This is our newest arrival, Ella, who came from Shreveport on Friday evening. She completes our four-pack from Louisiana for the month of February! As you can see, she's missing the front leg we had to have amputated before she could travel to us. Ella is a beautiful, sweet girl but is very scared -- Rebecca with the rescue group in Shreveport had told us she seemed very fearful of people. Sometimes she will let us get close to her, other times she runs from us; even when she lets us get close, she has her tail tucked all the way underneath her, while it quivers in a kind of I'm-not-sure-about-this" greeting. She is not aggressive in any way -- not with us, the other dogs, over food, etc. She does great with the other dogs, in fact.
But last night she wouldn't let us get near her, and it took about 15 minutes while we herded her around the outside of the house before Alayne could finally get close enough to take her by the collar. She is not leash trained, either, so that adds to the challenge. Yesterday she'd come up to the front and back doors of the house, but whenever we'd open the door, she'd take off. It was obvious she wanted to be inside but didn't trust us yet. This morning, after we let her out of the cottage, she wouldn't come anywhere near the house, and we finally had to herd her towards the back fence until we got her in a corner where we could put a leash on her.
Ella clearly had bad experiences with humans, and we have a lot of ground to overcome.
Once we got her back in the house this morning, she ended up lying down near Gabe ... so I started scratching and petting him so she could watch Gabe melt into me. He just loves being made over, and he presses his head into my chest and rubs and rubs against me. The more Ella sees this kind of response, the more she will realize, "Hmm, maybe these human creatures aren't so bad after all."
The first two dogs Alayne and I adopted after we got married in the mid-1990's -- Dolly and Dillon, who have since passed away -- were both considered "unadoptable" by the shelter that had them because they had been abused as puppies and were absolutely terrified of people. Compared to them, Ella is a social butterfly, and I suspect we will have her turned around before too long.
So although she's missing a leg, I'd have to say her real disability right now is in her head and it's called "distrust." The cure for that is time, love and patience.
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Widget is doing wonderfully -- back to being the ranch boss!
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Please vote for the ranch in the Shelter Challenge -- and you can vote every day! We're currently in third place, putting us on track to win $3,000 for the animals. Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT, for Montana, and it will bring up our listing.
Vote in the Shelter Challenge here.Last year we won $3,000 in the first round and then won the $20,000 Grand Prize in the second round, so your votes really do add up and make for a wonderful gift for the animals here.
Thank you!
Ella you are a very lucy little girl.I may take her awhile to earn your trust, but I have a feeling that you are 2 very special people who just don't give up.It will be a happy day when we all get to see the sparkle in her eyes again and then she will know how deeply she is loved by you 2 and by all of us.WELCOME Ella!
Posted by: Kathy and Harley | March 05, 2010 at 11:53 AM
She's a beagle mix. She'll be just fine.
It is really amazing what other dogs can do for other dogs. We get our fair share of Ellas and they make remarkable progress in a short period of time when living with a socialized, easy going pack.
Posted by: Morgan | March 05, 2010 at 06:54 AM
Oh I love that face! I just want to curl up with her and cuddle! =)
Posted by: Lu Anne Herman | March 05, 2010 at 12:11 AM
Love, & patience is something you two have an abundance of to give to this sweet angel. God bless you for taking in these 4 LA babies.
Welcome Ella! And, Ella listen to all the great stories your new roommates will tell you about the 2 humans & believe it when they say you have arrived at heaven on earth!
So happy to hear that Widget is back to RDR Boss duties!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | March 02, 2010 at 04:45 PM
My heart goes out to Ella. Thank you and Alayne for being there. I have a name for folks like you...Angel Dogs. I am so glad she is there and one day will realize she has a great furever home especially when she sees all the other happy faces. Ya'll are doing exactly what I have wanted to do since I was a small child. Bless both of you and all those babies. Sheila
Posted by: Sheila Clay | March 01, 2010 at 10:18 PM
What a precious face! Ella, I know it won't take long for you to trust humans again because you will be showered with love and kindness at the ranch....it's heaven on earth! Look forward to hearing updates on your progress.
Posted by: Nina | March 01, 2010 at 09:07 PM
Ella is beautiful,soon she will realize she has made it to her safe, forever home! Many thoughts and prayers as this journey to heal Ella begins!
Posted by: Doe George | March 01, 2010 at 07:33 PM
Elle is a beauty & could be in no better hands. Looking forward to her transformation. She deserves all the time that she needs, but I know she'll recognize your kindness very quickly. :)
Posted by: Margaret | March 01, 2010 at 07:11 PM
Oh my goodness. I have a 10 year old dog who looks amazingly like Ella. When I saw the first picture of Ella, I saw my Lucy! Lucy came to us when she was about 4-5 yrs old, and she was incredibly shy when we first met her. Strangely, she bonded with our 19 y/o cat Beast, who didn't ever like dogs, but somehow he accepted Lucy. Beast died a month later, but we knew Lucy would be a part of our family. Now, Lucy is a happy girl, and we think she is getting younger by the year!
