Marshall took another big leap of faith this week. It may not look big to some, but to me it was really special.
After I let the dogs out in the morning they all come in and have a treat. They get excited and jump around. Marshall has joined in that routine for a month or so now. He gets all worked up and jumps about and even crosses the wood floor for a treat. It’s been fun to watch him blossom.
For the past few weeks I’ve put him in the crate in my office but have left the door open as an invitation to come out and join us. Yesterday, as I sat at the computer, I noticed him investigating the open door, and then he quietly came out. I sat very still, but continued to type, so as not to change anything that might draw his attention. He came around the side of the crate and lay down on the carpet just beyond my desk. I was able to lean back in my chair to peep underneath and get this photo. He stayed there for about fifteen minutes. He was wary but OK. He finally got up and went back into the crate, which is his safety zone. 
The entire process was thrilling for me. He had the courage to trust, even if it was for only a short time, that he would be OK out among the rest of us.
Read or make comments for this article
If that's only as far as he gets out of the crate, it's a million miles.. What great progress he has made since living with you. You two make a perfect match.......