Heavenly Beverley : Stella's Progress Report Card

I started writing this post in my head days ago. I began putting words on my laptop yesterday. My initial efforts were as boring as batpoop. *sigh*

Sometimes my posts flow as easily as electricity. Other times I feel like I'm pulling teeth. When my writing remains stubbornly un-fluid, that's when I should just walk away. If I persevere at those instances, all I produce is a stultifying pile of un-entertaining tripe. So early this morning, I rejigged the post in my head and my fingers are now flying across the keyboard far more happily. I hope...

Stella has now been part of our home, our lives and in our hearts for over six months. More than a school semester. Time for an interim report card -

Her name - A+

When we first met our Carnarvon Special, she had been given the rather obscure name, Melu. Even though the name had come from her foster carer's Kiwi niece, my research indicates that the name is European by origin and given to boys. No wonder the name didn't suit a pretty little black puppy. I toyed briefly with the idea of naming her Mellow, which she seemed to be, compared to her more boisterous sister, but was howled down by all and sundry. In hindsight, that name would have been a disaster.

So I toyed around with names I liked - Bella, Ella, Milly, Molly. Except every second dog had a name like that. I wanted individuality for our latest addition.

Eventually, a brain wave. Michael's Auntie Stella had been an agreeable and warm lady who particularly enjoyed feeding starving teenagers. I thought that would be a rather lovely tribute. Later on, I discovered the significance of bellowing "Stella!" from the television series "Seinfeld" and that there had been a long-running British series "Stella". The less said about the character Stella in "A Streetcar Named Desire" is probably best. Even if our Stella and Pip enjoy a bit of noisy rumpy-bumpy most evenings.

And until now, I have only met one other startlingly similar-looking dog called Stella. So, she has the tick of approval for a relatively interesting name.

Nature and Character - A

We believe that we came very close to winning the jackpot with Stella. She has a beautiful temperament and loves cuddles and attention. She is fiercely protective of us, the house and the Gallery, which often causes her to engage in ear-splitting barking. Which is one of the reasons she can't score an A+.

Other less than desirable habits include a fierce intolerance of bicycles, gophers and skateboards. Off lead, she was almost skedaddled a few weeks ago chasing a bike across the road in front of a car. Unfortunately, Pip shares her hatred of gophers and had to be severely reprimanded for attempting to eat the wheels on Sue's machine outside the Gallery yesterday.

Stella adores Pip and he has reciprocated. A checkup with Graeme the vet last week revealed that our thirteen-year-old Jack Russell is alert and active, not depressed, has no residue of his cruciate ligament injury and certainly no evidence of arthritis. He endured his yearly vaccinations and temperature taking with as much dignity as he could muster. The days of Pip's projectile diarrhoea, used as a WMD aimed at the vet also seem to be, thankfully, over.

Apart from these few character flaws, Stella has been reasonably easy to Raise By Hand, except for her anxiety-producing furniture destruction. In hindsight, we probably should have sought HELP from our fabulous Veterinary Team much earlier. In a single consultation, Graeme demonstrated how to neutralise her jumping tendencies, supplied us with behavioural strategies to deal with her anxiety and without a qualm, to medicate her. He also suggested that Stella's anxiety would be lessened if she were confined during our absences and both she and our furniture would be much safer.

I had not been keen on "crating" initially until Graeme and Lisa explained the process. In the last ten days, she has become used to the borrowed crate, even sleeping inside early this morning. Today, I took courage in hand and lured Stella inside with a rawhide bone, tossing Pip in after her and shutting the door. We have come a long way in a fairly short timeframe.

Trainability - A

Stella has shown herself to be highly intelligent and inquisitive. She is interested in all new experiences. Last Thursday, there was a major bowling competition in Beverley. During our walk, Stella paused to watch the action, paws up on the limestone wall so she could get a good view.

She has been quick to master basic commands, particularly on the lead and with doggy treat reinforcement. Off the lead, and with minor temptations, she is less obedient. Her nose frequently leads her into trouble, discovering smelly and delectable substances and devouring them with gusto, whilst completely deaf to her name.

On the other hand, her delight in most foodstuffs means giving her medication is a breeze. This morning's capsule, her newish anti-depressant, was consumed in a small sandwich of cheese, one of her favourite foods. Cold meats, pate and peanut butter are also highly favoured, although we are pretty sure that peanut butter gives her the runs.

Care and Cost - B+

For a born and bred country hound, Stella should have the constitution of an ox. She doesn't. She actually has rather a delicate gut and has been known for explosive diarrhoea and spectacular spewing with no warning whatsoever. Fortunately, with her diet of (expensive) hypoallergenic dog log and kibble, along with Greek yoghurt and fish oil, her digestive wobbles are becoming history.

The finer things of life are certainly right up Stella's alley. Pate, cold meats, cheese and pistachios are firm favourites, as a lady of her station expects. Only whilst walking do her baser instincts come out and she is drawn to utterly revolting goodies to consume.

Plus, she is now on anti-depressants. The good news is that Stella's medication is also mine. So when Graeme had no stock, there was no problem. Stella and I are currently sharing Fluoxetine, albeit at different dosages. I just have to remember who has how many capsules...

The bad news is the majority of our family now take anti-depressants. The Fickle Fairweather Feline is obviously too superior for such drugs and Pip, who used to be our Nervous Nelly, is definitely Not Depressed anymore, due to Stella's presence.

Prospective Improvement - A

Future wreckage - definitely on the decline with the arrival of the Holy Crate of Station House.

Relationship with Madame Ruby the Cat - armistice approaching. Ruby still heartily dislikes having her faced washed by Stella's enthusiastic tongue (whether she needeth it or not), however, No Man's Land has not been crossed on our bed by either feline or canine.

Travel potential - both Stella and Pip will accompany us on our winter escape this year. Neither suffers from carsickness and both enjoy the back seat. That we will have the crate is just a "peace of mind" bonus.

The future for us all is looking very bright indeed. Due to Stella's juvenile energy, walking her every day is a non-negotiable must. Thus, our latest Dynamic Duo and I are pounding the pavements in the mornings and occasionally in the evenings if I can persuade Michael to join us. I may even lose some weight!

All is well in our world.