A week with Roxy

This last week we've had a temporary guest, Roxanne, who's foster family is away on vacation for the week.  When she came to us last Friday, she was a nervous girl with a lack of confidence and a decent amount of fear of new things.  Her leash walking skills were horrible and she needed a lot of coaxing to go in or outside.  But we've spent the last week trying to help build her confidence and expose her to new places and new things.  She will leave my home a little more confident, a little less afraid, and hopefully a little more ready for a home of her own.  Seeing her progress and knowing that the girls and I played even a small part in that just makes me smile. 

Last weekend, we traveled to Middleville to take a walk on the North Country Trail and spend some time in the woods.  It was a beautiful spring day in the woods and all of the girls enjoyed the chance to sniff around in the leaves.

At the end of our walk, I had some really happy and tired dogs.  It was a great day!

Throughout the week we took some time to walk around downtown Lansing and a couple of different routes around our house and, with each walk, she was less and less fearful of the traffic around us.  Tonight all of our practice led to the biggest success yet- four motorcycles drove right by us and she kept on walking without a worry, without a flinch.  What a happy moment that was!

Peaches

She has also taken some lessons from Peaches on the best ways to snuggle.  There is nothing better in the life of a German Shorthaired Pointer than a day spent running around the yard, playing ball, and taking a nice walk, and then ending the day snuggled up with their people.  Roxy has spent lots of time doing all of those things this week. 

Roxy

Even Maddie warmed up to the crazy, wiggly youngster.  She even spent some time snuggled up on the couch with her.

Tonight is Roxy's last night with us.  Tomorrow the girls and I will be leaving on our next big adventure, and Roxy will go into boarding for a couple of days until her foster family is back from their vacation.  We spent the night running errands and enjoying some time in the yard.  We had a nice walk and some special treats, and now the girls are all settled in for the night.  I've promised Roxy one more walk in the morning before we drop her off for boarding and then we'll be off for a week of fun.  

I'm so glad we had the chance to spend some time with this sweet girl this week.  It was a great experience and a good reminder of what a little love, time, and patience can do.  It's amazing what a difference one week can make.