This is our new foster girl, Millie. She is SUPER shy and scared of everything. She seems to be a classic spook, and on top of that, we think the man in her previous home was less than kind to her. She reacted badly to the male AC worker, and will leave the room in a hurry if my DH speaks or moves. She's finally starting to show some curiosity about DH, and he's being totally non-threatening (not looking at her, not acknowledging her - just letting her have her space and come to him), but she's still really jumpy around him. Thankfully, she has zero fear aggression.

Other than that, behavior-wise, she's great. She listens really well, great eye contact and recall with someone she trusts. She gets on fine with dogs and cats, is very sweet, and very smart. And she has the softest fur you've ever felt. Her coat is about an inch and a half thick, and your fingers just sink into total bunny softness.

My problem is, she won't eat. She came to us Tuesday around noon, and she ate a little kibble at that time, and that's been about it. I've given her a few treats (just to be sure she wasn't on a hunger strike) and she'll eat those, but she hasn't touched any more food. I've tried sardines, mackerel, canned kitty food, beef (cooked and raw), and no luck. I did give her a couple bites of our corned beef last night, and she ate that, but she wouldn't eat any pieces that had much fat on them. I'm going to try tripe and turkey necks/chicken backs today and see if that works. Luckily, she's not underweight at all, and she's drinking water just fine. Oh, I've also tried feeding her by herself, and it didn't make any difference. Still turned her nose up. Any suggestions?

Ok, now for pictures.

Awww... I am in love. What a cutiepie.

Wow!!! She is beautiful. Love her markings! In my experience with dogs like that, what I've found to work best is to do nothing. I know you can't help but worry when a new dog doesn't eat, but that's why.

Everything is new to her again, and she doesn't know what's going on. Especially since it sounds like she was abused, not only is everything new, but she's worrying that she get abused.

Dogs will not let themselves starve to death. She'll eat when she's ready. She just needs some time to take all this newness in. But trust me, she will come around and she will eat. Just have a little patience with her and don't worry. (I know you have the patience). Good luck, she's a beauty!

Thanks for the encouragement. I really am trying to be patient, but I do worry and fret when the babies don't eat .

I'm glad the family gave her up, because it was no place for her to be, but the whole mentality behind her "behavioral issues" - ARGH! They gave her up because she was "herding" the toddler then "stealing" his cookies. With her being so scared of men, and her hesitancy to eat, you can just imagine what kind of training/correction was employed. I'm sure it never occurred to these people that the toddler should eat in a high chair, and that some NILF would work wonders with a dog this smart.

The first time I asked her to sit for a treat, she sat, but she looked and acted like she was going to get smacked up side the head.

I don't think they broke her, but they definitely bent her. She's learning how to play with Chloe, and she's starting to have some fun. I honestly don't think she's ever played with other dogs before.

I'm really glad I don't know who they are.

She is adorable . I agree with Jimmy and am sure she will come around especially if you think she has been abused. Also she is in a new enviorment that she has never been in before. I also agree with you that she has been abused and dog only know what they did to her. Just give her time space and TLC I am sure she will come around

She is adorable.

Millie is adorable. I have no advice , sorry I can't help. However I am sure you will do what is best for her. Good Luck!
Tara

She is beautiful Everything is new and confusing for her. Sounds like she had a hard life before, and probably never learned to trust. Just give her time to settle in and learn to trust you all. She will eat when she gets hungary enough. Let her progress at her pace, best of luck. Keep us informed of her progress. Her face is just gorgeous !!!

wow you have another gorgeous foster... you do such great work...

i'll change the thread subject from Millie to YOU!!!

She's eating!!!! Whoohoo!!!! I mixed in some meatloaf with kibble last night and she ate that, so she got seconds. Ate that as well. This morning she got some of the pup's raw beef (I browned it for her) mixed with her kibble and she ate that.

She's also making progress on the DH front. She joined the pack for the nightly "Dad's home! Dad's Home!" stampede last night. She circled the gang during all the goings on, and after things settled, actually went up to DH and sniffed and licked his hand. DH then sat on the stairs and handed her a couple treats. She's taken to following him around the house, sniffing at his heels and behind him (as long as she thinks he doesn't see her). She's mighty curious about this man that all the other animals think is safe and cool, and who lavishes loves and pets on on all the other critters. Progress, I hope.

Progress who know she might decide DH belongs to her

Sounds like she is doing well.

Whoohoo, looks like Millie has found her forever home. A young family came over last week to meet her and really liked her. The great thing is that Millie liked them, too. She was still nervous about meeting new people, but she let the husband pet her and was sweet and gentle with the 1 year old. I'd had some folks look at her the week before, and it was a whole different vibe. She was more than nervous and the little girl made her really skittish.

I took Millie to her new home yesterday, and while she was a bit stressed about being in a new place, she was happy, too. She sat between me and the husband and enjoyed him petting her, and she even left my side to go sit by the wife. When the little 1 year old boy was checking her out (arms flailing, jabbering away), she just sat there and kept trying to kiss him. I was soooo proud of her!

Keep your fingers crossed, gang, that this is the perfect fit for her. The couple seems to understand her spookiness, and seem really committed, so hopefully all the updates I get from them will be positive. We're extending their trial period, and will give them a partial rebate on the adoption fee if they attend the obedience class we recommend. Millie's a very special girl and really deserves her own family.

okay Millie do your thing

for you foster mommie

That's wonderful! hoping this works out for her!

Good Job!

simile. I hope this all works out.