Bear
and Delma
Bear had long wanted to go visit Sam's kennel, but with the new job and working overtime, he just hasn't had the chance to go on a weekday, which is the only time to visit since Sam always seems to be gone on weekends. Finally, Bear was put on the shift he requested from the beginning - 11:30 PM to 7:00 AM. He loves it, because it allows him to do many more things he wants to do and he doesn't seem to have trouble sleeping between his projects.
Finally, one Tuesday, we made the long anticipated visit to Sam's kennel and saw large paddocks filled with magnificent Irish Wolfhounds!
We were introduced to Delma, a beautiful three year old showable female whom Sam had decided not to breed because he is moving away from her bloodlines. He said we could keep her if we wanted to. Bear climbed in the back of the truck and rode all the way home stroking and talking to Delma while I drove.
Unfortunately, Delma won't eat or drink much. Bear curled up next to her and slept with her on the kitchen floor for the first week. One night, I went in the kitchen and put a pillow under his head. Delma is absolutely no trouble - except that she tried to climb out of the yard - but she has had no accidents in the house, makes no attempt to scratch at doors and makes no noise. The only thing is that is hard is to work around her in the middle of the kitchen floor if you are trying to cook! She is obviously grieving at having left home and 7 days later, it seemed we'd just have to return her for her own good. Very sad. Bear has jumped through hoops to make her comfortable and happy.
Apparently all is not lost with Delma! I called Sam last (2/27) night to tell him about Delma and how worried we were, particularly that she wasn't drinking much, and he said this is not unusual for the breed and to give her another three weeks. She won't let herself starve to death either! While I was on the phone with him, Bear was with her in the kitchen and came to tell me that Delma had just had a big drink! Bear and I REALLY didn't want to have to take her back. She really isn't any trouble, but we were so sad for her. When Sam said not to return her, Bear was ecstatic! He is still sleeping with her on the kitchen floor and if you think it is hard to cook, etc., with a couple of Corgis and kids in the kitchen, just try with an Irish Wolfhound and a huge Bear stretched out in the middle of the floor!!!!!!!!!! Not that I spend much time cooking, but I did make chicken soup last night. So today, Bear is lavishing attention on Delma with renewed hope and enthusiasm. Now the next thing to work out is taking care of Delma while Bear is away on a youth retreat this Friday, Saturday and Sunday! He's afraid she may pull me over if I try to walk her, so he arranged for my kennel helper who has horses to do the walking. He figures if she can handle horses, she should be able to handle the dog! We are afraid to let her loose in the yard until she feels more at home, especially since she tried to get over the fence.
When Bear returned from the weekend, Delma seemed to have regressed almost to day one again. No eating. Bear puts little piles of kibble on the floor under Delma's nose or drops a little trail on the way to the food dish, which is elevated. He also acquired a supply of Vitagravy, which Bear pronounced tasty before he put some on Delma's food. Delma does eat a little, but always seemed to leave about 15 kibbles in the bowl. Bear gave her a little bit more each day and she always left about 15 kibbles in the bowl! This was working nicely until Bear went away, so I guess the same routine will have to be repeated.
Eventually, Delma just pined away and had to go back home. 
