This is beautiful Ella ... or Bella Ella as I've started calling her ... doing what she does every meal time. Alayne got this photo yesterday evening while I was in the dining room filling the dog bowls with food. We have a doggie gate that separates the dining room and kitchen from the living room, and Ella comes over and stands up with her one front foot on the gate to monitor the food service staff. Occasionally she'll even let out a muffled "woof!" if she thinks we're not moving fast enough to dish it out.
She really has this thing about standing up on her hind legs. She'll go over to a window and do it to get a better view outside, and of course in the process her one front paw then takes down the blinds. Please note rumpled blinds in the background!
With every passing day she is becoming more like a normal dog and putting her fears of people behind her. She no longer hesitates about coming through the door if we're standing there holding it open for her, nor does she run from us any longer. If we approach her suddenly, Ella will still instinctively turn away and crouch, but now she doesn't flee ... she'll stay put, and once we begin loving her up, she relaxes. It's almost like there's one part of her brain that continues to be "wired for flight" from her past history of abuse, but other parts of her brain have figured out that good things come from these people and it's okay to stand still and wait for them to approach. We can almost see the tussle between the two emotions in her when this happens.
But at meal time, there's only one emotion we see: "Feed me!"
You both are amazing at what you do. Thank goodness for individuals such as yourself. What a beautiful girl! I look forward to learning more of your NH location. I am a vet technician in Asheville, NC and you both are mentors to me. Take care-
Posted by: camilla | June 22, 2010 at 12:50 PM
I have a 3 legged dog who still doesn't trust other humans-I've had him for over 10 years. He is wonderful and I "honor" the way he is. I have learned so much from him as have so many other people who come in contact with
"Cochiti".
Posted by: Carol Buckingham | June 22, 2010 at 12:17 PM
She is so beautiful, She now looks like she has a little more trust in her eyes. Hope your move is going well and thank-your for still taking time to keep all of us informed!
Posted by: Kathy and Harley | May 01, 2010 at 07:24 PM
Wow, what a precious girl! Sooo glad to hear she is making great strides in learning to trust....the ranch with the two of you is the place where she will shine!!
Posted by: Nina | April 28, 2010 at 08:11 PM
She's been with you such a short time for such progress. It's a testament to the love and patience she finds with you.
Oh, and we have a set of blinds like that. :)
Posted by: Lynne Parker | April 27, 2010 at 03:45 PM
Ella is truly a beautiful dog. I love her markings! My beagle Ginny was rescued and was incredibly shaky and shy for the first few months. After lots of love, patience and time she's become and almost normal dog. She's still shy around new people and it takes her a while to warm up to even those that she's known for a while. But she's whole-heartedly devoted to my family and is the sweetest dog we've ever had.
P.S. And do I spy a Widget in the background? I'm surprised she's not up there with Ella begging for food. I'm guessing her mindset is that she doesn't go to the food; the food goes to her. Lol.
Posted by: Katie | April 27, 2010 at 12:19 PM
Too cute!
Posted by: Ev | April 27, 2010 at 03:25 AM
Oh...Ella is so gorgeous! I am so happy that she's progressing so well. She knows that she's loved and now can show all her love for you and Alayne! Please keep us updated with her progress.
Posted by: Ann | April 26, 2010 at 07:01 PM
She is one beautiful girl. I love her markings. I am thrilled to hear she is getting more trusting & she is learning from a couple of the best people in the world to trust humans again. That is hilarious about her monitoring of the wait staff!! (not funny about the blinds though) I had that problem for a while & now I just raise them to a level that Erin can sit on the windowsill & look outside.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | April 26, 2010 at 05:45 PM
My pup was like Ella when I got her - I had to wait for her to come back into her kennel at the shelter because she bolted out the dogdoor as soon as she saw me! But I sat down and patiently waited, eyes averted, until she came back in to size me up. I visited a few times, fostered her, and then adopted. My friends thought I was crazy, because she was barely even a dog, just a ball of fear. It's 6 years later and she's almost (but not quite!) normal. She's the best dog I've ever had! I love Ella and if I were ready for a new pup, I'd be hounding you with phone calls.
Posted by: ThisLadyHere | April 26, 2010 at 05:22 PM
Wow, what a difference in a short time, Bella Ella looks like a different dog!
Told my brother who lives in Boothbay, Maine about your move to Lancaster. They want to come visit and help, he's got lots of animal lovin kids who are hard workers...looks like a gorgeous place, so well done on finding it!! A new adventure for you and your big family!!
Posted by: Lisa | April 26, 2010 at 02:59 PM
She has such an angelic sweet face. What a beauty!
Posted by: Janis Lehman-Higdon | April 26, 2010 at 02:49 PM
What a sweet baby. hugs to her!
Posted by: Penny Heinrich | April 26, 2010 at 02:36 PM
She is such a cutie!!!
Posted by: Suzanne | April 26, 2010 at 01:25 PM
Well, looks like you"ve done it again....the "magic touch" of the Rolling Dog Ranch.
Its easy to see 9Physically) how she has changed and all for the good....good food, good snoogles, good people. Its so cool to see these beautiful creatures change with trust. You two certain have the "magic", and I love reading about it!
NPD
Posted by: NinjaPonyDad | April 26, 2010 at 12:50 PM
I love the fact she woofs at you, even a muffled one. That feels as if she's gaining confidence and doesn't think she'll get in trouble for raising her voice or even having a voice. Next time you love on her, give her an extra kiss from us out here.
