Miss Stella Mae

Stella is a funny dog – human-like in many respects, and so obviously female. She was tiny when we got her, but from the beginning had no problem keeping up with Milo, and was soon putting him in his place. Milo fell in love instantly, and would give us these looks as if to say, “Wow, she’s for me?”

Immediately, it was obvious that she had her own personality quirks. The television fascinated her, and we’d watch her tilt her head as if she understood every word of those complicated dialogues. Wildlife documentaries are always good for amusement – Stella watches TV, and we watch Stella. Whistling will put her into a face-kissing frenzy, and when she wants attention, she will bat at your arm relentlessly with her paw.

We had a bit of a scare (ok a huge scare) with Stella at 16 weeks of age. We had been working on leash training, and Niri took Stella out for her daily walk around the block. As they headed down the sidewalk, they didn’t give a second thought to the woman walking the black lab, who was happily wagging his tail. As the two passed on the sidewalk just around the corner from our home, Bo bent down and picked up Stella in his mouth. Between the two of them, they finally pried her free. It was obviously serious.

Stella spent three days in an oxygen chamber at The Animal Emergency Clinic, and the veterinarians weren’t sure she’d make it. They diagnosed her with severe pulmonary contusions, and she’d had some internal bleeding. We’d visit her every night after work and I would sob uncontrollably. She pulled through with flying colors, and within no time was keeping up with Milo.

Working diligently with Stella became a high priority. Her psyche was slower to heal than her wounds, and if left unchecked, could have resulted in a fearful disposition. We’d walk her with a bag of tiny shreds of chicken, and anytime another dog was within view, she’d get a treat. The cowering, fearful behavior at the sight of other dogs gradually diminished, and within a couple of months was gone completely. Miraculously, with some diligence from us, and some puppy classes from Positive Approach, she emerged from this completely unscathed.

We were fortunate in so many ways, and this incident had us counting our blessings. We could not have imagined more compassionate and responsible dog owners as those who own Bo. We laughed about how it was undoubtedly the strangest ways we’d met nice people. They had only recently adopted Bo to save him from a miserable existence, and suddenly, their world was in a state of upheaval, wondering if they could keep the dog they were trying to save.

In the end, everything turned out well for all involved.  After much training, Bo was able to stay in his new loving home, and Stella recovered fully.  We are eternally thankful, as this event could have easily led to a less than happy ending.