Jo spends her time between the dog bed in the kennel and the corner under the shelves where it’s only a cement floor. I don’t want to make it comfortable for her back in that corner because then she might never come out.
She’s behind this rollaway bed and as far back as she can get. This morning before I left for church I stepped into the shop to check on her and she started to move from the kennel to the corner when she stopped to look at me and howled – then bolted to the corner. I don’t think she recognized me in “church clothes” – haha!
Tonite when I fed her I had a leftover hamburger patty that the 3 dogs shared. She actually took the piece of hamburger from my fingers!!! This is the most interaction she and I have ever had and I am so encouraged. I need to always remember that patience is a virtue and I need to learn to “be still”.
Remember when I was working with these fabrics?
I used this Cakewalk book and I finally finished binding my table topper.
I love it – what a great transition piece to use in late fall and before Christmas.
I’m hoping by tomorrow’s post I can introduce you to our newest pattern titled Be Still. We’re just about ready to move it into the online store and then we’ll continue with Christmas quilts – all small projects that you can still finish and hang this season. If you’re anything like us, you have trouble sewing out of season. I just can’t get into Christmas until the season arrives – or fall, spring, summer, 4th of July, or January snowmen until the season is upon us. I will also be showing you Christmas Picnic.
Our service tomorrow will be split in two – 8:30 and 10:00 so we can sit in alternate pews and get everyone accommodated. I sit alone in the piano area and feel very safe there.
Thanks for all your stories and comments – I love reading all of them!
So happy to see progress with Jo! YAY!! She’s coming along, slowly but surely. Just don’t rush her. Remember the 3-3-3 rule. 😉🐕🦺🐾
I love your table topper too.
Tiny baby steps, then one giant leap of faith for Jo! I know it’s coming because of your love and care for the animals.
The patience thing can be tough!! How does that saying go???
Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can
Seldom found in women, but never in a man. . .😇.
So, hang in there Mary. You’re the one who can do this!!
Love the table topper!!
I was also thrilled to read more positive progress with Jo! It’s been just a short time! Already Jo is learning to trust you. I am so happy for both of you!
Oh, taking food from your hand is a good sign! If anyone could bring her around, I knew you could. Best wishes for both of you.
LOVE what you did with those fabrics for your table topper from the Cakewalk book! Also love red and white/cream quilts. Think it has something to do with my hometown school colors, the Luverne CardinalsI I have 2 or 3 already but just might have to make another with the Christmas Picnic pattern.
Glad you and Jo made progress with the burger. Really in awe of your patience! Another small step forward. Really wonder what happened to her that she tries to hide. So sad.
Mary, you are making great progress in a short time; also, I know Jo will heal, but it hurts my heart so much to think what she must have endured when we see see her curled up so tightly and the look of great anxiety on her face. God bless you both and we look forward to more progress reports.
Charlotte – I, too, wonder what has happened to this poor dog. And how could a puppy do anything to deserve such treatment?
You ARE making progress with Jo! Trust yourself and she will trust you.
Table topper is very nice. Soft colors coordinate with Be Still.
Mary
My sisters baby kitten (Samantha) that she rescued at .07 pounds now weighs 4.2 pounds now. She is very thankful for all your advice. Even though she is now very ornery. Ha
Brenda Ks – I am thrilled that the little kitten made it! It had to take all her constant caring for the kitten for it to make it – .07 lbs. is very tiny!!! Glad I could be of some help – I did this for a small Orange tabby kitten – named him OJ and I loved him sooooo much. When he was killed on the highway I thought I’d lose my mind. It took me months and more to get over it or at least get through it. Give my regards to your sister and her now naughty healthy kitten!!
For Jo to take food from you when she isn’t starved is such a big step. The howl was her showing her independence. Oh the positive small steps I am rooting for you both!!!!
Angie from Baltimore – I almost wanted to jump up and down but knew that would terrify her – haha! So we’ll just keep on, one tiny step at a time.