Thank you for posting Ella's picture and her story, because when I look at her I see the Lucy puppy I never had a chance to know. If I could adopt Miss Ella, I would, because they are oh so much alike and her story resonates strongly with me. Maybe someday! I know you will take good care of her. Thank you.
Posted by: Maggie Cochrane | March 01, 2010 at 06:48 PM
Welcome Ella! Any updates on the 3rd LA dog "Timmy"?
Posted by: Marla | March 01, 2010 at 06:44 PM
WELCOME HOME ELLE
You have made it to the right place for "The Cure" as Steve puts it. OH BTW that white stuff outside is called snow, it would behoove you to get close to the two legged folks who can open the doors into the warm inside.
BE safe and be Warm
Posted by: Eric | March 01, 2010 at 04:58 PM
I love Ella's beautiful and soulful expression. What a lovely gem. She has of course hit the jackpot for her rehab. I have noticed that when I sing in my car, my dogs seem to like it - and also read that Bach is favored by animals for listening! Perhaps little Ella would like some soothing music while she is in doggie rehab heaven.
At any rate, I know we'll see a smiley picture of her sooner rater than later. :) You guys are the BEST.
Posted by: Angela | March 01, 2010 at 12:13 PM
She is a beautiful dog, and my heart breaks for her that she had to lose her leg. Dogs depend on us as humans to take of them...and this is a prime example of what happens to a dog when the opposite of that happens. I know you and Alayne will provide the best possible experience for her until her time comes to "cross the rainbow." She will learn what her life was *supposed* to be like from the beginning: love, friends, food, shelter, playing, a mom and a dad. Keep up the good work, Steve! Thanks for the update on Widget.
Posted by: Aliza | March 01, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Poor little Ella. Bless you both for taking on her challenges. We all know show is in the right place.
I am glad to read that Widget is her bossy self again. Good for her. You must be so relieved.
Posted by: Ev | March 01, 2010 at 11:40 AM
She has a very sweet face. I volunteer at a shelter that works with alot of feral strays and Im sure she will come around - it just takes time. I'm so glad she made it to the ranch!!
Posted by: Suzanne | March 01, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Thank you to Ella's rescuer. Without that person, Ella would never have gotten to RDR. I have so much respect and admiration for those who rescue dogs (and cats) from animal control/pounds.
I look forward to reading about Ella's transformation into a happy dog. It shouldn't take long with all her new canine friends to show her how things are at the ranch.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | March 01, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Welcome sweet Ella! You beautiful girl. I'm sure losing a leg and flying across country complicates your "issues" right now. I have no doubt that Steve, Alayne, and the other dogs will soon help you realize that you are safe and loved.
Posted by: Linda | March 01, 2010 at 10:15 AM
She's wearing her uncertainty on her face, sweet girl.
She's in the right home for patience and love and we're sure that with time we'll see her walking by your side and finding trust in humans again.
Thank you for taking her, she certainly deserved this opportunity!
Posted by: boundforglory | March 01, 2010 at 10:07 AM
Ahh Ella...I have fallen in love with you!!! And soon you will come to realize just how very lucky you are to be with your new family.
Years ago our little Misty had to have her front leg amputated. She spent the rest of her life sailing. She instinctively knew that sitting by the mast down in the salon was the most stable place on the boat. And-as she lived with three other dogs-knew that if she was to get a potential crumb that just might fall to the floor while we cooked she had to stand with her eyes looking down while the others stared up at us. 99% of the time she was the winner of the crumb hunt!!! Three legs didn't hinder her at all! She didn't have the distrust issue to deal with but Ella's heart is in perfect hands now!!!
Posted by: Colleen and Wes Vermillion | March 01, 2010 at 09:47 AM
I love reading about your stories with rescuing dogs. So much hope and love - so nice to read stories with happy endings for a change!
Posted by: Stacy | March 01, 2010 at 09:31 AM
PLEASE keep us up to date on Ella's progress. What a way to start my Monday crying over Ella. She doesn't know it yet but she's going to get so much loving she won't know what to do with it all. I hope to have a big cry when I read that Ella melted into you and wagged her tail.
Posted by: Miranda Brooks | March 01, 2010 at 09:29 AM
Sweet Ella! I can't wait to hear about her progress. I'm sure she'll be a rolling dog - rub my tummy - before you know it!
Posted by: Darcie | March 01, 2010 at 09:14 AM
Oh, those sad eyes will start to sparkle soon !
How wonderful that she will be nurtured by you and Alayne
Posted by: Bibi Edwards | March 01, 2010 at 09:02 AM
If anyone can turn her around, you guys can.Ella is a beauty.
