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~ Dixie is now LEXI ~
Adopted November 2009
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PUP DATE JANUARY 2010
I sure wish I'd kept you apprised of Lexi's growth and behavior on a more consistent basis because now there is so much to tell that it seems like an insurmountable task. I continue to see positive growth and development in her every day. Our journey has been absolutely sensational for me, and I think Lexi would quite agree.
For me, the story lies in Lexi's eyes and in her willingness to be touched. She's been with me for two months now. When she first came, I just wanted to scoop her up and to tell her that everything was going to be safe and secure and that she would be loved and taken care of forever. I knew that couldn't happen until she grew to trust me, and at that time, it felt as if it would take forever for that bonding to occur. (I'm sure you can remember my first frantic phone call.) Soon I could see that each day, or every few days, there was a change in the way she looked at me, a change in the way she used her eyes to try to ascertain just what this new life situation meant. And finally, we've arrived at that point where she studies my face to try to understand just what some of those words I use really mean.
There is also, of course, progress with how much time Lexi spends outside of her crate. She now takes an occasional nap there or may retreat there if she hears a particularly threatening sound, but otherwise, she is on her favorite chair which is pulled right up next to my chair at the desk, on the couch in the place which she did indeed usurp from Kasha (cat), or happily snuggled in bed with me at night.
The greetings I receive when I return home are now bountiful with joy with Lexi dashing madly about the apartment, rolling over or chasing her tail (just one revolution each), and she loves to be cuddled and touched. She's also developing a funny little sense of humor. She knows that certain things she does make me laugh, so she makes good use of them.
By now, I think she has a complete understanding that she has a family and that she will be loved and taken care of forever. Watching her level of trust grow has definitely been one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had!
There are so many anecdotes to tell you that I don't know where to begin. Lexi and Kasha are fascinated with one another. I'm not sure if each is totally certain about the other. Kasha is used to big dogs, so having a dog around, who's not much bigger than he, is interesting. Lexi spent a lot of time with her nose up Kasha's butt wondering what the hell this guy was about. I let them establish their own relationship. At first I wasn't sure how that was working out. There were a few harmless chase scenes. I thought Kasha was taunting Lexi, and I was right. Now we continue with the chase scenes, but everyone thinks they are great fun. As I'm sure you can remember, Lexi does have a bit of a jealous streak, so I've spent a lot of time on the couch sitting between the two of them to insure that they both see that there's plenty of love to go around.
Lexi's fear of noises continues to be an issue, but we continue to make progress with that. She feels pretty secure about noise as long as she's in the apartment - rarely running to hide in the crate when she hears something - but we're still working on the walk.
I'm so grateful to you for your help in the rescue and adoption process and for having confidence in my ability to love and to care for Lexi. I've had so many exciting and fulfilling experiences with dogs in my life, and my time with Lexi is proving to be beyond all expectation.
Thank you. Thank you.
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Click Here for pictures/stories of DixieLEXI'S early days in foster care.......
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