UPDATE
Well for those of you who thought Maisie had turned over a new leaf because I hadn't posted for a while, I can assure you she hasn't.
A few of her recent misdemenours. She has chewed my gardening shoes, that I have had nearly 12 years. Admittedly they were not in pristine condition after 12 years, but perfectly useable. I have now ordered a new pair, to be kept completely away from Maisie. She has an amazingly strong jaw. The other day I was using a lump hammer to hammer in a support post for a small tree. I had placed it on the lawn and turned around to see Maisie carrying it off in her mouth, managing to hold it a couple of inches above the ground. Gardening tools/gloves are a big attraction. Most of my hand tools with wooden handles are now scarred by Maisie's teeth.
Two Saturdays ago I was at the kitchen sink when I became aware of Maisie dashing past very purposefully. I was horrified to see she had my Pink electric toothbrush in her mouth, which I had left on charge in my bedroom. I am desperately trying to educate myself to close every door behind me when I leave a room, but this time I'd failed. She was running round and round the garden with her new booty. I knew it would be difficult to reclaim the toothbrush and was very anxious to stop her chewing it so I ran inside and got a Bonio. Initially she was very reluctant to give up her prize, but eventually the temptation was too much and she dropped the toothbrush in exchange for the Bonio.
I could go on and on, but last weekend she excelled herself. On Saturday morning I had done a poo collection and left the scoop near the back door whilst I went inside to get a bag. I heard a clatter and went outside to find Maisie had picked up the full scoop by the handle, distributing poo all around the patio. Why she couldn't have taken the other scoop, which I use to guide said poo onto the second scoop, and was obviously empty, I do not know. Obviously not half the fun. Great, more mess to clean up and a patio to hose down.
She is still suffering badly from separation anxiety, hence me being up so early. Some nights it's not too bad but on other occasions she barks from the second I leave her in her crate to go to bed. I am definitely suffering from sleep deprivation. She is still not warming to anyone who visits and even people she has met 5 or 6 times are not allowed to touch her. The most progress so far is that she will quickly sniff their hand before backing off again. Can anyone advise whether she ever be friendly with visitors. This is obviously not the behaviour I am used to from any of my previous Cockers, who have always been completely thrilled every time anyone visits.
Maisie is a very bright but very complex girl and as I have never rescued a dog before this is all new to me. I love her dearly and she is very cuddly and affectionate with me but still displays signs of nervousness and anxiety on occasions. Any advice from those of you who have rescued Cockers in the past would be greatly appreciated.
