Part Two
WATONGA — Tilda and I are still getting used to each other. I don't understand her, and she doesn't care what I think. Ha! Ha!
We're still working on the housebreaking thing. I was not unhappy (not thrilled but not unhappy) when she was being consistent about pottying on the pad we put down by the front door. Maybe it was the fact that I would pick it up and hide it when company came or maybe it was because David placed a furniture blanket and sawhorses there since it's too cold to paint the kitchen cabinets outside but she has started to leave us random ''surprises'' around the living room.
We waited until after our sweet Cola passed before we installed a new carpet in the living room because even though we were told she was housebroken when she was given to us, she was not.
We used to have one of those small hand-held carpet cleaners that you just lay on the spot and turn it on. Since we no longer needed it we gave it away. See, this is why I don't like to divest ourselves of possessions. Sooner or later, usually sooner, after the fact, we'll need whatever we've gotten rid of.
Being too impatient to order a new one, I jetted down to the local big-box store, grabbed the one that looked the best, and brought it home to try out. That was a mistake. I have to get down on my hands and knees to do the spot cleaning. This is not good. Luckily, our living room is fairly small so there's always something nearby I can grab to haul myself up off the floor.
It's a good thing I don't have anyone filming me. I'm sure I look a little like a large wounded wild critter trying to climb out of a deep hole. I'm sure it'd be hilarious to our grandkids.
Anyway, let's get back on the topic of Tilda.
As most little dogs like to do, she has discovered some mud in the backyard. Sometimes she is good and stays away but frequently she manages to get all four feet looking like she's wearing dark brown shoes. That wouldn't be so bad, but she refuses to let me pick her up and clean her feet before she comes back in.
She is too fast for me and darts in and manages to leave a trail of muddy paw prints all over the house. I spent all day yesterday sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and spot cleaning just to have to do it all over today.
I don't know why she objects to having her feet washed but I have learned a few things over the last few weeks.
I've learned she has trust issues. I don't know anything about her life the last four years but she must have been frightened regularly. Even though we've mostly made friends, she still won't come to me when I call.
She figured out how to use the doggie door to come in but only uses it when SHE wants to. Other times she expects me to let her in. She won't let David let her in and out, but she started sitting by him yesterday so that's something. Also, David is the one who feeds her so that may have a little to do with it.
I learned not to scold her no matter what. I did that the first time she tracked up the floors and we had trust issues for two days. She's easily spooked.
I don't think she likes me to use cold water to rinse off her feet. The first time I did she was not happy and wouldn't have anything to do with me for a couple of days. That girl can hold a grudge. I used warm water and soothing words while I washed her feet then rewarded her with a treat when I was done, and I think that helped. At least she's not avoiding me although she still runs like she's expecting to get yelled at or worse.
I wish I knew a little bit more about her past so I'd know what needs fixing but we're doing the best we can. She even let one of our grandsons sit by her when they all spent the night recently. That's quite a milestone for her. I think she tends to distrust some males. I also think our other grandsons are a little too hyper for her.
I still have to trick her at night so she'll let me pick her up for bed, but she goes into the crate without a fuss.
She is a strange little stinker but she's growing on us and I think we're growing on her.