Little One is really coming out of her shell! She’s following me around wherever I go, she sleeps in my arms all night, and she is starting to smile, wag her tail, and play with the other dogs. She barks and howls with the other dogs as well and it is so adorable. She is still afraid anytime someone new comes into the house or she hears a new noise, but little by little she is gaining confidence.

When we rescue terrified animals, their rehabilitation is in three parts. The first step is to get them to trust and bond with us. Once she fully trusts us, the second step is to get her to trust new people who come to visit without shaking or tucking her tail between her legs. Once she feels safe in the house no matter who comes or goes, the third step is to take her out into the world to see new sights, meet strangers, and know that for the rest of her life no matter where she goes or who she meets, she is always safe.

This whole process takes awhile and it is really important not to rush any of the steps, as it will cause the subsequent steps to fail. It is only when she fully trusts us, that she’ll accept guests. It is only when she trusts guests that she’ll be open to the outside world. At The Gentle Barn, we believe that everyone can heal given the right circumstances and enough time. So we are not in a hurry. We will take each step according to how Little One is feeling, and we have all the time in the world.

In the meantime we are all falling in love with her. I cannot wait to go to bed each night because I get to hold her in my arms. She is so warm and soft and she makes the most adorable little snoring sounds when she sleeps. I wake up to her beautiful brown eyes and to her soft kisses on my face. She loves it when I look at her, and sometimes we stare into each other’s eyes for several minutes at a time. Sometimes when I look away she’ll hold my face in her two paws and redirect my gaze to look at her again. When I tell her how beautiful she is, she’ll smile at me and take it all in.

I have had at least six dogs at a time for over twenty-two years. Over the last few years, several of our dogs have passed away of old age. With our extensive traveling, we were enjoying the smaller numbers. When Little One was left at our place, at first I didn’t want another dog. I worked so hard to take care of Maddie, carrying her up and down the stairs and in and out of the house, and spoon feeding her. Taking her to the vet each week for acupuncture and feeding her herbs and pills twice a day. I loved her so much, but it was a lot of work to take care of a senior and I was hoping for a break. But losing so many senior animals this year, and working so hard this summer in Boston and trying to make that work, has taken a toll on me. I didn’t realize how badly I needed someone to need me, something to focus on, something to give my whole heart to, and someone to hold. This little frightened dog might have been left at The Gentle Barn so we could help her, but she is healing me right back. While I show her that she is safe, she is showing me that I am loved. While I show her that she is beautiful, she is showing me that I am needed. While I am giving her a home, she is giving me her heart. While I give her many things to be grateful for, she is giving me many blessings. With her in my arms, this is the best I have slept in years! Angels come in many forms, but for me she has come wrapped in brown fur, with huge ears, and a teeny tiny heart that beats just for me!

Ellie Laks
Founder
The Gentle Barn