MEET BIRDIE

2/14/24-Birdie has progressed better than I imagined so far but she could benefit from several more days in rescue. I feel she would do best in a quiet house with someone home more (either retired or work at home owner).  I get the sense she may never be a dog that likes to walk on a leash. She will need someone with a fenced yard & that’s not super active and expecting her to go for hikes, camping, dog park, etc.  She seems to be an old soul so really a homebody would be best for her.  She is so gentle but I think the activity of kids (of any age) & lots of people coming & going a lot in the house would be too much for her.  She is one of those mill dogs that although very young needs a special type of home due to her past.  

2/9/24-Birdie is doing great after her spay!  She seems comfortable and is eating & sleeping well.  Unlike any other foster we’ve had, we do not crate her.  I think she’d be fine in a crate, but my fear is the potential trauma from having to pull her out for potty & social.  So at night, we “corral” her in a corner by the bedside with a gate.  During the day, we move her bed into the bathroom and use a baby gate so she can see my pack and know she’s safe, but not alone.  She is doing really well with this set up – she’s very quiet, no destruction, and respects the gates.  She actually likes chilling out in our walk-in shower as it’s quiet, accessible, and safe.  Every day I see her make small strides in her rehab from the mill.  For instance, I was having to carry her up/down the stairs for potty time, but she is starting to navigate this on her own, with a lot of verbal coaxing.  However, once outside, she doesn’t know what she’s supposed to do and will often just lay down or go behind our evergreen tree.  I usually leash walk my fosters around the yard to explore but haven’t been able to do this with her as she immediately puts on the brakes.  Today she took a big step by following her nose along the foundation of my house (off leash) – this was so brave of her, I celebrated that with lots of verbal praise.  I do think she would benefit from a fenced yard where she would be safe yet independent.  I can’t wait to witness & share her progress as this sweet lady continues to decompress!

 

2/5/24-Birdie did great again last night.  She slept (or at least was quiet) all night. While I was bringing our daughter to school mu husband told me that she ventured out of the bathroom and into the kitchen to sit with him next to the wood stove.  That was a big step for her. The cat also visited her this morning.  They both checked each other out and she didn’t seem to have any type of reaction to him. She continues to be curious about the dogs and I’ll catch her peaking around the corner.  I truly believe she will need someone who will be home on a more regular basis and able to provide her a quiet space to continue to come out of her shell. She has been fine with the older kids.  I don’t have young ones to test out.  But that face of hers.  So sweet and you can tell she wants to trust.  She will be spayed this Wednesday as her appointment was moved due to a vet being out sick.