Delta Update

I was recently reminded that I have not done an update about Delta in over a month. She’s still with us and doing much better than we ever could have expected. Delta fits in so well in our house that it doesn’t seem like she’s been here that long. She’s very easy to live with and her transformation has been truly remarkable.

The most important area of progress has been interacting with people. Rather than cowering away, Delta is now approaching everyone, even strangers, and allowing most of them to pet her. She seems to especially enjoy older children, though she’s not sure what to make of toddlers and will stay just out of their reach. For the most part, she acts like a normal family dog when it’s just Harriett and I or some people she has met frequently.

She’s learned the “Kennel Up!” command and is completely comfortable in a kennel. She’s sleeping quietly through the night and doesn’t stir until the other dogs wake up at daybreak. She has learned “Sit!” and takes treats very gently.

She sits in the treat line with the other dogs and waits her turn. Delta eats dinner with Bella, Russell, and Sidney. She doesn’t steal food and it’s no problem to touch her bowl or take it away while she’s eating. She loves and depends on the company of other dogs.

Delta is not destructive with toys and enjoys playing. It turns out she’s an expert with the Buster Cube! We were astonished at how quickly she learned to roll the cube to release pieces of food.

Delta is a highly adoptable dog, but there are still a few issues for her to work through. The most important one is that she is only comfortable in the company of another dog. She gets very nervous and shuts down when she’s the only dog. Delta will be very happy in a multiple-dog household, but for now we do not believe she will do well as an only dog.

We’re calling her “a project” dog because there are issues that will take some time. She’s going to need a lot of positive experiences and patient training. She’s only about six months old and still needs work on housebreaking and basic commands, walking on a loose leash, etc. But you know, that’s not atypical for a dog of her age.

The Champaign County Humane Society is looking for a home for Delta. They’re looking for a family that already has a dog and understands her issues will not be resolved quickly. Luckily, she’s easy to live with and is very easy to have around. She’s pretty cute, too!

We’ve had some pleasant surprises with Delta. I wonder what else is there.

If you’re interested in adopting Delta call the Champaign County Humane Society and ask to speak with Michelle or Laura.