We got a call from Cricket’s groomer, last Friday, saying that she had a five-year-old Havanese female and would we want to meet her. She’d rescued the dog from a breeder, but then she realized she didn’t have the time and energy for another dog. We had asked her to keep her eyes open, and so, she thought of us.
My original plan was to wait until the end of my internship, in early August, to start looking for a dog, but the call came on Cricket’s eleventh birthday, about two weeks before the one year anniversary of Butterfly’s death, and I’d like to believe that the timing is a sign that she’s the one for us. Ellie is a breeding dog, like Miss B, with mainly white hair and a compact build, like Miss B, but she doesn’t really remind me of Butterfly. She reminds me more of Dobby, the house elf in Harry Potter, with her big eyes, and her fear of being hit, and her uncertainty about how to manage freedom.
Miss Ellie
Ellie checked a few boxes for me right away: smaller than Cricket, not a puppy but not a senior either, Havanese (hypoallergenic, non-shedding, good-tempered companion dogs). But we found out that Ellie had had her “barker” removed by the breeder, and was very skittish around humans, for a number of possible reasons. Mom was freaked out by the no “barker” idea, because, what is a dog without a bark?
We decided to go ahead and brought Cricket in for a haircut on Saturday morning, to turn her back into a recognizable dog, and to introduce her to Ellie and see if they could get along. Cricket sniffed Ellie and Ellie sniffed Cricket, and war didn’t break out, so we decided to take her home for a trial visit. The groomer gave us the supplies she’d already bought for Ellie, including cans of wet food, grain-free treats, wee wee pads and a doggy bed, plus her harness and leash. She said that, if we decided to keep her, we could pay her back for her spaying and shots, and then she’d be ours.
She doesn’t respond automatically to “Ellie,” so it’s unclear if that’s been her name all along or not. She has salt and pepper hair on her ears, and I thought “Pepper” might fit her, but Mom worried that it sounds too much like other “P” words, and could cause confusion, so we’re sticking with “Ellie.” She has a long back, and short legs, and her nose is longer than Cricket’s. Her ears sit up like pig tails, and her eyes are huge. She eats very quickly and would seemingly eat everything in the house, if we gave her a chance, so no more leaving kibble out for Cricket all day.
Early on, Ellie paced through the whole apartment, to check things out, and even went under Cricket’s couch, while Cricket watched, horrified. I think some message must have been sent, silently, that Ellie should never go under that couch again, because she has stayed clear.
We still have her in her harness all day, because the process of taking it off and putting it back on freaks her out. Even clipping on her leash for a walk terrifies her. She lets me pick her up, sometimes. Other times she turns away from me as if I am the bogey (wo)man from her nightmares.
“You’re so scary.”
She doesn’t know what to do with herself overnight yet. I’ve put her on my bed, but the slightest sound scares her off and she jumps to the floor and wanders through the apartment, using the living room rug as her wee wee pad, because she can’t remember that her wee wee pad is by the front door. We gently remind her where to pee, and clean up after her, and praise her when she pees outside, but I’m not sure she’s able to take it in yet. She’s started to play with toys, even pouncing on a ball when it was thrown for her. And every once in a while she gives us licks when we pet her head. She’s warmed up to Mom faster than to me, asking for uppies and sitting on her lap for a little while during the day, but I’m catching up.
“I love Grandma.”
Ellie is a gift, but I keep worrying that I didn’t choose her, and she just fell into my lap by luck. And I don’t trust luck, or fate, to do right by me. Part of my uneasiness is her uneasiness. She’s very skittish with humans, and when she stares at me, I worry that she’s scared of me, rather than interested. If I turn the page of a book, she stares at me, worried, but then she flops back down into her resting pose, where she looks almost at ease, stretching her legs and lifting her chin onto the rim of her bed.
“Excuse me, I’m stretching here.”
I’m sure I had second thoughts with Butterfly too when she first came home, with her health issues, and her tendency to shut down and not interact at first. But she was the right dog for me at that moment and the fact is, Ellie is going to blossom over time, and she will have her own lessons to teach me, and to teach Cricket. Butterfly taught us unconditional love, persistence, and resilience. I don’t know what Ellie will teach me, but I’m looking forward to finding out.
“Me too!”
