I was relinquished to BHRA by a couple who seemed to really love me.  They were older and in poor health, and their daughter (my owner from puppyhood) had recently moved back in with them to help care for them, and along with her came me.  The mom was allergic to me, so of necessity I  “had to go”.  After I was picked up by BHRA I rode quietly and seemed fine until we got home and then… I went WILD!  I thrashed on the end of a leash til the people feared I’d break my neck.  I ran from them in the house and couldn’t be caught.  They could see they were in for quite a challenge.  They have no idea what the ghosts of my past are.  However, with consistent, patient work, I have made beautiful progress…. with THEM.  Each new person I meet is a new challenge that must be overcome.  Even with the people I know well, some days are different and I’ll run with tail tucked.  But at night, I’ll let them take me in their lap and stroke me til I fall asleep.  Given access to a door to the outside, I will bolt and almost fight to get out, and if out, won’t come back.  My care is a special challenge.  But, it’s worth it.  I am a beautiful, loving dog.  I am perfectly housetrained and well mannered, and when I feel secure enough I will break into play that is just delightful.  I can be someone’s best friend… a special someone who can help me overcome the ghosts of my past… whatever they are.

3/25/08 Update from Bonnie:
I am doing great at my new foster home!  I really like their young Granddaughter and I am very gentle with her.  I do not bark much, but I love to stalk and chase squirrels.  I also like to track my canine bunkmates around the backyard with my nose to the ground.  I get along fine with them too!  I learned the doggie door all by myself! I like that I can come and go as I please and I don't seem to have the same issues with the outside as I had at my last foster home.  It just shows what a lot of hard work on the part of these nice BHRA people can do.  My new foster mom has taken up where my old foster people left off and is working wonders with me!  I heard she has a way with us dogs...and they are right...she does!  She makes me feel like a safe and special princess!  One area I am still working on is trusting men.  I won't let some of them near me...but I am making great progress...I just need a little bit of patience.