Micheline's first night went well.

 Thursday, January 14, 2021

We picked up our 1st ACE shelter dog Micheline yesterday. Because she is scared we were asked to bring a crate. That had to be arranged just as quickly. Check! Despite the fact that it is certainly not our first relocation company, and in actually the 3rd ACE-er, it is still exciting. How big is she, do we have the right size harness, collar, is the crate too big / too small, etc etc. The collection was super good and corona-proof, all arranged by the ACE team. Compliments!

Then we have to wait. And there she came… in “harness” in the crate. "Here is your little princess" said the ACE volunteer and those were exactly the words that came to mind. Two insecure eyes and a fragile body (which sat upright in an almost stately way) filled less than a quarter of my crate. I got my bag with straps, collar and safety harness onto her neatly. They were a few sizes too big. Fortunately, we were prepared for that and she was still safe.

The arrival in Tilburg took some time and patience. She was devastated by the whole journey. Still, after a while she came to sniff around and get to know her new people. After the perfect introduction to ACE Labrador Ayla, you saw her thaw. She followed every move from the corner of her crate. We were surprised that after a long time she got out of her crate herself and started exploring. Ayla was very nice to her and she immediately took to her. 

In the meantime she has already tried every basket and bench and has eaten. She spent the night in Ayla's favorite basket; which is the largest and has an extra duvet. She follows everything from a distance and then carefully approaches her and then shoots away again. Her biggest challenge will soon be walking on a leash. She finds the line very scary. We will slowly build that up. The rest will be fine too. She does not bark, is not startled by sounds or sudden movements, and also seeks contact with the master of the house. A very good start, and once again the confirmation that these kinds of dogs need their own warm home and patient guidance.

Greetings, Angelique

For more information about Micheline, please click on her name.