Enemy To Footstool In 14 Months.

Stormy is snoozing on the couch right now. But she was snoozing on my lap a little while ago before I wandered over to the computer to write. She’s made an amazing journey that just keeps getting better all the time. Once again, it’s time to share/bore you with a Stormy story. 20140210_114927

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When she came to our house it was clear that she wanted nothing to do with me. She tolerated Kip, but I was her enemy. Not in the snarling/fangs/attack sense, but she feared me as someone who would do her harm. It took a few months for her to warm up to the point where she’d come within arms reach unbribed. (Is that a word?)

Last night I was lying on the floor watching television. Kip was on the couch and Stormy was on the floor nearby. After about thirty minutes she wandered over and stared at Kip. Moments later she was using me as a step ladder to get up on the couch. I thought that was pretty funny. It became even more comical when I realized that my wife was not involved in the nonsense – Stormy was trying to get at a cookie on a plate that was on the couch.

That’s remarkable progress for a rescue animal to have made. She knew, deep in her heart, that she was safe in stepping on me to get at that cookie. She didn’t get it, but she did come back twice to try. It was only on the third try that I realized what she was up to in putting her paws on my abdomen. The fear was gone. I was safe.

This morning we got up at my insanely early start to the week. I decided to watch a movie before heading out to breakfast. She hopped up on the couch and snuggled up against my leg. Sound asleep in five minutes. Snoring, running in her sleep, the whole deal.

When I returned from my breakfast she was right back on the couch, right up against me for the duration. Comfort flowed both directions.

How did we get here? We both gave space and time a chance. I think it will continue to grow more and more into the love I hope for given our mutual efforts to trust and be gentle with each other. I also promise not to try and use her for a footstool – that’s a one-way street.

Dogs – love with paws.

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