Lillie's Diary

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June 5, 2009 - I received the following email today.

Hi All, 
A fluffy little white Pom was rescued from a puppy mill in Kingman, Az. a short while back.  She's sweet and beautiful, and to her the world is a very scary place to be in.  She's lived in a cage most of her life, and people have not been kind to her.

She was adopted a month ago, and because she has not come out of her shell yet, she's being returned to UAF.  This poor baby needs a quiet and calm home where she can catch her breath and learn to trust someone.

She's friendly to people, just extremely shy, and she also gets along with the dog where she is now.  She'll allow you to brush her, or she'll sit near you on the sofa, but then continues to run away to a safe corner or crate when she becomes frightened.  She has never tried to nip anyone at all.

By this coming Saturday afternoon she needs a safe place to be.  If you can foster her, or can think of a friend, relative or neighbor who might foster her, please contact UAF right away. Thanks!  
UAF (UnitedAnimalFriends.org)

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I felt an extremely strong pull to help this little girl out. I emailed for a photo and before receiving a response called and said we would foster her.  I've never made a snap decision like that without involving my husband, but I just knew we had to help her.

Also in the back of my mind was the information that one of our dogs, who had transitioned many years earlier, had been sending that she wanted to return to us as a little white dog. Her name was Ellie and she was a very black Chow Chow. She was a very special girl and very connected to my husband. We assisted her move into spirit at her request when she became very ill.  
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Hi Debbie,
I received your phone message, thanks!

You know, I prayed for a door to open for this poor little angel.  What a terrible life she's had, and I was so determined to find her a safe and loving place to land this time.  I owe it to her.

I was asked to take over finding her a foster home to go to because her adopter no longer wants her. 

When I read your email, and then learned who you are and what you do, there are just no words to express how grateful I am to you and your husband, and to the powers that be, for helping this special dog find her way to you.

Poppy, as I call her, needs to discover that the world is no longer scary for her, and that all of the bad is behind her now.  I know you'll be able to convey this to her, and help her to feel safe for the first time in her life.

Just saying thank you seems so insufficient for what I'm feeling. I have a volunteer, who can transport her tomorrow morning, if that works for you. 

Anyway, we'll figure it all out when we talk later on today.
Blessings to you as well.
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I called my husband and told him that I had already agreed to foster this little dog. To my surprise, he said that's good. I then contacted UAF and let them know we were ready to pick her up. They immediately had a plan to pick her up from her adoptive home and transport her to us. We'd meet tomorrow morning half-way between Phoenix, Az. and Prescott, Az. The United Animal Friends organization is based out of Prescott, Az.
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Hi Friends,
Today a miracle happened...

The little Pom, I call her Poppy, doesn't know it yet, but she's about to learn what love and safety feels like for the first time in her life.

A lovely couple from Cave Creek is going to foster her, and guess what?  The woman is a gifted animal communicator, and they have 4 Poms of their own!  Who better to get through to this sweet dog, letting her know that her rainy days are behind her now, and the future is full of sunshine and rainbows.

This is truly a miracle for this wonderful dog.

Thanks so much to all of you who responded to her urgent need, and networked her email to your friends and family.

Networking has saved so many precious lives, and is one of our best tools to save the animals in need.  Thanks for being a part of it, and together, we all make one heck of a team!

United Animal Friends
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I had to run out for an appointment and as I headed for the door, one of my Poms, Diamond, began barking at me. She was looking right in my eyes and I heard her say "Go get her." I asked her who she was talking about and she said "The dog", "Ellie, go get her.". Evidently the dogs at our house already knew that Ellie was returning home and wanted her home as soon as possible.

I explained to all our dogs thata they were going to need to help the new little one adjust. She's very afraid and has never had a real home.
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June 6, 2009 - We drove up to meet the UAF volunteer this morning using the directions from the web. When we got off I-17 we were directed to go North and we could not find the meeting place anywhere. We did notice a huge sign that read "Ellie's Bar and Grill" and we passed it four times. Now there's a sign that's a SIGN :-)

We finally found our meeting place going in the opposite direction, the driving directions printed off the web sent us in the wrong direction. But if we had not gone in the wrong direction, we would have never seen the "Ellie's Bar and Grill" sign. I guess they were the right directions after all.

We met the wonderful UAF volunteer and she explained to us how frightened Poppy was. She was taken from a puppy mil in Kingman, Az. about 6 weeks ago. She's been in a foster home for about 2 weeks and then was adopted. The adoption did not work out because of her extreme shyness and fear. We were told she was about 7 years old and had spent her whole life in a puppy mill in a crate. We drove home with the tiny frightened little girl. I asked her what she wanted to be called and she told me "Lillie".

