Thursday, April 1, 2010

Brave Bragging

Last week, Kona had many spooky days that seemed to be brought on by pain in her jaw. Her fear of me eased over the weekend and she has been one brave pup these past few days.

On Monday, I recruited my parents to join Kona and I on our hike. We didn't make it out as early as we usually do, so there was more activity on the trail. Kona handled the extra people and dogs without a blink. About half way through our hike, I heard gunshots. Lots of them. This particular trail borders the shooting range for the local police department. (Yes, the joys of urban trekking).

I cringed when the first round went off. Kona jumped. Then she went back to her all important job of the morning-lizard hunting! She was so obsessed with chasing lizards that she hardly rotated an ear after the first round of gunshots.

When we got home, we were greeted by painters who had taken over the kitchen and rearranged the furniture in the living room. Kona has seen these three people a number of times, so they weren't complete strangers and I wasn't surprised that Kona didn't seem too botherd by them. I was surprised when she approached one painter with her "little wiggle." When Kona is happy but not too sure about a situation, she lowers her head, holds her tail down, but still manages to wag her tail. It's the "little wiggle."

At first, Kona was worried about walking through the ransacked living room to get through the kitchen and out the backdoor. But after a few tries, she got it down and now moves through the rooms without any coaching.

Sure, I had to turn around after only a block while trying to walk Kona in the neighborhood this morning, but she's still doing great. Even with two nonpack members moving through the house, she's currently curled up in her bed.

I count each relaxed moment with Kona as something special. I hope she learns to be at ease in more places, but I'm also glad she has her handful of safe spots to really let loose.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm so happy for you and Kona.
It's great that she can even make out a little wiggle. Well done to both of you!

LauraK said...

That's awesome that she's being a brave girly! Go Kona!

I seriously thought I was looking at a picture of Riley rolling in the grass, too cool :)

Sara said...

Yay Kona! That's awesome.

Good for you AC, for noticing everyone moment of triumph!

Kathy Mocharnuk said...

wow, I can not imagine that those gunshots did not totally wig Kona out, not sure how my dogs would have done-what a brave girl.

DOUBLE YEA for wiggles!!! You must be so proud of Kona for all the progress ;-)

Unknown said...

YAY for Girl Kona!! She is so lucky to have you!!!

D.K. Wall said...

Excellent work, Kona. As we well know, the road to healthy dogdom for some can be long - but very rewarding in celebrating the small steps.

Sam said...

I cringe just HEARING about sounds like gunshots (for us, it's fireworks). Those lizards must really be interesting. I bet you wish you could just conjure them up to use when ever something scary comes along, right?

She sounds like she's doing really well. The little victories are adding up. I'm so happy for you both!

Dawn said...

Such a brave girl! Baby steps baby steps and she will increase her confidence! I bet she knows how lucky she is to have you help her through the scary parts!

Roxanne @ Champion of My Heart said...

Funny that you note the urban setting and gunshots. I joked on the blog once that you know you live in the country when you hear gunshots and say to your fearful dog, "nothing scary, just guns."