Joined Best Friends this weekend. I wanted the magazine but also want to join since they know what other groups are worth mentioning!
Have been thinking about Widget!
Posted by: Adele in the Bronx | March 01, 2010 at 06:57 AM
I have no doubt that Ella will become a full fledged happy RDR pup. The love that you and Alayne have is so vast that it can't possibly be contained in just two peopleāit spills over into the joyful faces of all the animals there.
Love is very patient and kind. That you are.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | March 01, 2010 at 06:55 AM
Dear Ella, you have been landed into the heaven on earth and it sounds like it's not a moment too soon for you, sweet girl. You've been through things that I don't even want to imagine. Please just try to relax & trust that you are now in a place that you are loved and will get nothing but the very best of care and love. Angels are watching over you, so you can let your guard down now.
Warm hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
P.S.
Welcome back home, Widget!
Posted by: ginger, Tobias & Tlingit | March 01, 2010 at 05:38 AM
I can't wait to see that sad, scared look in Ella's eyes replaced by joy and contentment!
She looks just like our Camilla, who was also abused before we adopted her: same colouring, same sweet, soft brown eyes, http://carlasangels.gianlucanigro.net/camillaeng.html
Please give Ella a HUGE hug for me (when she'll allow you to hug her, of course. That's going to be one very happy day!:-)).
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | March 01, 2010 at 05:10 AM
Oh, Ella is beautiful! She's going to come around soon enough as she's in a place where all she is going to get is love and affection. She'll never be hurt again. So glad Widget is doing well!
Posted by: Ann | March 01, 2010 at 05:01 AM
Look at that face! Undescribably (sp?) stunning!
Posted by: Cora Hellings | March 01, 2010 at 02:15 AM
Ella you will get all the love and trustworthy attention needed to help you feel secure! Can't wait to receive my Best Friends Magazine. I too loved the picture of Steve at sunset with the dogs. I love each of those residents! RDR you are amazing--I continue to be amazed with each story! Thank you for your tireless and endless work to save these PRECIOUS animals.
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | March 01, 2010 at 12:42 AM
My heart goes out to her....and I am confident it won't be long before she will trust and give back the love she is receiving and more.
Blessings!
Posted by: Leila - Washington | March 01, 2010 at 12:09 AM
Oh wow you guys are awesome..poor baby.. let me share a non abuse story ..I also have tortoises which people run over or abuse ..this yr for the first time in 3 yrs we had a a baby tortoise ..hatched in the wild ..for three yrs I have run eggs to the vet...I will upload the video - he is smaller than a qtr and yes I have a blind dog too..u guys are the best and a inspiration to the ones that cannot talk .. bless u keep up this challenge
Posted by: Maureen Bishop | February 28, 2010 at 11:10 PM
I wanted to mention that I received my Best Friends magazine over the weekend with the article about the Ranch. It's a wonderful article and I'm hoping it will introduce the Ranch to Best Friends supporters who haven't yet checked you out from seeing your name in the Shelter Challenge voting. My favorite photo in both the article and the video is the one with Steve going back to the cottage at dusk with all the happy dogs following him. That photo is totally awesome; especially if you stop to think that a lot of those dogs may be blind. Another wonderful piece on the Ranch.
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | February 28, 2010 at 11:03 PM
I'm so glad Ella healed well enough to make the trip to the Ranch. Once she sees all the love that the other animals get she will catch on that it's a good and safe place to be. It's good to know she's someplace where she'll be treated with kindness and patience. And I'm so glad Widget is doing fine.
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | February 28, 2010 at 10:58 PM
Oh, sweet Ella. I can't imagine what a horrible life you must have had. It probably had something to do with your traumatized leg, too. But fear not, little girl, the good times truly are yours now. You will never be hurt again, only loved. Take my word, sweetie, you can trust Steve and Alayne. Let the other dogs show you the way! Kisses on your your beautiful face.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | February 28, 2010 at 10:32 PM
I have my fingers crossed for Ella and you humans. Ella has landed in the right place to learn to trust human beings. Such a sweet little face!
Posted by: Paula | February 28, 2010 at 10:06 PM
Oh dear Ella...I look forward to the day when I can see the happiness in your eyes. I'm so glad you are finally in a place that will give you a look at the other side of humans, the good side. It will feel so good when you can look at humans and know something good is coming your way!
Posted by: Connie | February 28, 2010 at 10:01 PM
Oh dear little Ella. You are in the best place for any dog to be. Soon I hope you understand that people aren't all bad. And that you and your heart find out how wonderful it is to be loved and treasured. Welcome home Ella!
Posted by: Peggy | February 28, 2010 at 09:57 PM
What a pretty girl! And her surgery site looks very clean - almost as if that leg had never been there.
She'll come around. She's been through a lot that we know about, and who can even guess at what is not known about her background?
Posted by: Vickie | February 28, 2010 at 09:41 PM