Tammy: how is Thelma/Delta doing?

[JackieMaya]

I think you decided to rename Thelma "Delta" (if I remember correctly). How is she doing? Did you end up having to shave her? Any new pics? Inquiring minds want to know!

[Guest Anonymous]

LOL...yes she is now Delta.

Grooming isn't done! I've shaved from her rear knees over her back and slightly down her tail...how the heck do you shave a flipping tail? I can't get a brush through her and I've given her a bath and conditioned her coat with tail and mane stuff and well the undercoat got tighter!!! ARGHHH!!!!!!!!!

So far it looks like that area is going to be all I need to shave. Unless of course I can't get through her mane where her collar matted the coat.

I went and bought her a rolled leather collar for when she is done being groomed. Hubby is fussing about that though because my long hair ASD's get rolled leather while his Aussie mix gets flat buckle collars :-) Sorry hunny your dogs coat doesn't mat up as easily.

She hasn't given us any more problems with the cats! I'm so tickled. It makes life easier. Her favorite time of day is after work or weekend mornings when I sit on the Patio swing just enjoying the weather. She curls up next to me and just lets out the biggest sigh. This morning I took my coffee out and AJ joined me she just couldn't get enough loving. I honestly think that if she could climb into my skin she would. She adores the kids and when they are out with her, her eyes are never off of them. It's her "job" (as in ASD's are flock guardians and well we are now her flock) to watch the family and it's one she takes seriously. Unlike a few other fosters though she defers to me when someone approaches. If I stiffen or am uncomfortable so is she and she will become alert. If I'm relaxed and comfortable or greet someone she is fine with them.

It's funny though she barked for the first time last night! James (10 year old son) and I jumped up ran into her room (Which faces the street). She was so spooked by us running in there she hit the floor. Tonight when she let out a long series of barks I went in there and she was all wiggly. Thank god I hang her leash from the door. I asked her if she wanted to go out and we took a little walk and she is settled down. No doubt now she will bark when she wants attention. I do have to put her up when I'm getting AJ to go to sleep otherwise she will not stop pawing at him and he doesn't go to sleep! When I take her to bed (literally since she is sleeping in AJ's room) I tell her "Bed" she jumps up and waits for me to love on her. I tell her to stay and she does. Tonight she sat and gave me her paw while on the bed. I shook her paw gave her a kiss on the nose which sent this big dog into zoomies in the bedroom. I said ENOUGH and she sat in front of me until I told her to "Up" and she stood up with her paws on my chest (Finally an ASD shorter than me!) and she actually gave me kisses which was a major first. Not to many not to sloopy just a couple to show me how happy she is.

She is an absolute doll and really will make a dedicated owner a wonderful companion. She is blooming a little more every day and it's wonderful to see this dog who was very uncomfortable with us the first day become what she should have been all a long. I have to stress dedicated only because the ASD's are a stubborn breed and she is SO stubborn at times.

She does have one thing any new owner will need to be aware off....do NOT let her put her paws on your shoulders! I made that mistake on day two...next thing I know she is trying to push me around. I put my hand on her shoulders and told her no. She stopped. She was doing to James today. I had him do the same thing and then I had him tell her to sit. She did, which before she didn't. She will try to step up in pack ranking if you let her.

She is doing so well I'm just tickled. Hubby was out of town this weekend and it's hard enough trying to groom a dog with a two year old LOVING on her much less get pictures of her where she doesn't suddenly turn to check where the kids are.

[JackieMaya]

Tammy, that's so great! I'm so happy that she found you to get her started on her new life! She's come so far in the short time she's been with you! I can't wait to see pictures of her once you're all done with the grooming (if you ever are-LOL).

You da bomb!

[Guest Anonymous]

JackieMaya napisał(a):

Tammy, that's so great! I'm so happy that she found you to get her started on her new life! She's come so far in the short time she's been with you! I can't wait to see pictures of her once you're all done with the grooming (if you ever are-LOL).

You da bomb!

With their undercoats no doubt by time I'm done cleaning up the mess the idiots let her get into it will be fall shedding season!