Lillian

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Update 03/14/2018:  “One day she decided to climb the stairs, discovered where everybody sleeps, and decided she prefers sleeping up there!”

Lillian continues to adjust and relax to new surroundings and activities. On neighborhood walks she is covering more distance with fewer investigative stops.  She tolerates car rides better each time, but isn’t a “stick your head out the window” kind of girl…so far. She is affectionate with the resident Springer and instigates brief wrestling matches.

One day she decided to climb the stairs, discovered where everybody sleeps, and decided she prefers sleeping up there! Lillian enjoys charging up and down the steps in competition with resident dog. She doesn’t use her crate as much during the day, unless strangers arrive; then she uses it as a retreat. She will poke her head into a room to see what they’re up to and lurk around the edges; but if they pay her attention, back into the crate she will go.  

Lillian now sits near the door to signal when she needs to go out. She’s gotten more vocal and she now barks once when people surprise her by coming through doors. First thing in the morning she celebrates heading into the back yard with a yodel. Her foster parents are working on that 5:00 a.m. yodel. She bounces with joy when leashes are brought out.

Lillian is now chasing squirrels and rabbits in the yard and gives a token jump when they cross her path on walks. She will sit for treats and will come when called. The command “down” is being worked on when she jumps up in excitement. She loves rawhide bones and will carry them around, hide them in the yard, and then search for them. One favorite bone stays in the crate.

Lillian’s first vet visit went well. She passed routine tests and had her first round of shots. She has a lump on her back that was aspirated and found to be a sebaceous cyst that doesn’t need removal. She has a broken tooth that will be removed during the spaying appointment. Lillian’s foster mother bathed her at home. She wasn’t happy, but she cooperated.  She enjoys the hair dryer! Her ears were dirty and are getting flushed with cleaner once a week and she’s compliant for that chore.

The initial panting/whimpering has become less frequent.  Since Lillian suffers no visible separation anxiety or any destructive behavior or aggression, the vet suggested just an occasional, quick acting mild sedative to be used in challenging situations, such as when strangers handle her at the groomer or vet. That may not be needed once she settles with a permanent family. Her shyness ebbs and flows. Sometimes, if a stranger approaches calmly and gently, Lillian allows them to pet her. The first time her foster parents attempted to walk past a team of running and screaming 8-year-old soccer players, she was immobilized with fear.  A few days later, she was interested and wanted to watch, but was not afraid. She’s a smart girl. 

Spay surgery is scheduled soon and Lillian’s final booster shots are at the end of March. This sweet girl should be good to go to forever family in April. Lillian is proving to be a very sweet girl. Wouldn’t you love a new family member this spring?
Original: “Even if fostering stretches her coping muscles, Lillian will probably always be a shy girl who would be a good fit for a steady, quiet household rather than a boisterous, active family.”

Lillian is a sweet girl with a soft personality. Her New Jersey owner, burdened with medical problems, could no longer care for Lillian and her sister dogs. It is obvious that Lillian was much loved. She is an affectionate girl who quickly bonded to her foster mother. She enjoys pettings and belly rubs and will join her person on the sofa given the chance. 

Lillian had led a quiet life: she hasn’t had much experience outside of her house and yard. After one week in her foster home she is slowly unwinding but she needs much reassurance. Her foster parents keep their resident dog with Lillian at most times and she welcomes her. Walking on a leash and riding in a car are first time experiences for Lillian and her initial reaction is to hesitate. On walks, strange sights frighten her and she wants to back up or flee. Back safely at home, she yelps with pleasure when the back door is opened to the fenced yard which she has explored and feels safe in. Lillian zooms around to catch thrown rawhide sticks and likes to hide them in special corners. She is improving bit by bit. First car ride: she panted the entire way and sought an escape under the seat. Second car ride: she panted less and settled on the seat. This girl learns quickly. 

Lillian had a dog door at her home; in foster care there is no dog door. She doesn’t signal yet but the resident dog signals and Lillian goes out with her. She is housetrained and can wait 12 hours overnight.

When treats come out, Lillian sits nicely. She is learning “down” when she jumps up. So far, she has not braved the foster home’s tall flight of uncarpeted stairs. She whimpers briefly as her family disappears up them each night, but then heads to her cozy crate to sleep without a peep. In the morning, returning family members are greeted with yelps of excitement. Long time no see! 

Lillian has free run of house when her foster parents are at work and shows no destructive behavior and no separation anxiety. There’s been no trash raiding, counter-surfing, or guarding of possessions. In fact, the resident dog can rob Lillian’s bowl under her nose and bones can be taken from her mouth with no reaction. Lillian has excellent sight and hearing; she’s an alert girl. She barks briefly when people enter. She is a mellow girl when she feels safe. She loves her crate and often retreats briefly to it or other quiet corners. She recharges and then comes back again. 

Even if fostering stretches her coping muscles, Lillian will probably always be a shy girl who would be a good fit for a steady, quiet household rather than a boisterous, active family. A canine companion is what she is used to.

Lillian will have her first vet visit next week to be brought up to date on all vaccines and tests, and anxiety meds will be discussed. She will benefit from them, at least during this transition period. Her spaying and recovery will be next. She will also visit a groomer. Stay tuned: Lillian will be blossoming with the spring!