Conquering Fears

I'm so proud of Bailey this week. She was asked by one of our good friends to dog sit for 3 days. This was a huge task for Bailey both mentally and physically. When Bailey was 3 and we were living in Texas she was attacked (not hurt thankfully) by a neighbors dog. I remember the day so clearly. I was standing in the drive way watching Bailey ride her tricycle in front of our neighbors house. The neighbors had a dog which was chained up most of its life. When they released her from the chain they also released all her pent up energy and frustration and want for freedom and interaction with others. Well, they let her out and she set her sights on Bailey. It was like in the movies when they want to add drama to a scene, everything goes into slow motion. I knew I couldn't get to her before the dog and I just started yelling and running toward her. The dog pounced on her and knocked her to the ground then started jumping on her. The dog's intention was to play but it had the wrong effect. By the time I reached her she was shaking and became white, even her lips, and I realized I hadn't heard a peep from her because she was so scared.

Bailey loves dogs but ever since then she is very jumpy and nervous around them. Just last year we came into contact with an large energetic dog whose owner we didn't know that had Bailey in tears.

Well, meet Roxy! She is a border collie and just about the sweetest dog on the face of the earth, well next to Adah, Chip and Bennie of course.


Bailey has taken full responsibility of Roxy this week, the good and the bad responsibilities. They have played (hard), hung out on the balcony while Roxy sleeps and Bailey reads all the while petting her for comfort. She has fed and watered her faithfully. AND she has done all the potty responsibility without one complaint. As she heads out for the potty walk, Bailey gets prepared by putting her pooper scooper in her pocket and off they go. She even woke in the middle of the night just to check on her. This morning Roxy woke us before 6:00 am with the need for outside time. Bailey stretched, rubbed her eyes, put on her flip flops and said, "Let's go!" even while Mark was standing there ready to do it for her. Even Roxy knows who her caregiver is while she is here and goes to Bailey for attention.

Bailey, good for you. There are not many people who will step up and conquer fears that are so intense they are nearly paralyzing but you did it and did it at the age of 9! Roxy and Bailey rock!

And if any of you are even a bit curious as to how I survived the 3 days . . . rest assured. So far no accidents in my house and I have not had to do any bathroom duty. Sweet!