Mommy instincts kick in
Annie is finally looking like a normal dog. Her ribs are receding and her hip bones don’t stick out any more. And her pups are getting FAT! Good for her! When they were born you could see all of their ribs. But now, three days later they look fat and happy – just like pups born to healthy moms. It is amazing how little it takes to help these doggie families along. She’s been with us just two weeks and already her health troubles are becoming a thing of the past. For anyone who wonders if they can help these sorts of dogs, don’t question it – the question is absolutely, yes you can. It takes so very little – just clean water, nutritious food, a warm bed, a clean place to live and medical care if necessary. Just stuff you’d provide for your own dogs. Please, if your heart moves you, help out in any way you can. Ok, public service announcement over.
Annie is also becoming more trusting. She greets me with wags and allows me to pet her. This morning, for the first time since I met her, she put her head into me and just relaxed as I scratched her neck and head. It was good to see her opening up. She also seems happy to see my son. But she is wary of people she hasn’t met before.
Annie did remember Michelle, who brought her to me. Michelle is a rare human – just good people. She is the best thing that has happened to homeless dogs in Northern Illinois in many years. She is the “dog coordinator” with H.E.L.P. Anyway, she stopped by today and Annie totally remembered her, gave her tons of wags and kisses. She is also more interested in walking around outside, although after about 10 minutes her mommy instincts kick in and she pulls hard to get back inside. Once in the puppy nursery she runs to the pups, and sniffs each one. I wonder, does each pup have its own scent? Is she “counting” them? Do each of them matter individually or does she relate to them as a group? I sort of think the latter because every now and then she will lie down directly on top of one and seems oblivious to his muffled crying. I usually leave at this point as it just stresses me out too much! But each time I come back into the room all 8 are still alive and thriving. Nature has a way of figuring these things out I guess.
There is nothing more relaxing than hanging out in a super warm room in the winter, listening to the gentle murmuring of well-fed, contented puppies.
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