Xena Is Finding Her Bark

Just like it says in Beverly Hills Chihuahua that every dog will find its bark, Xena is slowly slowly beginning to find hers. Lauren heard Xena bark once!

What has helped Xena, in addition to my daughter's outstanding care, is that Yael, who fostered Xena before, is living near us, and she brings her dog Nafi over often. I've got to get some pictures because in the yard, Xena frolics. When you see her in the yard with Nafi, you would never know she had been abused. It is our happiness to see Xena prancing around as if she had not a care in the world.

Xena even stole Nafi's favorite stuffed animal, dug a hole, and semi-buried it!

Nafi is at a disadvantage outside because Yael worries that Nafi might jump the fence, so she ties Nafi to a line in the yard, and Nafi can't always reach where Xena goes.

Nafi is also generous with Xena. It's like Nafi makes allowances for her. Nafi somehow knows that Xena has had a terrible past, so Nafi treats her extra kindly. I like to think it's even possible that Nafi gave Xena her (Nafi's) favorite stuffed animal, but, of course, it's much more likely that Xena simply ran off with it.

Xena loves all dogs and derives only pleasure from every dog she meets.

It is the humans that she fears.  Except for Yael. Xena has no caution when it comes to Yael. When Yael comes over, Xena will jump all over her.  When Yael is sitting on Lauren's couch, Xena will even sit on the back of the couch, kind of wrapping herself around Yael's neck.

So, you see, Xena is brave when Yael is around. Xena has even licked my face a few times. The other day, in Yael's presence, Xena came over to me to be petted. This was so sweet. I have to be careful to pet her under her chin rather than on top of her head.  Until she has full trust, she must see the hand coming down as the beginning of a slap.

When Yael isn't around, Xena still hides a lot under the couch cushions, but she lifts her head up more and will go nose to nose with me until she decides to bury her head again.

Xena also paces around the house more. It's nervous pacing, but it is progress.

Once Xena and I even scared each other! I didn't know she was in my office. She didn't know I was going into my office! And we both froze for a moment!

Xena has gone back to visit at Noah's Ark a few times.  Everyone at the shelter there says that Xena is doing very well, that she is generally more friendly, going up to them, maybe even allowing a few pats. Everyone has noticed how shiny her fur is, and it really is. I think it's all that good raw food Lauren feeds her.

We're waiting for the day when Xena will hop into our laps.

Charles, thanks for asking about beloved Xena.  And I will get photos of Xena's moments of happiness as soon as I can.