An off day

Today was a tough day for Janey. I really needed to vacuum. My dogs will tolerate it and can be in the same room with me vacuuming. I led Janey along with Molly (for a calm model) to the lower level of the house. I played with her a bit and then headed upstairs to dust, sweep and vacuum the upper floor. When I was finished and everything was put away I went down to get the dogs. Janey was in a far corner, near the slider to the backyard, just finishing up what I assume was her upchucked breakfast. I could see she was spooked. I didn't acknowledge her but exclaimed "let's go outside" and she and Molly zipped out the slider door.

Of course, once outside, a combination of a yappy nearby dog, my neighbors smoking on their deck, and a neighbor using their weedwacker sent the already spooked Janey into a tizzy. Tail tucked, running back and forth past me to the slider door and back out. The good thing is that she didn't go in hiding... she was at least moving around, near me. I was breathing deeply and making my way slowly around parts of the yard... calm Molly by my side and Janey would follow us a few steps then dart away. I sat in a chair and Janey came around to sit within a couple feet of me. I brought out Cuz ball - which for the 1st time she had zero interest in. After a bit, when Janey had settled (still anxious, but not scurrying about) we headed in. She napped hard.

Later that afternoon a neighbor dropped in to visit to drop off some frozen dog treats for my dogs so I invited her in. Janey was in her crate. This is Janey's first exposure to other people since she arrived here. My neighbor is a very quiet calm gentle person... she has a very appropriate energy for something like this. We sat in the living room chatting near Janey's crate. I did think my neighbor did watch/stare at Janey a bit too much but it was also important for me to see how Janey would react. She wasn't being pet, as I didn't allow it, and we were sitting about 4-5 feet away. Janey was distressed but she was not huddled up. By the time my neighbor was ready to leave, Janey was eating treats in front of her that we both sprinkled in as we got up to leave. Eating in front of stranger was a good thing. I knew this was a huge deal for her.

Alas, the rest of the evening Janey was very spooked. I knew she needed to go potty and when letting her out, she would stop just short of the slider and then run back upstairs. I did feel frustrated... but had to check myself and clear my head. I had to to pick her up twice that evening to bring her outside to potty. Reminded me of her first day. And that's ok... we had made such amazing progress from early on... a backwards day is ok. And even expected. I'll give her space and not dote and let her come around again when she's ready.