305 days ago by GRACIEMAE | 72 views | 0 barks

Socializing

The day I met my mom I was 10 weeks old.  Before mom I was on a farm in a barn with my natural mom and my siblings, who got "picked out" one by one.  I was shy…not a quality people look for in a pup.  I was scared of almost everything as I was introduced into my mom’s world.  My mom is home all day…great advantage for me to be able to adapt to her but what about everyone else?  My mom had a plan.  Almost everyday I’d meet someone new.  Didn’t matter if it was a big fish or not- just someone- maybe even the same person over several different periods in time, maybe the UPS or USPS guy just once.  I won my mom’s heart without even meaning to.   The next thing I know I’m in Caledonia in my forever home.  I was very shy of everyone and everything at first (‘cept those cats and birds- I started off from day one letting them know exactly who I was!  I started socializing slow.  I started with the neighbors stopping by most nights to see me.   Once I got used to my people neighbors I was well on my way.  Next thing I know I’m in the bank and video rental store.  My mom’s trick was just to include me in everything possible.  I went from being a scaredy-cat to lovin’ everyone.  I now leave my barkin’ tail waggin’ bit to those individuals who dare to cross into my yard uninvited.  After hearing "Grace~!" I know it’s time to back off the visitor and pick my spot to sit and observe him or her.  Once I see that they’re OK with mom and pop, I’m cool!  I’ve become so well socialized just boppin’ around town and being in the boating and camping community that I’ve completely forgotten what it means to be anti-social.  I’m now tackling my cousin’s football games and just love being amongst that crowd- they leave lots of scraps on the ground- perfect for a scrounger like me!