I am indeed adopting the little gal who used to be called Lizzy. Her forever name is Alta, short for Saltatrix, which is Latin for dancing girl. I wanted something joyful & fun. I tried a few others, but this morning, I said 'Alta' once in a low voice, & she responded immediately, dancing from the livingroom to the kitchen where I was, & looking me in the eyes for a minute.
Of course, I fell in love with her from the very 1st second, but I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to give her the amount of exercise she should have. Everything happens for a reason, & she sure bonded & put on weight while waiting to get long walks. I'm still waiting a bit 'til I unleash her, since she still is nervous around some people & dogs, but boy oh boy, is she ever learning fast!
Big male dogs are not always a perceived threat now - it helps to dogsit a male chocolate lab every Sat. Alta is so good with several dogs in the hood. She & Maca, my cat, are getting there slowly.
I think I know a bit of her genetic mix now. I believe it's blue heeler, due to the brindle coat & smaller facial bone structure. And I swear another part is coyote! After telling a few people, I've been emailed pix of friends' dogs which are part coyote. It would be hard to find a more alert dog out there! The abuse + the genes.
I keep saying a year of abuse, a bit over a month of love, & look how far she's come. Yesterday, we walked to the pet food store. They love her there - her 3rd time in the store. One staffer, after hearing I was keeping her, punched me in the arm & said, "I knew it!" She gets so many treats when we go. I will try to make the time to write a short kids' tale about the 3 Sat. dogs - it's so hilarious to see the interactions. Alta taking turns wearing out two elder dogs. Tyda smiles when she sees Flynn arrive Sat. a.m., as if saying "your turn, Bub, heh heh heh".
More happy tales to come.
Thanks, Judy, Candy & Linda, for rescuing Alta, & giving her the 1st taste of love!