Emma's First Playdate

My sister (B.) and her husband (G.) have ignored Emma and the dogs for a week now. The dog trainers told them to ignore the dogs at first, then call the dogs when they want them to come to them. Emma hasn't been coming around adults.

Today, my mom took her neighbor's Golden Retriever, Audrey, to my sister's house to visit Emma. The dogs played and played and played in the backyard for an hour. Then Audrey came into the house and sat next to B. B. pet Audrey. Then Emma walked up to B. for the first time and let B. pet her!! Huge accomplishment!

Dog Whisperers Meet Emma

B., my sister, has frequently said, "Emma is the sweetest dog. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body. We adore her."
So, as Emma still runs away from adults after being a part of the family for a few weeks, B. decided to let the dog therapists meet Emma.

We learned a lot. The therapists believe Emma was definitely abused in the past. She's a good dog, but even more scared because the family is trying to accommodate her too much. The therapists said that since B. and her husband are coddling her, Emma thinks she has to be the guard dog. Emma gets scared, while the other two dogs are on guard, trying to protect the family.

B. and her family are now in training. They must ignore the dogs when they first come home and then call the dogs to them later. Basically, B. and G. (her husband) have to be the Alpha dogs. This allows Emma, Biscuit and Daisy to relax because they know someone else is in charge.

Hopefully, Emma will trust adults soon.

Coincidence? Dog Whisperers

Emma is still afraid when people come up to her. She's skittish and runs when an adult walks up to her. My 12 year old niece is the only one who gets close to Emma. My sister was talking to our mom about how to help Emma overcome her fears. Later, my mom happened to strike up a conversation with a couple who were missing their black lab who recently passed. Mom told the couple about Emma. The woman replied, "They may seem odd, but we're dog therapists."

This couple is visiting Emma to see if they can help her become a whole member of the family.

We'll keep you updated.

Anyone Want to Play?

The kids are at school. Daisy and Biscuit are inside. Is there anyone to play with me?...wait...who is that across the pool and is that thing called a camera really a toy? Maybe she has Wheat Thins!

The Whole Dog Gang

Daisy and Biscuit, Emma's new brother and sister, are posing to have their photo taken. Emma's still shy with people, but she always wants to play with Daisy. Somehow my niece (in the background) can concentrate on homework.
Hopefully, I'll meet Emma myself over Thanksgiving weekend!

Emma's New Backyard

Here's a photo of sister Daisy showing Emma around the backyard. There was a growl or two from Emma when she first met Daisy, but they get along now.

News Flash : Emma loves Wheat Thins! Everytime B. opens the box of Wheat Thins, Emma rushes into the kitchen. She's still a little scared and won't come up to B., but she stands a few feet away and longingly looks at the Wheat Thins box. She'll eat one if B. leaves it on the floor for her or if she throws it to her.

Emma is bonding with my nieces. She lets my younger niece come up to her and pet her. The adults need to sit and wait for Emma to come to them. At night, Emma finds a bed to jump on and sleep. Wonder if my younger niece hides dog biscuits in her bed?

Tailwagging with a Toy

Emma in her new home wanting someone to play with her.