Two new pictures are here---one is May laying outside with Winston. May is the dog on the left side. The other picture is May “hovering” over Winston. I still think it’s a hoot that she does this! It’s a very endearing thing to watch.

May has been busy these past couple weeks! She finished up her vet care---she got her teeth cleaned nice and pretty! She’s more gorgeous than before.

Over Memorial Weekend, she got to go “up north” to visit my parents, who have 3 dogs of their own. Of course, she did fine with the dogs, but was scared of the new situation. But, the good news is, she came out of her safe spot many times to see what all the commotion was (lots of people and dogs) and actually walked up to people for pets. It still works best if you don’t directly call her to you, but actually, “ignore” her. Then, she feels safe (like you’re not looking at her) and will approach you for pets. She loves having her ears scratched.

While up north, she got a GReat bath! Thank you very much, Martha (a fellow RAGOM volunteer), for donating your services and giving her the spa treatment! You would not believe the hair that came out, but I think the bulk of her shedding, after delivering pups, is over. You should see her beautiful blonde coat! It’s a shorter blond, with wispy curls. Her tail is gorgeous. She could use a tummy tuck, but even that area looks much better!

While up north, she had to be tied out to go potty. She’s used to my fence and would not go potty on leash. I finally brought her up to Marthas’ (a savior again!) big fenced in yard and she ran off and did her business! It seems to be fairly typical that puppy mill dogs don’t like to potty on a leash-- probably because they are not used to a leash, much less peeing when someone is around. She enjoyed sitting on the dock with Winston and I. I bet she would have gone in the water with Winston, but since she needs to be on-leash with me, I was not about to go in the water with her! Too darn cold!

Her car rides are going about the same. I don’t think she has anxiety issues as much as motion sickness. I’ve learned to cover my floors with old sheets, so when she pukes up her food, it’s an easy clean up. After she gets sick, she lies down and falls asleep next to Winston and Bogie. She doesn’t pace nervously. She drools, but that has gotten better. I may try some “home remedies” for our next car trip and see if anything helps.

May continues to amaze me with her bravery. Can you imagine how scary life must be for her these past few weeks? It’s highly likely she lived at a puppy mill her entire life, with little or no human interaction. Now, she’s exposed to my crazy family life! I think if I had been living in a closet for 8 years and then I was let out into my family, I would be very scared too J The GReat news is, she is slowly learning that people are good and safe. Once she gets to know you, on her own terms, she wants your attention. I honestly believe that once she’s more human-socialized, she will be an “easy” dog. She’ll never be an “obnoxious” puppy or be really hyper. I do believe once she meets her forever family and she learns they have the patience to go her pace, she will be your forever pal!

If you can meet her needs, please let your Placement Advisor know. I’d be happy to talk to you more about her.