On the way home I sat in the back seat with her, but she did not want me to touch her. We went through the drive through at McDonald's and got her a cheeseburger. She ate a few bites!

My email to UAF when we got home.

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Hi.
We got home about an hour ago after picking up the little white Pom. I just got back from PetSmart and got her a little pink heart tag for her collar. She's doing very well. She's let my husband touch and pet her a few times. She's been out exploring the backyard and is now inside. She seems especially attracted to our larger dog, Angel. She part Lab, part Chow and is exceptionally sweet. All the Poms have greeted her and are very interested in her, except one, Gracie. She's my husband's baby and a little jealous. In time that will change.

She's already gone potty outside twice. Yeah!

My husband and I thank you, your organization and all your wonderful volunteers from the bottom of our hearts.

Sending love and blessings your way,
Debbie

P.S. Photos to come :-)
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Hi UAF,
Here are a few photos of Lillie by herself, with our oldest (15 1/2 yo) Mandi and our youngest Pom (1 yo) Sugar. She seems to be settling in and you can tell by the look in her eyes, she's doing well for just getting here.

With blessings and tail wags,
Debbie                        

                                                 
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Yay!!!!  Thank you so much for sending these photos, she really looks so much happier and calmer.  I just know she's picking up on all of the calm and loving energy in your home, and from your beautiful dogs welcoming her as well.

She was just terrified this morning when I picked her up.  She was shivering so badly it was heartbreaking to see.  She even wet herself.

I am just feeling so incredibly happy for Lillie (cute!) because her life changed today for the better.  She is already feeling the effects of this positive change, and it will only continue to get better for her each and every day.

We'll stay in touch, and please let me know if you need anything at all. She may get some diarrhea because of the stress, and the change of diet, but I hope she will be just fine. I discovered that OxyClean concentrated in a spray bottle is great for carpet stains!
Thank you both again so much for opening your hearts and home to this very special little girl.  I am beyond grateful to you both, and to your lovely dogs, for welcoming her so sweetly.

Blessings and tail wags back,
UAF
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Thanks again for everything.  I just found this email because I've been staring at her happy pics.

In each home she's been in since her rescue from the puppy mill, she's cowered in a corner or found a hiding place to run to.

It's absolutely astonishing that she's a different dog in your home. This is truly divine intervention, and I'm feeling so blessed to be a part of it, and for being able to help this wonderful dog that has suff7ered so much.

UAF
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June 6, 2009 - Hi All, Lillie continues to do well. I've attached a photo of her new favorite place to be. It used to be the place where our Sr. Pom, Mandi, planted herself. But she has kindly given it up to Lillie. She slept through the night, went out and then relocated herself from her crate to the fireplace stoop sometime during the night.

She's eating well, no upset tummy or diarrhea from her transition. She is especially fond of my husband, David. Seems to feel more at ease with him, listens to his voice and seems to follow his directions. _______________________________________________________________________________

She is still shy of our hands and quick movement. She has the run of the house and has not been hiding or shaking. She gets nervous when we approach her, so we move very slowly and are letting her take things in her own time. My mother did pick her up and held her on her lap for a while yesterday. She stopped shaking after only a few moments.

All in all, I think her transition is going very well. She definitely needs lots of love, TLC and patience, which we are grateful for being able to offer her.

Sending love and blessings your way,  
Debbie

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Hi All,
Had to send this one photo. My husband was giving Lillie a treat and of course the other dogs wanted to participate. Thought you'd enjoy this photo.

If I'm giving you too much info just let me know :-) Hugs, Debbie


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Hi Debbie and David,

I love it!  Lillie has already taken a giant leap into her happy future in less than a day.
It's completely heartwarming to see her feeling so much safer and happy in your home, and with all of you.

Thanks for the great report too.  I had expected her to hide in corners shivering, and running from you.  I'm delighted that I was so far off the mark.

Please feel free to email anytime you feel like it, I will never tire of hearing about Lillie.  She is so dear to my heart.

Blessings and tail wags back,
UAF
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June 9, 2009 - Hi All, She's doing well. So far no shaking and trembling and she no longer hides in her crate. She understands when we ask her to go out and raises her tail when she goes out. Yesterday she began walking by us to get out side. Previously we had to open the door and then step away for her to go outside.

She still does not want us to touch her or get too close to her. We are allowing her to be and do what she wants.

I have not connected to her to ask her questions or tell her anything other then that she is loved and is safe. I've also been doing energy work on her to help her release past traumas. I have not wanted to overwhelm her or ask anything of her. I want her to know that she can just be and we will love her just for that.

She is not at a place where she can make a decision right now, I can feel that when I connect to her. There is a lot of sadness, confusion and fear and it is so profound that it keeps her from moving forward. Both my husband and I are energy workers and have been sending her light and love.