By the way, I have a cat who bends blinds too. If she wants to see who is eating on the patio, she just sticks her paw through the blinds on the back door and pulls them down so she can watch. On the window she does the say thing then climbs through so she can sit on the window sill!
Posted by: Miranda Brooks | April 26, 2010 at 12:20 PM
Beautiful is right! - especially her eyes. I hope she becomes more and more serene with time. I am so glad she has the steady nurturing she needs from you two and the surrounding love of the animals at RDR.
Posted by: Angela | April 26, 2010 at 11:48 AM
She is Bella Ella! I couldn't help but laugh over the blinds. I had a Doxie that used to have regular show downs with the blinds but he dealt with them by bending individual slats in half and breaking them. Eventually, the blinds looked like a bad tooth extraction!......Bruiser and Ella 1, blinds 0!!!
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | April 26, 2010 at 11:01 AM
LOL --- Two words for your new house:
VERTICAL BLINDS!!!
They get to swinging sometimes but the dogs and cats can't "bend them" - we know from personal experiece!
I had a cat once that thought the horizontal blinds were better that a cat toy... sigh.......
Bella Ella is beautiful. I'm glad she is settling in well.
Posted by: Gena | April 26, 2010 at 10:52 AM
What a perfect name for her, Bella Ella has such a gorgeous coat.
I pray & anticipate with all of you the day she forgoes the crouching. I know it's a long process and a difficult path for her but if anyone can give a scarred creature confidence, support & love, it's you & Alayne.
(((( )))) hugs for all of you.
Posted by: Sasha in MN | April 26, 2010 at 10:44 AM
She is quite beautiful! Her features have even changed and to me, her "feed me" look only means she's comfortable with you and Alayne and certainly more trusting. Keep up the great progress with her!!
Posted by: boundforglory | April 26, 2010 at 09:20 AM
What a sweat heart!!
Posted by: gayle | April 26, 2010 at 08:58 AM
awwwww
Posted by: Ray the Blind Dog | April 26, 2010 at 08:12 AM
What a gorgeous face she has....If I weren't so far away, I would come steal her for myself!!!! Thanks for your patience in helping her learn that all humans aren't evil....she is such a precious little girl.
Posted by: Debbie | April 26, 2010 at 08:08 AM
Bella Ella is truly "bellissima"!:-) She has such a sweet look in her eyes... It just melts my heart (not to mention she's practically identical to our own darling Camilla, who was also abused before we adopted her back in 1996).
It's wonderful to hear she's becoming less fearful and more trusting every day.
Please give her a HUGE hug from me.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | April 26, 2010 at 02:45 AM
What a cutie pie. She sure is in the right home with the right people. You folks are incredible.
Posted by: Ev | April 26, 2010 at 02:14 AM
Oh what a gorgeous photo of sweet Ella!! You can just see how much she has blossomed under your love and attention!!
Posted by: Maree in NZ | April 26, 2010 at 12:39 AM
Heartwarming & adorable picture of Ella. She looks so happy and content! Just as we knew she would. Great job as always.
Posted by: Doe George | April 25, 2010 at 11:35 PM
Oh my godness--what a sweet, sweet face!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | April 25, 2010 at 11:34 PM
Your are right Steve, she is beautiful!! She has come along way. Before you know it, you won't even see that tussle of emotions. Just goes to show how far patience and a whole lot of love will do.
Posted by: Laura & levi | April 25, 2010 at 11:06 PM
She is SO sweet. It was a good day indeed when she found herself a home at the Rolling Dog.
Posted by: chris from toronto | April 25, 2010 at 10:43 PM
What a precious cutie!
Posted by: Glenda | April 25, 2010 at 10:29 PM
thank you.........
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | April 25, 2010 at 09:52 PM
BTW......I call my own Elle Mae "Ella Bella" sometimes so it is uncanny that you mentioned a very similar nickname for your girl.
Posted by: Marla | April 25, 2010 at 09:33 PM
You can just see how much more relaxed Ella is in this photo plus she has enough moxie now to even monitor the food service! Bet she can't wait to get to N.H. to run and play. She is gorgeous for sure!
Posted by: Marla | April 25, 2010 at 09:31 PM
My goodness, what a beautiful sweet dog Ella is! And brave too!
Is that Madison in the background? She looks happy to be home.
Posted by: Chloe | April 25, 2010 at 09:26 PM
Brings a tear to my eye to hear about Ella's progress! Im so happy for her that shes realizing people can be good and good things do happen! Her sugery site looks great too!
Posted by: Kate & Luke | April 25, 2010 at 09:17 PM
What an absolutely beautiful dog... and I'm so glad she's warming up to you guys.
Posted by: Jenn | April 25, 2010 at 08:57 PM
What a beautiful dog -- that face is one to simply fall in love with. She couldn't be in a better place. Thanks for all you do!
Posted by: Marianne | April 25, 2010 at 08:31 PM
Dear Ella, she truly is "Bella".
Posted by: Kay Stemnock | April 25, 2010 at 08:11 PM
Bella Ella, what a sweet name. I'm not at all surprised that she's made so much progress in trusting you in such a short time. And, with time, she will probably stop crouching, too. Animals just get it when they know they're in the presence of people they can trust. There's nothing like a little food, associated constantly with good things, that helps a dog like Ella relax.
I just know she's gonna loooove New Hamster. She is looking so beautiful and relaxed.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | April 25, 2010 at 08:10 PM
She is a beautiful girl...so glad she is making such good progress..once again thank you both for all you do
Posted by: Diane Bowlin | April 25, 2010 at 07:54 PM