Racy - Graduate Dog

Dear Becki and all the wonderful trainers from the Ohio "Cell Dog" program, You all did such a beautiful job working with and loving this dog, that she really wants you to know how happy she feels now. I think she has gained a sense of peace now that she understands what it is that people want from her...you have given her dog-to-people language skills that make a world of difference for her. Yes, she wants to please, but she has through your work, become a pack member, ready, willing and able to follow her leader (her human). She arrived at her foster's house when she left you, and after 3 days the foster called me to ask if I would like to meet this new arrival? She and I had had a few conversations by phone about the type of dog personality I was looking for, so she felt she had found THE ONE for me.....was she ever right! I have been used to having a dog most of my life, but after my last one died, we had been so close that I couldn't bring myself to go through the potential pain and loss that can come from opening up to love. It took me about 8 years to get ready. I have been on the hunt for a dog to fill that hole in my heart for a two years now. Your Racey was brought to me by this very generous dog lover (a 2 hour car ride away) the next day, Dec.3rd. Just the right size, quiet, intelligent, and so polite...Ruari looked like a winner from the start. I showed her around the house, she seemed to need permission for every room she entered, and I always had to go first. "Not bad" she seemed to say, "but what is this all about?" Well we went outside to the backyard where we have grass, bushes, flower gardens, and TREES! She immediately relaxed and explored all over on her own. However, when her foster left us in the yard, Racey/Ruari began to whine, then quietly howl in a pitful way. She misses you guys! I tried to distract her by throwing balls for her to run and fetch, which helped. We have become very attached to each other, despite the fact she wouldn't let me touch her the first afternoon. I took her on a long walk around my neighborhood the first night, which I think made her warm up to me a little. At bed time I brought her to my room, showed her to her bed, and said "go to bed". She laid down, I turned off the lights and immediately, I felt her land on my bed next to me! She had jumped silently from the floor, up and over me to land where she did! OK, so I know some of you men enjoyed her getting that close to you, but I don't like any animals sleeping in my bed, so I said "no" and pushed her off the bed. She has not tried that again, luckily. (She sure takes orders well!). I had to go to work two days after she arrived and was concerned what Ruari would do while I was gone for 6 hours. When I got home she hadn't done anything wrong and welcomed me back enthusiastically. I do have a wire crate that I put up for her, but she doesn't seem to want to go in it, which is fine with me as she behaves so well when free. Another bit of information I wanted to tell you is that her ball has now taken second place to her new obsession: Squirrels! ...and rabbits, which she has only seen on our walks in the dark. Every morning now, she wakes me before the alarm by tap dancing around the room to remind me of the urgency to get outside and chase the squirrels up the trees. I have been ignoring her as well as possible and waiting to act awakened only when the clock radio comes on...she's so smart that she has begun waiting for that signal, while sighing heavily and sometimes whining softly. But once I stand up, she makes it clear that we must rush downstairs to open the back door. She barely waits for the door to be fully open and blasts past me toward the birdfeeders and the big oak tree where she has almost captured squirrels already. If she sees a squirrel go up a tree she will worry it until the squirrels freaks out and in panic jumps from tree to tree to the power line polls beyond. She terrifies them so badly that I'm surprised they keep returning each day. Ruari will diligently sit under a tree for hours if she thinks there is still a squirrel in it. Such devotion, right? Between her squirrel patrol and ball playing and walks every night, Ruari is staying in good shape and not getting bored. I took her to the vet yesterday as I was concerned that she was losing weight. She weighs 41 lbs. I don't know what she weighed when you had her, but the vet agreed she could use more pounds. She wasn't finishing all her 3 cups of dry food at first, but over the last week or so she has increased her interest. She doesn't seem to be into treats so much, especially chew toy/snacks like rawhide bones. That's exactly the type of treat she needs to clean the tarter from her back teeth. At Christmas I had 2 brothers, a niece and nephew all sleeping at my house. You should have seen Ruari's reaction of shock when these three men walked in the house! She looked at them and moved to stand right beside me in a protective way, waiting for instructions. She did very well with the situation, really. I told them to ignor her and she would warm up in her own good time...she did, but she was happiest with my niece the animal lover...she took Ruari outside and played ball with her awhile. One more story : a friend and animal enthusiast invited me over to dinner, insisting that Ruari must come too. This lady has a dachshund and a CAT. Well, Ruari put on her best company manners and was sweet and friendly to my friend and open and polite to the dog...who resented her being in her space and let Ruari know a few times. Ruari was unruffled and ignored the dog. The cat was locked safely away upstairs. The visit worked out very smoothly! I read everything you men wrote about your experiences with taking care of Racey so I would know her likes and dislikes, as well as the words used between you and her for communicating. I was struck by the love that came through in every report. Those of you who had her with you the longest sounded very emotionally attached to her. I want you to know that that love and discipline you gave her was appreciated by this dog and has allowed her to be the content, fun, loving animal she is now. I am sure it pulled at your heart strings (ones you may not have known you had!) to give her up. I just want you to know how much I admire what you do for dogs such as Racey/Ruari, and how much animals benefit from your work. You are truly brave to give your heart, knowing what pain you may have to endure at the conclusion of your successful training. I don't think I could do that myself. Feel proud of yourselves for a job done so well!!!!! Thank you for all the dogs you work with and know that this one is surely a total winner! Jennifer and Ruari