Hera's Story

[SageHill]

From the sounds of it, it sure looks like Hera is going to be a fantastic fit. I bet she’s figuring out just how everything works at your place - she’s got a “new place to work” and she’s doing what she knows best and trying to fit in at the same time. Slow and steady. And ya know it sucks that you’re sick but your limited time with her is giving her a chance to learn your place. It’s less overwhelming for her. Though she sounds solid as a rock so ?? the overwhelm?? part probably not her style.

 

[Ridgetop]

Sunds like a calm girl and is working out the routine. Alerting at Bruno on other side of yard was good. Then she realized that whatever he didn't like was no threat to her sheep. Adult Anatolians can seem stand offish at first. Really, they are judging and assimilating their new surroundings and people. You sound like you are doing all the intros just right. Horrible that you have to deal with being sick during this introductory bonding time. Hera sounds like a really nice dog. So glad you got her.

If nothing can be done for leg injury, our vet prescribes Previcox for arthritis pain for Harika that works well. She only has pain occasionally, so we give it to her when she seems to be stiff or whines. Rimadyll is another pain killer that is effective for large breed dogs if she is in a lot of pain. It is probable that she may have less pain during the summer when it warms up if theinjury caused some arthritis.

Of course the sick 5yr old decided to come outside in mud boots and swim trunks, no shirt. That is NOT what he was wearing an hour ago when I went outside.

Kids!

 

[Baymule]

You have a good plan. Slowly gain her trust and show her love. She sounds like an awesome ol’ gal. You being sick and at home is allowing you critical time with her to allow her to settle in. So there’s one bright point in being so sick.

 

[Margali]

Hera bless her is NOT cat reactive! I didn't even think to ask the Howell family about that. That could have ended SO badly.
Draco cat leisurely strolled across paddock maybe 20ft from Hera. She barely opened an eye to confirm his existence. She got MANY verbal praises while I confirmed "that's my good Draco cat". Draco has free access to house and grounds. He likes to go around sheep shed smelling for mice. Not sure if he's actually catching any since he's ~15.5yrs old.

 

[Baymule]

Oh wow! Another check mark next to AWESOME for Hera!

 

[Margali]

I raised the top of Hera's door about 8" and made sure there was wood to touch not metal. Hopefully this will encourage her to use inside when it's nasty and raining.

 

[farmerjan]

Like any animal... you offer them the opportunity... lead a horse to water but can't make him drink.... she has the option to be able to get inside... up to her to use the opportunity...
She seems to be as perfect a dog as possible. So glad you had the opportunity to get her... and give her a purpose in life again.... hope that the vet appt for the leg will give her a chance for a little less pain situation...

 

[Margali]

Like any animal... you offer them the opportunity... lead a horse to water but can't make him drink.... she has the option to be able to get inside... up to her to use the opportunity...

I raised it since she had to crouch and whimpered going thru. I don't want her to have to weigh pain vs going inside each time. Especially since it is pouring buckets again.

I hope we will get to vet soon. Today she let me sit in kennel with her and rub her ears after she finished dinner! I think she's figuring out once dinner is served she's on standby vs active duty. In night pen only danger is something brave / stupid enough to climb 4ft fence into area with her.

 

[Baymule]

Ear rubs! That’s huge progress!

 

[Ridgetop]

Giving her the opportunity to get out of weather is perfect. Often Anatolians don't like to be in confined area since they want to see around for danger. On top of stuff is preferred location sometimes. But if sheep are inside, she will probably be happy inside with them too.