September 25, 2017

White Dog let Zsofia drape her head over WD's shoulder. "It is not going to be easy," WD reminded her but did not mention the trials and challenges of Zso, the pup. "Bailey is just getting to know us and lots of things will require you to tell her over and over. Just be loving and persistent.You can do this; I know you are ready. And Bailey is willing and smart."

Zsofia did not expect that Bailey would not understand even the simplest White Dog rules, like after breakfast sleeping on momma's feet was Zso's place and job. It was hard for Zso to understand that Bailey just did not KNOW and it was hard for Bailey to see what she had done that made her mentor unhappy. "Forgive her and gently redirect," was WD's advice. "She can easily sit on momma's side. She meant no offense."

We have learned several things about our blue-eyed girl since she joined us just 24 hours ago:

• she snores...loudly
• Bailey LOVES walks...she went on one last night and volunteered to go along with all of the others as well. 
• she is calm when the others react to her sleeping in the doorway by simply climbing over or around her gate keeping.
• she recognizes that the "momma voice" means stop what you are doing. AND that dad is a pushover. 
• the dog door is a bit of a challenge; it is a great window but she is not so sure about pushing through into the unknown...even though Zso and Nilla and Bella showed her bunches of times today. 
• Bailey is mellow and patient and wants to be where the pack is.
• Zsofia DID succeed in getting our new girl to woo for a brief moment as dinner was being served. "Thank dog," Zso said, "I was beginning to think she did not know how. She did not even sign for the mailman."
• she IS a gentle counter surfer and responded well toZsofia letting her know those were bad manners. (with a little help from WD saing, "Excuse me Little Miss)!
• she chose a bed last night that allowed her to see into the bedroom where most of us sleep but was in the less crowded office with WD and Opal. It is the smallest sleep space in the room.

White Dog and I think our newest recruit has made a tremendous start in finding her way around and we have just begun to learn about Bailey's depth and strength and character. Time and love and patience, but already it is clear that Bailey is the perfect WDA recruit.

Opal put things into perspective. "Hey, she has only been here 24 hours and already she is sharing her toys and letting me hold them 'safe' for her here with my treasures. She is a keeper!"