Mom was right, though, the silence was eerie. Ellie didn’t bark at all at first. She listened to Cricket’s barking with interest, and/or fear, but she didn’t make a sound, just opened her mouth a little bit and closed it again. Mom thought she heard a high pitched bark one day, not from Cricket, but we weren’t sure. Then, Wednesday night, after my long day, I came home to Ellie and Cricket waiting for me at the door, both jumping up to greet me. And then, Ellie barked, again and again and again. Her bark is high pitched and light, as if she has a sore throat, but she has a lot to say and she wants to be heard.
“I just need to practice.”
There was one more sign. The first morning after Ellie’s first night with us, a brown butterfly came flying through the living room, flitting everywhere frantically, seeming to sniff the air, and sniff both dogs, to take stock of the situation. It made me think that maybe Miss Butterfly had sent her, to let us know that Ellie is the right one for us.
So, we wrote the check, and called the vet to have Ellie’s records transferred, and Ellie is officially ours. And I don’t even think Cricket minds, too much.
“Oy.”
rachelmankowitz 
She’s lovely! Welcome to the newest member of your sweet family ❤️
Thank you!
I read that a particular dog comes to you at a particular point in your life. I’ve never known why Scout was sent to me, but I’m so happy he’s here. I wonder and hope that that will be true for you and Ellie. Wishing you and Ellie and Cricket much happiness!
Thank you!
So glad about this. Somehow she seems to fit right in, poco a poco. She’ll get used to your terrifying habits of turning book pages and such. 😉
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She looks lovely
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Our Garnet has also been a puppy mill dog. For months she would only pee on concrete or rocks, obviously what she was used to. It has been 8 years and she’s a great dog. She slowly loosened up and learned how to love. It’s obvious that you and Ellie are already making strides. Good for you!!
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What a sweet little dog!
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She is gorgeous Rachel, I think you might be right, Butterfly was looking out for you. I had a little girl like that once and many times she brought me to tears because of the abuse she must have suffered. I put my hand near her to stroke her head and she wet herself. It was a difficult and emotional road but we had her for over seven years and she became a playful, loving dog who gave us so much pleasure and so much fun. It will take time, but I wish you years of love, and pleasure and lots of fun.
Thank you!
Ellie will settle down just fine. Have a look at your first photo of the darling at the groomer’s and have a look at the latter shots at home. Ellie is busting to be loved and to love back. All the rescued animals we have had (and continue to have) over the years, including our pet sheep Bertie, all of them have responded to kindness, consistency of human behaviour, physical contact and good food. The contact part is essential. Dogs do not like being patted on the head so if you pat Ellie on her neck or back and stroke gently and talk to her, the change in Ellie will amaze you.. Ellie will be just fine once she realises that there is nothing but love in your household. Dogs have such capacity for love. Good on you for rescuing a lost soul. I could kick (and do a lot worse) any person that abuses an animal.
Thank you!
I’m so glad you and Ellie found each other! You have experience with rescue dogs so you know that it can take a good long while for them to settle in and stop being fearful. I look forward to reading more about Ellie, especially as she begins to blossom!
She changes a little bit every day! I love it!
I have tears in my eyes. From where I sit, you’re the perfect match. Thank you for sharing your hearts with another doggie friend.
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She is a very cute dog. I wish you all well.
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I am in love long distance! Great news. Looking forward to her settling in further.
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I am sitting here waiting to hear that my schnauzer nephew Piper has made his final transition. Now you have me crying for a different reason, tears of happiness for you both. She’s beautiful and precious and damaged and perfect. God bless you both.
Thank you, and I’m so sorry about Piper.
Seems to me miss butterfly definitely approves. Such big beautiful eyes!! So happy you have found each other x
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Ellie looks right at home in the image captioned “Me too”. You seem to have garnered a welcomed and welcome new member of your household. I am pleased about that.
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Wonderful, touching story. Ellie has a home at last. Peace and blessings to all your household.
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I can’t wait to hear more about this story because I am just so sure it’ll work out. ❤
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You are welcome. It warms my heart when people rescue.
Oh this is so wonderful. So, lucky for all of you! It looks like the perfect fit.
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She sounds perfect–a gentle little girl who needs some gentle living with people who love her and think she’s special. What an adventure you’ve embarked on!
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Ellie should be fine. We got Kali from a rescue organization and she was “The Wylde Chylde”. She had been adopted before but returned because she was so wild. You had to make certain where she was if you opened a door to the outside because she is quick and Harriet Houdini. It took time but she gradually decided that she wasn’t being turned back in and she was staying. She’s wonderful now.
She’s making progress every day and it’s wonderful to see!
