Expert: Delores Beck - 2/20/2009

Question
Lilly is a breeder release from a puppy mill. The mill said she was 3 yrs old but the vet says 7-9yrs. She was badly treated and the post partum depression must be intense. I'm her first owner but she is housebroken, well behaved and leashed trained.  Don't know how they did it. don't think I want to.  Due to untreated ear infections she is deaf. She came here 9 mo ago. I never had a dog before. Didn't know that she was deaf until the morning before she was to be delivered. She was totally terrified. It took almost 2 months before she didn't back into her corner when I came in the bedroom. 3 months before she took a treat from my hand. Now after 9 months she still cringes when I come near her but she will let me pet her outside of the bedroom. She has improved so much. She seems very content in her corner and will come out when asked. I'm wondering if I should close the bedroom door and force her to stay out of the room. This is my sister's insistant statement. i think that lilly should be left to do what she wants. someday she'll come out for long periods of time but it shouldn't be forced. I take her outside 4X/day. We are on 3 acres of land. But she's always happiest in her corner. Am I doing okay? She will smell other people's hands but won't let them pet her.

Answer
Hi Judy,
Would you write me directly at DeeBeck7765@aol.com.

I'm very happy you're homecooking but would just like to go over what needs to be added to homemade food.

And would like to discuss her ear issues.
Delores