Patience is a Virtue
 It's taken 15 months and I'm doing the happy dance as today Panda finally allowed me to rub and touch the inside of his ears!!!!
April 4th, 2004 is the day I met Panda when he arrived at my home from his previous residence, a horrible kennel in Hong Kong. No doubt it's been a lot of work but the rewards are so much more. When he first arrived at my home he slept in a full fetal postion. Curling himself up in a ball to make himself as small as possible. He wasn't housebroken so I'd be up early to take him outside, race home at lunchtime for his bathroom break and eat lunch in my car as I only had small window of time. I did that for the first 6 months. During the day, he never came up the stairs, prefering to sleep next to the front door as Blue would not allow him upstairs without a challenge. His lip would quiver if I reached to pat the top of his head and it took 6 wks for me to be able to do this without the lip quivering. It took many more months before I could tell by his body language that he was no longer stressed when I touched his entire body and eventually could brush him. It took weeks to get him used to being in a house for the first time and a bit longer before I was able to fully trust him to have free rein of the house without him destroying everything in his path..like grabbing CD's, dishtowels, sweaters on chairs..anything he saw he would grab! We did it one room at a time and for the first six weeks I slept on a Futon in the computer room so he would learn quicker and I was able to correct him should he touch anything he wasn't supposed to. He turned into a ferocious beast with any sounds of vaccum cleaners, lawn mowers and even parked cars as he would try to jump on them. In the car he was a raving lunatic and very scary to drive with. Anything that resembles grooming tools set him off in a frenzy and ears were not to be touched in any way. 15 months later....... He eventually came up the stairs, first sleeping at the top of the stairs ..then gradually to the back of the couch if I was sitting there..then to the side..now he's right beside me. He often places his paw in my hand as if he's holding my hand. When he lays down he always places his paws around me. Blue still continues to have issues with him as he too was a rescue and had never been well socialized in his youth. He accepts Merlin and they are best buddies but Panda seems to accept that about Blue and gives him his space. He loves everyone he meets and as he did when he first arrived, he was never shy or fearful of people. Just goes to show you what a forgiving nature this boy has, even with the horrible abuse of his past. He cuddles with the cats , gives nose rubs to the baby bunny and always meets other dogs with a friendly bum wiggle. He is a favorite at the dog park for his loving nature. He can go for car rides, watch me vaccum and mow the lawn with no more problems!!! Now I just have to work on the bath and I'll be doing more of the happy dance. 
Without fail, I've never had to call him more than once and he's immediately at my side, no matter how many distractions are around..dog park full of dogs...backyark playing..even if I call him when he's eating he comes immediately. Our daily ritual of our one on one time (as I do with all three dogs) is taking him to a hydro easement around the corner from my home. A huge grassy area which is always empty as the offleash park is only a block away from that. I tell him "go play" and he takes off and runs faster than any dog I've ever owned. I don't let him do this too much as unbelievably he was recently diagnosed with mild hip dysplasia which will ultimately cause him lameness in a few years. I then give him a series of whistles which means run in huge circles around me..as if he was rounding up sheep. One short whistle means come over here. He races full speed so I always think he's going to knock me over. Without fail he immediately stops right in front of me. One hand signal , he sits, another and he downs. I've never had a dog that has been so willing to please. It started off as a fluke..the whistles and me waving my arms in a huge loops. I had just seen dog musical agility and wanted to see what he would do if I gave him that signal. He just took off in a huge circle and then immediately ran infront of me, sat down and looked up. He's never failed to do it again exactly like he did the first time as soon as I whistle...he trained me! We've been doing this for a couple weeks now and when I have the cash I'll enroll him in musical agility. I'm astounded at his intelligence. We then sit on the grass and I just talk to him and rub his belly and run my hands all over his body. He even has allowed me to rub the inside of his ears this past week!!! This is a huge accomplishment and took 15 months for this to occur!!! Ironically this is the same place I first took him to when he first arrived at my home and often wondered if he has memories of before and after. I love each of my dogs as each has unique and special qualities about them. Grumpy Blue who is either 15 or 16 makes me smile when he pushes my son's bedroom door open during the night and sleeps next to his boy ..head on the pillow..body stretched out next to him as he's been doing for 14 years. Blue is the protector of the cats whom cuddle with him when they've had enough of Merlin trying to round them up. He's only liked two dogs in his life..first Shaggy, then Merlin. Maybe he won't challenge Panda as the year go by..Blue is like the energizer bunny, even at his age he shows no signs of slowing down. He races around and rough houses with Merlin daily. Our one and one time is spent with him chasing balls. Merlin..the breeder had named him Cartman and lives up to his previous namesake..bossy but very loving towards OldBlue even tho Merlin has the role of alpha amongst the dogs. He gently cleans and licks Blues ears every night..much like a cat does when they groom each other. I've spent a lot of energy and time on each and the end result is it does pay off eventually. I remember when I first heard about Panda and commented he can learn to trust again. His face kisses and placing his paws in my hand are signs...the ear thing ..ohhhh I'm so happy as that was one of his biggest issues. Work isn't finished yet ...we'll still continue to work on grooming tools and bath. Although he loves the water..I can't yet afford to build him a manmade lake..so we'll have to make do with my tub.
Marianne and the boys |
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| Wonderful story. I first encountered the story of Panda a few weeks ago. The drama of the rescue was a real nail-biter! Then I searched to read other updates you posted from time to time. I am so pleased that things are working out so well. To think of the change in Panda's life that came from your open mind and open heart -- as well as Panda's -- it puts such a smile on my face. I am so happy for all of you. |
| Oh Marianne! That is the most wonderful story! I am cheering for you both! I have not read the story of Panda and the adoption, where would I find it?
