November 20, 2010

White Dog and I cannot help but observe how differently AWD and SAWD have handled their first few days as a part of the family. Nuka came in fearful but feisty and curious from the start. She has, in less than a week become comfortable enough to invite herself along for car rides, to ask for attention, to demand "tastes" of new foods, and to have a voice. The first night she settled into her bed on the floor of our bedroom and slept soundly.

Puff is almost like a post traumatic stress victim in many ways. She huddles and shakes at the prospect of human contact, in fact runs and hides from it. When she is held, SAWD melts into your arms but her heart races and is almost resigned in her acceptance of the act. We had to beg her tonight after more than 24 hours before she finally had water and a small bite to eat. We had to crate her last night (something I have never done before and feel guilty about) but we feared she would run outside, as she had earlier, into the yard and try to find a place to nest. This morning she was pressed against the back wires and refused to come out even when the door stood open. Finally, she did, only to head for the dog door and outside, where she spent the morning and early afternoon. Puff has never walked on a leash or worn a collar. Earning her trust will not be easy.

We assumed that our deaf girl was going to be the big challenge in blending our family into a pack, but it seems AWD, Nuka, is going to be our little clown, our cuddle bug, and our happy-go-lucky one who adjusts with attitude. SAWD, Puff, will need lots of time to mend and to heal and to hopefully learn to trust. We will give both furbabies their own space and time to evolve, but we desperately pray that Puff's spirit has not been broken beyond repair.