It's been a while since I've updated anyone on Daisy's progress. Partly because it's been a little busy around here (we've had a lot of visitors staying with us), but also because Daisy seems to have made a tremendous leap in her progression towards finding her "inner lab". To be honest, I couldn't be more proud of her.
It's like a light has switched on and she has suddenly become more confident and sure of herself. She still has her moments when she is unsure and overwhelmed, but all in all, she seems to have turned a corner. Even my friends at the dog park have noticed her new confidence. She absolutely loves to have her friend Brutus chase her through the woods at the dog park. She can fly like wind when she's running through the woods. I am always amazed at her dexterity and her ability to quickly change course or find a way through the thick brush. I would never have guess she could be so nimble!
It makes me laugh sometimes to watch her pretend that she doesn't see Brutus sneaking up on her, and then just when he's about to pounce (and yes, a 120 lb. Rottweiler can pounce!), she's off like a flash! She flies through the woods, her tail up and a smile on her face. What happened to the dog that stuck closely to my side or just behind me (so close that her nose often touched the back of my leg)? She's still there, on those occasions when she does not feel safe, but she is more often than not off exploring with her friends or running through the woods. And, when she does stick closely to my side, it's different. I don't see the fear that I used to see. She's more confident. More sure of herself.
Just last week, her friend, Lynn (Sasha's dad) and I commented on how she is able to approach both men and women comfortably now. She used to be more cautious and unsure when she approached a woman or when they approached her. But, so many of her friends have moms that she has learned to be less fearful around women. It's so great to see.
Daisy is also confident enough to sit with her group of friends waiting for a treat from her friend, Henry's mom, Ann-Marie. Last summer, whenever her Bob (another dog park regular), would distribute treats, she would back away and only approach cautiously when the other dogs let her in. Not anymore! She's right there waiting for her share. A Lab never turns down free food!
I think the last thing that has changed is our morning and evening rituals. When Mya stayed with us she slept on my bed (Daisy prefers her kennel since she is unlikely to run into Nick the cat there). When Mya started receiving belly rubs every morning, Daisy decided she wanted in on that. So, every morning before she goes outside, she jumps onto my bed and lays down, body fully stretched out, so I have full access to her belly. We spend a little quality time together just me rubbing her belly and giving her kisses. She loves it, and so do I.
In the evening, her belly rub time is a bit longer. Sometimes it even includes a little doggie massage. She absolutely loves her doggie massages! it's out quiet time together and I get to tell her I love her. I think she likes that too.
My vet told me when she first met Daisy that she would probably be the best dog I've ever had. To be honest, at the time I seriously doubted her statement because I have had some pretty awesome dogs in my life. But now I think she may be right. Daisy is special in every way. She's courageous, well-behaved, gentle, loving, and smart. She doesn't bark and gets long with every dog she meets. Who wouldn't want a dog like that?
