A fun evening for Ruston!

[Karen and Ruston]

Ruston had a great time last night. Her anxiety seems to be getting better in some things. She has been improving on getting in and out of the old 4 door car so we decided to see if Ruston would get in my daughters' beetle. Ruston was nervous at first. I had to lift her front paws up and after some hesitation on her part she jumped in the back seat and settled right in. On the way to the beach we even made a stop for gas and she was so calm. Once at the beach she left the car with only slight prompting. Walking down the steps was fine until she heard noises from the road. Someone was putting a motorcycle onto a trailer. She jumped, shook and looked to me. After that passed Ruston went down to the beach. She ran right in the creek that goes into the lake. She loved that. The lake on the other hand was tempting but the waves scared her too much and she would bolt backwards. So she enjoyed the evening watching children play and playing in the creek. People would greet her and tell her she was a pretty dog. One child ran up with a blue inflatable ring around him asking if he could pet the dog, while poor Ruston was shaking and backing up as far as her leash would let her. I explained that Ruston was afraid of the blue ring and if he would take it off he could pet her. So the boy slipped out of it and Ruston got to enjoy some nice neck scratches from a sweet lil guy. Later Ruston sat along the shoreline with me watching a dog run into the water to fetch a ball. Then we headed home. She has made great strides since spring and maybe next time she will enjoy the lake too. She loves her kiddie pool at home that is for sure. I am so proud of her.

[Karen and Ruston]

That is a really good idea. I will have to try doing that with Ruston. Thanks. .

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Sounds like you both have so much to be proud of.  Next time when you have something like the ring, try sitting it on the floor/beach and then you reach over and touch it!  Tell Ruston, see "Touch It" ... just keep touching it and encouraging him to "touch it".  We have used this on several items with our girls and it always seems to work.  We used it on a baby stroller, skate board, bicycle, back-hoe, you name it.  Keep up the good work.

[Karen and Ruston]

Thanks all, she is doing a lot better. She still has a ways to go. Ideas from here and from her vet has really helped. I am so thankful for DK and learn so much each and everytime I come to this site.

[Bonnie and Kona]

You have a lot to be proud of. What a brave girl she is getting to be. It's all the love you pour into her. 

[Camilla and Darwin]

Sounds like great progress!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Rustin has made a lot of progress.  Congratulations.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Sounds like a very relaxing day and evening!  Ruston is doing great!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Glad you all enjoyed a relaxing evening!  Ruston is certainly on the right track !

[Leslie and Halas]

Way to go, Ruston!  She'll probably be in the lake before too long.  It sounds like she curious about it.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm glad to hear that Ruston has made so much progress and was able to enjoy a nice evening!