Mary, you are so patient with Jo. No wonder she is beginning to trust you. That is exciting. It breaks my heart to think what she endured, but I am joyful she made it to you😃. You just made a bigger connection with her. Way to go!!
Baby Steps. Jo actually has come a long way in a short time. Put wool cap on & Ms Maci actually barked at me, so took it off & she wagged her tail. So the first winter I just had a cold head & wore ear muffs!! Now she ignores me in cap.
Nikki M – and she is just too cute! You’re my hero if you can shoot those terrible feral hogs! And how’s Bongo? Bongo? Is that right? Doesn’t look right.
Hang in there, Mary. Praying for you and Jo.
I love to read the comments about Jo starting to come around!! And I like your tabletopper too!
How wonderful! Everyone says it for so many of us! So happy for you and Jo! Sending love and prayers
After reading Nicki’s comment about her hat, reminded me of something to keep in mind for Jo. The first winter our abused rescue dog was petrified every time she saw my husband put on a little beanie type cap to take her outside. It broke our hearts to see her reaction (we kept trying to figure out what was going on as we had her already for 3 months till we saw it must be the hat) and she did gradually know she wasn’t going outside to be hurt by a man in a cap. I kept remembering what our vet said it’s patience needed which got me through finding out what triggered her to be so scared. Jo is learning to trust you. My heart still breaks for her. I think she is going to win over your heart Mary! I love the colors in your table topper as it’s perfect for now. Glad you are safe away from others in church.
Whatever has made Jo scared of people it must have been so terrifying. I just cannot imagine how anybody could have been so horribly mean. In time she will trust you, I just know it.
Any idea how old she is?
Love the colors in your table topper. They are so soothing.
If Jo will let you touch her, rub her ears for me.
That is wonderful news! What a break-through in trust. And think what she learned–she took a big leap and she got a very tasty treat and nothing terrible happened. Such a big day.
How exciting Jo took food from your hand! With the virus keeping us isolated, your Jo reports are the high points of my day. Thanks so much, Mary. 🥰
Jo is such a pretty girl. To know she was abused like that is heartbreaking. But, I know she will be happy and normal before too long because you have so much patience and love for her. Good luck to you both.
I love your table topper. The fabric colors are very muted and look great on your table.
Patience is a virtue and you are virtuous !
You are making great strides with Jo and she is slowly gaining your trust . Our rescue dog , Bailey ( we renamed him after George Bailey in Its a Wonderful Life) took a while but now he totally trusts us and is so happy in his new home. We adopted him on January 1 so it’s taken a good part of a year !
I think Jo is testing you. Don’t fall for her silly games. Ha Ha
Jo will learn to trust you but it’ll take a while. Cute table runner. Good idea to spread out the people in church. Too many people have gone.
Perhaps you should speak a bit to sort of announce yourself before entering so Jo knows you are coming to see her? Good you give Jo healthy treats like cooked meat! Sounds like she is adjusting to your loving treatment!
Launa – yes, I always announce myself the minute I come in the door – I call out for my good girl, Jo!
Yay! Great to hear about another step of progress for Jo! I look forward to hearing These small but at the same time isn’t steps for her. May each one encourage you to keep it up.
Love your table topper. As others have said, the colors are so soothing and peaceful.
Covid numbers continue to rise here too. We really need God’s words at this time… Be still.
Such good news about Jo. It is so sad that she is so scared. Your patience will pay off in big ways.
I love the tabletopper. The colors are very soothing.
Pupstart in dm
Dana Fedman dog behavior
Does phone consult. Maybe worth a phone call
Also maybe read to her softly
What pretty, soothing fabric in your lovely new topper!
Jo’s reaction to seeing you in church clothes makes me think there was something terrible in her doggy memory associated with dressed up people. That is just my uneducated guess on Jo’s behavior.
Hope your Sunday was great!
Kara – yes, it’s another clue in the mystery of JO – I just wish she wouldn’t be so scared!
Precious Jo. She’ll come around. I love the table topper, the colors are so subtle, that’s a great pattern.