I am so happy for you! Colleen and Gucci George |
| Well, I'm crying again, but this time tears of joy!
I am so proud of Panda and words cannot describe the admiration I have for you Marianne. Panda will always be special to me; hugs from Jil and Bentley wants to play. J |
| Awwwwwwww Panda, what a guy!!! You have much to be proud of. What a great bunch you have Marianne! You too are a blessed woman. Don't you sometimes wonder what goes on in the little heads of these guys. Does Panda have any concept of the miles he's travel and the distance he's come? What must he think about his life now compared to before. Do you think he ever wonders if the "old life" will come back? |
Great job Marianne and Panda!  |
| That's such a great story. It just goes to show what love can do!!! Great job, you've done such a wonderful thing for Panda.
Karen |
| Marianne, That is such great news! Give Panda a hug from Panda and tell him we're really proud of him!! |
| Patience in a virtue, and patience, thy name is Marianne!
Way to go, girl! Congratulations on being able to touch him anywhere! Yay! |
| Marianne,
That is wonderful to hear about Panda doing so well. Congrats on his accomplishments and Congrats to you!! Elissa |
I hope everyone who believes their sheepdog --or any dog--is untrainable reads this story. There are very few hopeless cases. With time, love, patience these dogs can be brought around.... if it is in their nature. Panda showed from the start there was hope.....maybe just a flicker, but there was hope. Now we see a very happy and trusting boy emerging. Bless you Marianne!  |
| HI,
Oh yikes I should not write that early in the am as I always find tons of typo's much later. 
Panda's story which I brought back up one time is titled "OES in need of rescue and what to do?" was written by Roy and Elby in March 2004 and is on page 3 of Rescuing a Sheepdog. Just above it was an update or written shortly after he arrived. http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=764 Not sure if that works as this ancient compter of mine crashes when I even try to cut and paste. ( a word of warning it's a very long post) I spent this morning rereading it..haaa I thought I had the ear thing handled way back then..but then he continued to have his ongoing ear infections and they had always continued to be an issue with him. I suppose I often bring his story up not to get accolades for myself but to show as SheepieBoss said , rescues can be brought around in the majority of cases. Panda is an example of one that had a huge amount of issues, while others may just need some extra TLC for the first while. How many of us were enamored with the story of Belle? Jil was an angel to that girl and look at the love she had in return. Now we're hearing the story of Cumley. There's Saulmr and Danita with their girl Sofa. Mandy with Toby..The others..Maggie, and the list goes on. I apologize for neglecting to name all the others whom have rescues but you know who you are. No doubt some have really challenging behaviors, while others just arrive in the home as if they have been there for a long time. Look at Beuregard's new sis, Genevieve! I'm jealous! The transition for them was easy and its so heartwarming to read! Just like kids some have more challenging behaviors than others, some arrive with more "baggage", some are so easy going and laid back, the work is easier. No one can fault anyone if it doesn't work out..but patience is the key in a lot of cases. You just have to have a little more in some cases than others.  The end result is you get a lot of face kisses and aww moments.
Marianne and the boys |
| I'm the Queen of Typos, Marianne! Don't sweat it. Most of us think faster than our arthritic fingers move........and in rereading are reciting from our memory, not reading the words. Let the kids get upset, we are too "mature" to let typos bother us! |
| ohhh I like that "mature"!!
Reminds me of the time I once decided to take up piano lessons a few years ago, to help my son with his lessons. The book I had was titled, "The Older Beginners Piano Book". Yikes! I told the piano teacher I did not like that at all..so she used tape and wrote..The Mature Beginners Piano Book. Ahh much better!
I also found the other post on Panda's year anniversary when he arrived. http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=2980 Again be forwarned it's along post. I should also mention that although this was done privately (with the support of all the members here) between Roy,Elby and I, Rescue Groups are fantastic for really screening the dogs and making the choice of one that is the most suitable for your experience and lifestyle. It's usually always a win win situation. Jil, any updates on Bentley? Is Kalyli putting him in his place? Marianne and the boys |
Marianne, I enjoyed reading about how things are going with Panda, it really is so inspiring to me. With the right owner, anything seems possible, and patience definitely is key!! I'm glad I read this today, because it makes me feel better about how I'm doing with Max, who doesn't have the past that Panda has. He's just a puppy who sometimes has the ability to drive me over the edge, but patience and time works its magic and to hear such a great story like Pandas' really makes my day!! 
Sharon |
| Wow Marianne, I just read all the posts about when you got Panda. What a story!!!!!!! It's absolutely amazing - congratulations on how far you've all come!!
Karen |
| Marianne,
How heartwarming to hear all the accomplishments that Panda has made. The paw in your hand made me tear up. This is true Sheepie Love!
Karen and Beau |
| YEAH PANDA!!!!
(Oh and you too Marianne!  )
Glad to hear that things are progressing so well. Can we work on oral care next? That would make me feel a lot better! Keep up the good work and let's just make sure that everyone pays attention to this. Sometimes all that's required is some education and hard work. Let's hear from some of the other rescue stories that have turned out well. (Hint, hint Carla! Where is Jst2Cute?) |
| Marianne, I am always amazed when you speak of Panda and how well he's doing. It really just proves what power there is in love. Your patience with this boy and his trust of you are inspiring. You've definitely earned your rescue wings!
P.S. The paw in your hand comment made me cry, too. What a sweet gesture! |
| Wow, I really don't know how your baby would have had a real chance if you two didn't find each other. I just don't know folks who would devote that much into reversing such a tramatic past. You're awesome! |
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