The Change in Prissy

[Lynn in TN]

Well we have had Prissy (Alexis) for almost 3 years. April 1 is her gotcha day. Those of you on the forum know that we got her from a rescue and she came with issues. For the first six months she slept under our kitchen table. (I guess growing up being chained to the kitchen table is a hard habit to break) We still find her underneath the kitchen table at times. 

She would bite us all the time. She bit off a hunk of my pinky the last time she bit me. I couldn't go to the doctor or they would have made me put her down. We had to be careful around her, as just reaching to pet her she would bite us. I couldn't brush her, or clip her nails. (still can't clip her nails without a muzzle, and 2 people) We took her to the vet to rule out a health issue that might make her so snappy. There was no issues.

So determined to love her anyway, she could be so sweet at times, we just worked with her, showed her affection, by petting, feeding her by hand, and so on.

Yesterday I was stripping Kelly it had been a long time due to illness, and numerous deaths in our family, and friends passing away. I decided to try to strip Prissy.

Check this out. I actually cried tears of joy. Look how good she is doing!

It is amazing at the difference in this dog now and when we first got her. To think 3 years ago we couldn't brush her without getting bit. Ignore my terrible job  at stripping. I am so excited at how well she did while I was pulling her fur out, I asked Eric to get a video of it.   It has been a year and a half since she actually bit us. She will be 10 years old in November this year.

[pkcrossley]

you've got a particularly dramatic example there, but we often talk here about how age 3 (sometimes 4) is magical for these dogs. they seem to mature more slowly than some other breeds, but when they mature they show real depth and become remarkable companions. you deserve so, so much credit for sticking with prissy. i had a cairn with many of prissy's problems, and it was because of those problems, i think, that we became so close. he is still the dog closest to my heart, among many beloved little friends. i hope you and prissy will build on this relationship for many years. she might still have relapses, but you will know who she really is. 

[Hillscreek]

Fabulous. Just shows what loving care and patience can do. Dear Prissy - she looks so relaxed and comfortable with you. 

[hheldorfer]

Amazing!  

I remember quite well what Prissy was like when you first adopted her, but look at her now!  You have done an outstanding job with her.  God bless you for staying the course and not giving up on her.

On another note:  I was paying attention to your stripping technique.  If you ask me, you're darn good at it!  I'm going to try your method next time I *try* to groom Buffy.

 

[Dempsy's Mom]

Prissy is so patient with you now and actually enjoys your stripping method.  She is so sweet - nice video!  Glad you got Prissy.

[sanford]

You and Prissy are an inspiration to all of us!???

[Idaho Cairns]

Lynn, I remember well my concern after being so positive about rescue Cairns with you and then your initial experience with Prissy and I am so glad she has settled down for you.  You'd be surprised to know how often I wonder about how she is doing with you and the kids.  Thanks for the video. 

[Autumn & Lola]

Wow she is so chilled while you are stripping her. You look like a pro doing it and Prissy looks like she hasn't a care in the world.   You've worked wonders with her!

[bradl]

5 hours ago, pkcrossley said:

you deserve so, so much credit for sticking with prissy.

I wholeheartedly concur. It's not easy but it is worth it.  Cheers to you and Prissy!  

[_whits_]

I'm sitting here, crying over a Cairn being groomed. My goodness, how that video captures the change in Prissy and the change in your relationship. Bless you for taking on the challenge and persevering with love. 

[remltr]

Sassy has never had the issues that Prissy had and she would not sit still for more than 10 seconds while being stripped. You and Prissy should be proud of yourselves for the progress you have made. Congratulations.

[pkcrossley]

oops i see, she's 3 years with you not three years old. could be the same principle. in that case, double double on the admiration. it means a lot to give these dogs a good life.