From Andy

Schatzi’s Progress Report

It is amazing how much progress Schatzi has made since she first got here.
When she first showed up, she used to sit curled up in a ball in her basket and wouldn’t leave until she was sure we weren’t anywhere nearby and couldn’t see her. When we took her out, she flat out refused to come anywhere near arms length, and forget picking her up. She also ran for the door at the slightest noise from over the fence or on the next street. Even the wind sent her packing.

But things have changed.
Slowly but surely, she’s gotten much more comfortable. These days, she stretches out to full length in her basket and she’ll even plant herself on the kitchen floor sometimes. She’s also found a new “basket” under dad’s desk.
She freely explores the whole house now, except for the basement which remains a mysterious forbidden zone.
She has learned to bark at intruders, like the evil cat that keeps sneaking into the back yard. She isn’t chasing the cat yet, but she does bark and she happily gives it a “good riddance” bark once the humans have chased it off.
When we take her out, she not only romps around and plays, but she also tries to jump up on dad’s lap. She even lets us pet her and pick her up. And, interestingly, she will actively run her head under dad’s hand when she wants to be petted.
Also, noises don’t bother her as much as they used to. Thunder still does, and she doesn’t like motorcycles or workmen, but she doesn’t freak out and run for the door anymore at every little noise.

In the evenings, she explores the house and plays with her toys. She runs around and jumps on dad. She’s learned to take herself out too, though sadly, she hasn’t learned to tell us yet that she wants out. This could become a problem in winter, but hasn’t been a big problem yet.

All in all, she’s become a very friendly, happy little doggie. She’s still neurotic and skittish, but she’s getting much better