We next ventured outside the garden gate after 3 days. At this point, the routine was to get outside the gate and then as quickly as possible get under a hedge to hide!! (or at least this was Nanette's idea) The only problem with this was that in spite of being prepared, her movements were incredibly sudden and unpredictable! In consequence I always ended up under the hedge with her and in a most unceremonious fashion! Given that I was at that time considered 'old'!! (73).... I did rather well not to break something .... a bone I mean!! Yes, I had many tumbles and bruises.
My French grandchild, then aged 7 said that I needed a 'Mary Poppins broomstick!' ! This became our favourite image and caused much laughter! So...if I say, I did a 'Mary Poppins,' you'll know what I mean. It happened every day for a few weeks. Every time we went out to the parking and the communal garden she was shaking and very scared but I persisted. The day came in mid April when this fearful posture began to dissolve...not all at once but bit by bit.. On seeing this, I felt it was about time to try the car!!
Meanwhile in the house, I noticed something interesting but sad. Every morning at about 8am, when the sun was coming round from the east, it would cast a shadow by the front door the reflection of which was visible from Nanette's bed. She was terrified as she gazed at the shadow and I realised this was the time...or one of them....when her previous owner would enter. I never witnessed a dog so terrified!! Nothing I could say or do altered it. In fact, Nanette was scared of my reflection on the walls cast by the sun and she was always looking fearfully at the sunlight as it moved around the apartment throughout the day!! This behaviour lasted at least 18 months!! I doubt that Nanette ever saw daylight in the first 4 years of her life!! So her two years in the Refuge would have been her first experience of daylight living and canine companionship but in the open of course.
THEN, along I came and took her from all that was familiar and perhaps comforting to some extent, an environment which meant a kind of 'security'. In those early days I often asked myself the question....was it kind to do that to such a wounded animal? In our arrogance, we tend to think in terms of 'rescuing' a dog we adopt. How true is this? I pondered this question over many months. This was of course, an extreme case and it made me search and think for clear answers!. There were none....only doubts and hopes.
I phoned a friend to assist me with our first journey in the car. Now Nanette had spent two hours in a car with me when we travelled from the Refuge. But this was a large car driven by friends and she had canine company in my friend's dog, Charlie. Charlie is a West Highland Terrier and very courteous. This time, I was the driver and we had to get Nanette into the car! I parked right outside my gate and left the door open. Jane (not her real name) was there on one side while I lurched out with Nanette (who sensed something was 'up'), and got her to the door. She then madly pulled me round the car to the driver's side, leapt in the driving seat and straight across like a bullet into the passenger seat which I had thought Jane might occupy!! Oh No! Nanette would not budge. Let's not forget, she was 28 kilos!!
We set off with Jane in the back and me driving very slowly. We went for about a 10 minute trip around the town. In spite of herself she was rather fascinated (if apprehensive) with all she saw!! As we rounded the corner on to the home straight she was sitting so upright and gracious!! (many people comment on this carriage today!) and all the people passing on the pavement were pointing at her and smiling. I thought at any moment she would raise her paw in blessing and greeting....just like the Queen!!! Safely home, I decided the car was a good habit to cultivate every day!!! Have a lovely evening of Celebration for the New Year. xx