When I feel that she is ready to ask where she is going or make a decision about her future, I will be happy to ask and talk to her about it.

Thank you so much. With love and blessings,
Debbie

P.S. Lillie loves scrambled eggs :-)
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Hi Debbie,

Every day she seems to be feeling safer, and has a better understanding that her life has changed for the better.  I am just so happy for Lillie!

Thank you both for allowing her to move forward at her own pace.  It's a leap of faith for her to trust anyone in this world, but I know she feels your love, and the calm reassuring energy around her, and from the other dogs as well.  I know they will be a great source of healing for her.

Regards,
UAF
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June 10, 2009 - Hello Everyone, Well we've had some great advances over the last couple of days with Lillie. Her favorite spot is still the step in front of the fireplace. She continues to eat well and is food motivated. So we are using that to assist in her healing. Yesterday morning she came a few feet towards me when I was preparing breakfast, but ran back to her spot when I noticed her. She also went around in little circles at dinner time, like the other Poms and had her tail up. We thought we saw a tiny little waggle too!

This morning she spent about an hour outside, exploring. Just walking around and sniffing. She now understands what "Let's go outside" means and runs to the door with the other dogs. She also understands "Let's go inside". She is still staying away from us and we have not touched her yet. But the gap between her and us, is closing. She also watches us intently from her little perch.

We love that the spot she has chosen, is a place in the house where she is near to people most of the time. We talk to her a lot, so she can get used to our voices.

We are so happy with her progress. She's doing extremely well for what she went through. My husband and I were talking about the day when we will be able to hold her and cuddle her.

Looking forward to that day!
Debbie
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Subject: We Have Tail Lift Off :-)

Hi All, Well tonight when my husband got home, Lillie was excited to see him. During dinner she wagged her tail for the first time.

This was such a wonderful sight to see. Had to share :-)

I'm working on her diary on my website right now. Should have it up and going soon. Will let you know.

Blessings,
Debbie
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WOW!  That is wonderful!!!  Bless her little heart...she's falling for your husband....better watch out...hee-hee...another "female" is on the prowl!

Have any of your other dogs tried to play with her?  She probably doesn't know "play," but I was just curious what her reaction is or would be....probably look at them, like, what are you doing???

Has she had any accidents in the house yet???

Thank you sooooo much for the updates!!!!

Hugs & blessings,
UAF
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Hi UAF,

Yes our baby Pom, Sugar has tried to play with her. Even brought her a toy. But she doesn't seem to understand play. But the two youngest Poms play all the time. I'm hoping they will teach her how to play.

I'm also really surprised that we've only had 2 accidents in the house. We don't have any carpet, so it's really not a problem. One the first day we brought her home and a tiny little spot, when she got nervous. But she goes to the door when she needs to go out. Really amazing :-)

Hugs,
Debbie
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Yay!  What wonderful news.  Lillie is feeling love and trust now, for the first time in her life she is HAPPY!

I am just spilling over with joy and gratitude.  This is so huge.

Thank you for sharing this amazing news.  This is why I push through all of the ugly, so that I can hear news like this.

What a blessing for this very special little girl.

Thank you beyond all words,
UAF
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June 12, 2009 - Today was an exciting day for Lilly and for us! This morning while all the dogs were waiting to be fed their breakfast, Lilly went around in circles repeatedly. She seemed really excited and actually wagged her tail for the very first time, like a normal dog.

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June 14, 2009 - This morning Lillie followed David around in the backyard while he cleaned it up. She stayed a distance away from him, but it was obvious she was following him around. This is a great sign that she is starting to trust a person, considering people are the ones that locked her up in a cage for 8 years. She spent the whole morning outside exploring and is now taking a nap in her favorite place, the step on the fireplace.

We had our first conversation with Lillie this evening. David started.

Q1 - He asked her Lillie if she was happy here (at our house) and she said "yes" and "no". We took this to mean that she was happy but still afraid.

Q2 - He then asked her if she knew she didn't need to be afraid and she replied "yes, she knows she doesn't need to be afraid, but she said she was still somewhat afraid."

Q3 - What can we do to help you? She sent David and image of her being picked up by the scruff of her neck. This was something that happened to her in the past and no longer wanted to be picked up in this way.

Q4 - David asked again if there was anything that we could do to help her? She sent him a big letter "U" and then a heart. This meant that she wanted us to just keep loving her.

What was so amazing to watch, was that while David was having this communication with LIllie, she walked up and sat down just a couple feet away from David. She sat right in front of him and stared at his face, her eyes were transfixed on him. When she talked about being picked up by the scruff of her neck, she ran away from him with her tail tucked between her legs. When he moved on to another question, she came back and sat next to him.

