Tuesday, August 12, 2014: A Bit of Progress Is Made

Tommy woke up around 4:00 and once again I reminded her that I don’t do extremely early morning.  When I wake up at 7:00, Tommy seems friendly but doesn’t do her usual morning wake up; she just sits near my feet.  We handle all the normal morning items and I prepare to leave for a meeting.

Tommy just sits on the bed, but when I go to say goodbye she darts under the bed.  When I return there’s the usual complaining, petting and treating.  Tommy also spends a considerable amount of time head rubbing my legs and feet. I can tell that she’s glad that I’ve returned.

We play in the afternoon for a while, but Tommy still occasionally darts away without and provocation. Sometimes I think that she’s afraid of shadows or she hears things that I can’t hear.  Whatever the reason we alternate between playing and “running away.” Darlene from Happy Endings No Kill Shelter (Tommy’s previous home) sends me a message about Tommy’s behavior and gives me some suggestions. One of my reasons for writing this blog is to get advice and Darlene comes through again!

I leave to go with friends to our usual Tuesday movie. We’re going earlier than usual, so I’ll be home for dinner.  With any luck, Tommy will feel better about being left during her usual afternoon nap time.

When I return Tommy again spends a considerable amount of time scolding me and then head rubbing my legs.  Tommy also jumps up on the sofa occasionally to sit by me and of course get the attention that she feels that she deserves. Although she stills spends some time on the dining room chair which is a safe place for her, I’m glad that she’s at least spending some time sitting near me.

She also continues to let me pet her without biting me.  I can tell at times that she’s ready to bite, but either I stop quickly enough or she’s trying to hold back. I hope that she’s finally starting to learn not to bite.

We again get to spend time playing and then it’s time for bed.  Today has been a better day and I feel that we’re finally starting to make some progress towards Tommy feeling calm and secure here (and of course only biting/chewing her food and not her owner).