This makes me so happy! Her eyes are magical! Our first dog Jiffy Pop was a rescue at 4 years old, having been a stud dog. He was great, and had some of the things you’ve been noticing in Ellie. I think she’ll be fine and a wonderful addition to your family. Props to Cricket!
Thank you! Cricket has come a long way in her sisterly skills. Miss Butterfly would be proud.
What great news! Cricket said yes and so did butterfly 🙂 That has started my Sunday off beautifully!!
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Rachel, I believe in signs and I am sure that the butterfly was a sign! Love to all of you!
Laura
Thank you!
cutie…american shorthair 🐕 🐀 🐩 🐧 🦆🦆🦆 ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
Ellie knows love when she sees it…and she is looking at you, Rachel. Isn’t it strange that you were told her ‘barker’ had been removed? She was just saving it for the right person! Lucky you. Welcome home, little one.
Thank you! Hearing that little bark was fantastic!
Congratulations! Yay! It happens when it happens. I remember when we brought our cats home EVERY LITTLE NOISE seemed to freak them out. But I think it was because EVERYTHING was new, it was all just freaky. But eventually the every day everything we do kind of noises stopped freaking them out and now sometimes I wonder how they can sleep through some of our noises, but they do!
Good luck. And yay!
Thank you! She’s a very observant little girl, just like Cricket.
I am so glad it is working out!
I’m thrilled for you. So glad Miss Butterfly sent a messenger to convince you. The stretching picture says it all. Ellie will feel completely at home in no time. Bark, bark!
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I am so glad for you….. and Ellie……and your mom, ……..and oh yes Cricket!
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I’m so happy that Ellie has you for her family. I love that she is starting to feel comfortable.
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So cute! Enjoy every minute with her!
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Congratulations! What a beautiful, sweet girl. Don’t worry–nothing stands up to love, not even fear.
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Ellie seems like such a sweet girl, Rachel! I think she is the right dog for you and will make a wonderful addition to your family. I’m looking forward to reading more about Ellie and Cricket and hope it’s a happy transition for both to becoming sisters.
I hope so too! Thank you!
I don’t doubt that Ellie will blossom in your care, it must’ve been wonderful to hear her bark for the first time. Welcome home, Ellie. X
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Congratulations! I am so happy for you and for Ellie. ❤️🐶
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This brought tears – of joy, so much joy – to my eyes and filled me with so much happiness for all of you! I can’t wait to read about all of your escapades with this beautiful little heaven-sent pup … I’m sure she and Cricket will be the best of companions in no time. And skittishness, well, you get used to it over time, and it lessens too … my rescued boy from Kansas still has his moments after 6 years with us (and he was only in foster for 1 year) and we’ve never quite figured out some of those bizarre things that seem to set him off out of nowhere – we just roll with it as does he, and life is quite grand and loving after all.
Enjoy the journey of discovery with your new girl 💕
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She’s lovely! don’t worry: she’s sure to trust (and love) you, once she knows for sure you’re her friend! The very best of luck!
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a dog’s
world 🙂
Congrats to the new family member 🙂
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It’s butterfly’s way of letting you know she’s thinking of her family❤️ welcome home little one!
Thank you! I hope Butterfly knows that we are always thinking of her.
Good news. Good luck
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Oh! What a perfectly lovely dog!! She reminds me of Dobby too! Dobby was a great friend and so will Ellie!!
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From what I can see, Ellie looks perfect for you, and your current set-up. The love and friendship will come with time, once she understands she lives with you now, and learns to trust you. Breeding dogs are rarely socialised, and must have a lonely life of constantly having their pups taken away, ready for having more. She is lucky to have found you to care for her.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you!
We have two rescue dogs ourselves, and I am sure Ellie will keep unfolding like a flower 🌷!
She changes every day!
Congratulations on your new family member, Rachel! I know that our cherished rescue mutt Ellie B definitely approves.
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She is adorable ! Congratulations !!
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Sounds like Ellie is going to be a great addition. Each day she will trust you more and more and learn your routines
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Congrats! And welcome Ellie! I’ve found in my own dog filled life, the dog I need or that needs me usually comes when I least expect it. Ellie sounds like a sweetie whose found a great family 🙂
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Congratulations to all of you. Maybe you did not choose Ellie; maybe she chose you because she has something to teach you (and she knows you have something to teach her). All the best.
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Welcome home Ellie. You have found your perfect spot.
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Welcome home sweet Ellie, we wish you a very happy long life with Cricket, Rachel and Grandma! 🤗💖 xxx
Thank you!