"Come in from the noise for a time...everything will be alright..."

Dave Matthews Band - Last Stop Reprise

I ain't gonna lie. I was frustrated yesterday. I might have even cried for a second or two. I am just trying so hard to do what is best. I posted on the message boards for advice about what to do about Grace turning into a statue before we go for a walk. I got so many wonderful answers from so many people trying to help. I am so grateful for people taking the time to help. But, I will admit, I hit the point where I felt overwhelmed with information. Many different opinions, all very valid....but what do *I* choose to do? What is BEST for MY dog?

So, I took someone's advice and turned to the other person who knows Gracie best - her foster mom from the adoption group. I try not to call her too much because I can see how busy she is - running the rescue group, taking care of all the dogs at her own house, taking care of all the special needs and injured dogs, adopting out dogs, running events for the rescue group, and so much more! It amazes me that she has time to sleep! I called her today and she was as cheerful and helpful on the phone as always. Despite having 1,000,000 things going on at once she was still able to give me her attention and listen. I truly love her for that.

She helped me feel good about all of the progress Gracie has been showing and she validated me pulling her to get her to go for a walk. That was the one part that I had been getting conflicting advice about - many people say to NOT take her at all if she is scared, while others say she needs to "get out there." I was also struggling with the fact that I was PULLING my dog and basically forcing her to go on a walk. THAT was my struggle. THAT was what was stressing me out. Figuring out what was best for Gracie.

I am going to take her advice, since she knows my dog. She said to still make her go on that morning walk since it is more comfortable for her. Yes, it is ok to pull her if I need to. I can't "feel bad." If the evening walk is too stressful, I can skip that and slowly reintroduce it.

BREATHE.....ok, I feel much better now after talking to her.
I am going to try my best now to relax and remember that everything will be alright....

Walks
Last night Craig and I were both able to take her for a walk. She seemed to like the whole "pack" coming out for a walk, and Craig got to see what I meant about her ability to become a stone statue and her Clydesdale pulling. I am so glad he came with me tonight so that we could help Grace together. It isn't always easy for him to be as involved as I am because of his work schedule, so any time with her is so helpful.

Cat 
Last night was the first night I let Gracie sleep without a muzzle. I know many people will think I am crazy for doing it so soon, but I feel like I know my animals. I know where Béla sleeps and I've seen how she comes into our bedroom when Gracie is on her bed. She is not Little Miss Instigator when she is coming into a room that only has one exit. She shows her "street smarts" in those rooms (bedroom/office.) She is on guard when she walks in/out of these rooms, which is great since I worried about her getting too close to Grace while she is asleep. Grace hasn't shown any indications of sleep aggression so far and she continues to show ZERO interest in the cat.

When Béla enters the bedroom, she totally slinks past Grace's bed like she is in stealth mode using the farthest point possible (basically hugging the wall to get on or under our bed.) Definitely a change from her hallway or downstairs attitude where she knows she has several means of escape and can be more brave. Seeing that is what helped firm up my decision to try nightime without a muzzle.

Of course I didn't sleep well - I kept waking up and checking where everyone was. I think I seriously could have just slept - there were absolutely no issues and Béla even did her "stealth sneak in" when it was morning time to come up on my bed with me. I'm sure she wanted to remind me about breakfast!

Comfort
Gracie has come a LONG way from those first days as far as her comfort level with me. She now follows me around - if I am upstairs, she comes up...If I go downstairs, she goes down. She also comes to me for pets sometimes. I can even give her hugs and kisses. I can tell that she is really starting to trust me more and more each day.  :)

Big Scary Leaves
Still showing progress on the big scary leaves front. She looks up at them less and less when we are outside, although for some reason she is still a little spooked by airplane sounds above (much to Craig's dismay since he is in the airline industry!) Her foster said that she enjoyed laying on the cot-style raised outdoor beds at her place, so I ordered one for Gracie to enjoy here.  I LOVE and am addicted to Amazon Prime!!!!

Collars
I think I might start to get a collar addiction after looking at some of these and these and these!!!  Gracie will end up being more fashionable than I am!!!


Here's to a day of relaxing.....and not stressing!
I realized that I don't post enough pictures....I need to remember to take more today!

Have a good day and remember....no matter what is going on in your life....everything will be alright....