BALL!!!!!!

I truly know Stella is an extremely smart dog. She has to be to keep her sanity since the day she was born, with apparently little stimuli. In seven short days we have experienced swimming, something she was supposed to hate, long walks, a cat (very limited so far), being outside of a crate all day, doggie day care and friends, running, being alone in the yard left to entertain herself for six hours and BALL!

Yes, as I have said, Stella did not know how to play ball. I would throw, she would ignore. Not uncommon for me! Slowly she has gotten the concept of I throw, she chases. It's fun! Today I wanted a break through: I wanted her to chase and pick up the ball, something she has never done. After all, if she brings it back, I can throw it more often, hence more fun and exercise! We typical now walk on the leash through the neighborhood and when we get to the undeveloped part with paved roads, I let her off the leash to explore the run. Remember the skunk? Same area!

So today, before I throw, I tease her with the ball so she takes it in her mouth. I throw, say "ball" and yes she actually picked it up!!! OMG! The break through. She even brought it back after I said come. But it's fleeting and a work in progress.

She also now knows when I am in the garden it's off limits. But only when I am there! Tomorrow I install re-bar with string and tie cans with coins inside so it makes noise if she breaches the garden borders! I think my Master's Degree was easier!

Everyday Stella's sweetness does surface. She is most happy when we are working in the backyard. She follows, plays and observes new things all the time.She is calm for the most part - unless she is let loose on an expanse of grass (park) when she prances, runs like crazy and charges you out of sheer joy (we are working on this energy) - and I have to understand she is a puppy experiencing the great outdoors for the first time.

Tonight she is in the house on the leash and did not go after the cat as he walked by. Baby steps. She is laying here chewing on her bone and ice cubes (loves them!) and being a good girl, so far. Tomorrow, Estes Park and more swimming!