Miss Diva is set to go home today - a real live home. I didn't realize how much I'd miss her 'til Tim told me the home visit was completed and she was good to go. This little vixen really got under my skin when she first came to us, then with time she got right into my heart.
She was red hot reactive and horribly socialized to dogs when we first met her -- it was the key reason we took her in. While we were evaluating her at her shelter back in May, as luck would have it, she showed her worst side right when the shelter director walked into the room. We saw it in her face - Diva had just screamed her way onto the short list the next time they needed space. Tim and I looked at each other and sighed -- we had no choice but to take her.
When she came to the barn she was horrible with her mentor Elliot - stabbing at his face like an anti-social speed freak. He held steady. Play sessions were short and heavily monitored and every bit of training included rile/recovery work. We managed, shaped, scolded and praised - day and after day. Progress was slow. One day Elliot finally had enough and took her by the head and shook her, giving her a permanent scar. She screamed bloody murder. It was a turning point - "Ah ha! Dogs get mad when I do stupid stuff." Since then, she's started using her brain when she plays and has built smooth and solid relationships with all of the boys and most of the girls. She's now the 'dependable one' - she listens closely when we give her direction. She's a flirt pole show off. She calls right out of exciting play and backs off when dogs tell her to back off. She earned a roommate and has been kenneled with Farnam - good practice for her new dog brother who she'll be sharing her new home with.
What a difference a summer makes.
Goodbye little girl. I knew I'd be happy when you finally found your family, but I never knew how choked up I'd be.
I follow your blog and I think I merged Diva and Olive into one dog! You have more wonderful dogs than I thought!! She looks like a sensitive girl. She probably knows you're sad. But, YAY! Great work with Diva and good luck to her in her new home!
ReplyDeletePS: We're developing a crush on Farnum so please refrain from blogging about him!! ;-) We have our own "diva" at home.
Oh, we haven't even started talking about the wonderful Mr. Farnam! Hold onto your hat. (This smooth talker is a great match for the Divas of the world too)
DeleteYou know, you should share more of these stories as I hadn't realized what a learning curve she had. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThanks. The only problem with sharing mid-curve is that our little lessons would probably scare potential adopters away. :-) There are a lot of curves going on around here - as there are with most rescue groups. Diva's family has known about her naughty-to-nice story and are true-grit dog lovers who understand how to set dogs up for success, so she's very lucky to have attracted smart people. We'll all keep our fingers crossed while they get to know her during the foster-intent period and hopefully will have happy news when we all decide it's a solid forever match.
DeleteSuch a great ending/new beginning for Miss Diva! I'm glad the fabulous Mr. Elliot was able to help her learn to play nice and that now she can show off her vibrant playful side instead of lashing out! You do the best work! And gosh, just like that Gurdy, Boom-Boom, and Diva are out the door. Can't wait to meet the next round of needy kids in search of skills and families.
ReplyDeleteWe were so drawn to her, I can see why you love her. So glad she's found her forever home.
ReplyDeleteLisa&Rob
Awesome news. Have a great life little Diva.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story. There is someone out there for each of these great dogs. Thanks to all of you (including Elliot of course) for helping this beautiful dog get the guidance she needed. I hope these people keep in touch with you to update you on how Diva is doing. Have a wonderful life Diva. So many people, I am sure are so happy you and all the other wonderful dogs that get helped by Bad Rap found great homes. Enjoy your life Diva.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the note Joan. Don't worry! We stay in close touch with all of our foster/intent dogs and adopted dogs too. Our Pit Ed classes are one of the ways we do personal check ins with everyone nearly every week.
DeleteI love reading about all the dogs you take in, but the real "problem children" are the ones that really get to me. The barn is one of the few places on earth they would survive. Bless you all, human and canine alike!!!
ReplyDeleteOoh can I borrow Elliot? My Sadie is still having some dominance/reactivity issues that my male, Dante is too slack to correct even though he is 20lbs larger than her. But he's not content enough being submissive to her that occasional squabbles don't break out, and I'm afraid one day it will get bad, although they are NEVER left together unsupervised. Usually triggered by attention from people (like a doorbell ringing) or a toy.
ReplyDeleteElliot will be well-treated, eat grass-fed organic beef and produce, as well as premium dog food. If he can put little Miss Crazy Sadie in her place, I don't even mind a permanent scar!
I love that girl. So glad you were at the right place at the right time -- and did what only you can do.
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