the motor is running!

Today was an exciting day up on the field, as we call the main flat area where the dogs are housed; it was a bit of a shake-up for dogs and people alike. Hurrah!

Recently we asked Heather Roberston, an accomplished dog trainer who lives only 45 minutes from here, if she would be willing to come once a week to work with us. She has been coming off and on as a volunteer almost since the word go, and we had directly experienced the benefits of her intuition and skills, even on some unruly dogs. Her speciality (and love!) is pitbulls - right up our alley - but she generally just has the common sense and willingness, plus years of training experience, to work with any dog.

She was happy and excited to be part of our team - and has so many great ideas, and energy - that it feels like the engine has been oiled and primed for some action. Today it really began! Nearly every single dog on the field - i.e. around 24, I think - was moved from one run to another. A lot of to-ing and fro-ing and barking and hoop-la all around. Several of the ferals who had never been on a leash before walked! (well, sort of ran hither and thither) to their new accommodation. But they had real human contact in a way that has not happened before. Nails were trimmed, body weights assessed, coats groomed of excess hair: everyone touched and stroked, perhaps after a little tussle of fear, and being subdued by 2 people. After a while, they could relax into it and see that no-one was going to hurt them, that the stroking means love.

Heather has confidence and calmness, and is prepared to test the dogs - never beyond their limits - to that place where they (and we!) have to move out of our comfort zones and take the next step. It is just what we need. It has been great doing what we have so far with them, but everyone is ready to stretch that little bit further.

Ebony, seen above hiding out in her igloo, was one recipient of attention - nails clipped, massive clouds of hair coming off in the hand. Next week, Heather says - a bath and shave!!

It wasn't only the ferals that got a look-in; the 'walkers', as we call the gang, also got moved around, and the ones who are now targeted for adoption training have been grouped together in a row.

It's funny how one person can create a ripple of change like this. I see we are all hungry for it, as Tara's Babies continues to develop and transform. Heather's input gives everyone skills and confidence to know that the best way forward for the dogs is right at the end of the leash already in our hands. We look forward to more days of learning, growth and having fun!