's another story. She sees one, I think she will be a gone like the wind. Cats possibly same. But hey she is a Westie. We can work just fine on the 10 metre leash, but always handy to make sure she will come when called for sure.
She is pretty much my shadow at the moment and although that is great. Shows she has my trust, but lets be honest. At the moment I am her food source. She doesn't love me the way I love her yet. I have started to test her behaviour once left alone. So going into rooms and closing the door behind me, encouraging her to sleep up on my bed or sofa. She is of course very unsure about EVERYTHING at the moment and rightly so. She now needs to learn that I will be back and that she is OK to be on her own. Reassurance is all that is needed and with time it will slot into place.
She has her groom Wednesday and lord she needs it! As do most humans due the current lockdown! In the meantime, my heart is filled with lots of love for this special Lil girl. Our adventure has just begun and I cannot wait to share her journey with everyone.
Love, Jo & Indie x
PS Didn't miss finding washed (unused btw) poo bags in the washing machine lol. The joys of being a Dog Mom ;) x