I then connected to Lillie.

Q1 - I asked her if she knew she was safe at our house? She said "no". I asked why and found out that she was concerned about being moved again. I then explained to her that she could stay with us al long as she wants.

Q2 - I asked her if she liked her food? She said yes and asked me if she could have a little bit of food for lunch too.

I explained to her that we really want her to be happy and that we'd love for her to come in our room and sleep in there. (She currently sleeps on the fireplace step in the family room). I explained that we have a fireplace in our room to. She told me that she needed a little bit more time.

She also told me that Angel and Diamond, two of our dogs, have been really helping her.

                                                 

Q3 - Because she was such a great communicator (easy to connect to and looked right at during the conversation), I asked her if someday she wanted to come to and help me with my Animal Communication classes. She said "yes".

Q4 - I asked her if there was anything that could help her feel more at ease? She said loud noises scare her.

I closed with telling her that we only want her to be happy and that we love her very much. She exhibited the same behavior with me while we were connected. She stayed close and watched me intently. When I started to connect to her, she connected instantaneously. I've never had an animal connect so quickly and so easily. It was absolutely beautiful!

This was a wonderful first conversation.
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June 15, 2009 - This morning Lillie seemed much more at ease after our conversation last night. She was exploring the house inside and out. She seemed to be playing with us, but coming close and then when we approached her, she'd run away. Her tail is up most of the time now.

Here is the latest photo of Lillie. Little Sugar was trying to get Lillie to play and was offering her a toy.

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June 20, 2009 - We've had some major advancements with Lillie over the past few days. She now is coming within 1 - 2 feet of us and sitting near us. In the photo below she's sitting comfortably in front of the couch where I am sitting. This is a huge change for little LIllie. In the past, she has not felt comfortable enough to sit near us and always kept about 6 - 8 feet away from us. She is also spending more time walking around the house and exploring.

She is following the other dogs outside and is interested in what they are barking at. A couple of days ago, she took a piece of meat of out my mother's hand and also let my mother touch her. She's eating her meals inside the house with the other dogs now. When she first came to our house, she prefered to eat outside.

We put her crate away the other day. She has not used it since the day we brought her home.

We have given her the promise that we will not catch or touch her until she is ready. We want her to know that humans can be kind and gentle.

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June 21, 2009 - We went out last night and when we got home at about 10pm, Lillie came towards us and ran around in a little circle. She seemed happy to see us in a reserved way.

This morning we noticed that her tail is up ALL the time now! Yeah, this is a big change. And just a little while ago, she was outside and was asking to come with two of the other Poms. It was so cute to see 3 little Poms all lined up on the step, looking through the glass door, asking to come in.

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June 25, 2009 - We had a couple of days where Lillie seemed to have a little bit of a setback. She was a little more frightened then she had been for while. Fortunately that has changed yesterday. When we come home, the dogs listen for the garage door to open and then they run barking to meet us. Lillie is now joining them. She does not run all the way to the door, but half way and is excited to see us.

This morning when all the dogs were being fed, she barked excitedly for her breakfast. This was the first time since she came to our house that we've heard her voice. It was absolutely wonderful to hear!

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June 28, 2009 - Here's the latest video of Lillie. You can see and hear her bark for her dinner. We are so happy that she feels free enough to bark happily for her food. You can see in the video it surprises one of our other dogs, Angel. She had to go over and check Lillie out when she barked.

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June 29, 2009 - One of the biggest steps forward is that we can talk directly to LIllie now and she no longer cringes or is frightened. She now looks directly in our faces and is interested in what we are saying.

We communicated with Lillie again. She told us she liked the green grass in our backyard. We asked her what we could do to help her and she showed us a purple blanket, she currently has a blue one. We put a purple one out this morning, we'll see if she likes it better. She also sent us the image of a clock, we understood that she was asking for time. Time is something that is very easy to give this beautiful little girl.
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uly 1, 2009 - On Tuesday's all the dogs like to wait for the poolman to come by and then have a group barkfest. Today was the first time the Lillie ran to the door with the whole pack. She didn't bark, but she sure participated in the excitement. Another wonderful step forward! Yeah!

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July 4, 2009 - This entry is rated "7 Barks"! Last night when David was pulling in the garage and all the other dogs were excited and barking; Lillie barked three times. Then when David came inside and the pack was greeting him, Lillie ran around jumping, wagging her tail and barked four more times.

This morning Lillie was outside, when David called to her to come inside. She turned around, looked directly at him and flew up the steps to come inside.

This is such awesome progress. We are so very happy and are hoping that she will let us touch her very soon. She really good use some brushing and a bath.

Here's our latest video of Lillie taken today and you can see how she now comes to us when we call her.

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