My sweet Kiki.. *2 pics*

[Cincy'sMom]

I'm sorry to hear Kiara is stillhaveing so many issues. We always want to be able to make things right immediately,unfortunately life ins't fair inthat regard.

When Cincy was about a year old we had her watching fireworks at my in-laws. She was fine the entire evening, until the the very last one. It wasn't as loud as the others, but something about it freaked her out. She pulled onthe leash so hard, she pulled me over and broke the chair I was sitting in and ran to hide inthe bushes (luckily my in-laws yard is fenced she couldn't run too far). When I got her back to me, it literally scared the crap out of her. For years afterward she was terribly afraid of lood noises, thunder, fireworks, lawn mower, you name it. Any many other things too, brooms, rakes, etc. We would force her to come to us when she was scared and investigate. If we were outside and it thundered and she ran to the door, we would make her come back to us and sit and then we would walk to the door together. It took 2-3 years, but she is now so brave about things. She never used to like it when we had a fire inthe fireplace, and now she will come sit with us even if we are near it. And when something does scare her, she runs to us, instead of away. It takes time and it is so hard to force them to face their fears when all you want to do is hug and soothe them, but when you finally get there, it is worth it.

I agree with the ideas of trying to get Kiara involved in a canine sport. Working together in agility, flyball or even obedience could really help you strengthen your bond with her and give her some confidence.

[cloverfdx]

Kay i am realy hoping things will start to improve for you both soon.. sending lots of positive vibes your way {{Hugs}}. I agree a class of some sort could realy help with building up confidence especially something fun like agility.. if you explain to them what has happened and take the classes at Kiara's pace i am sure the trainers would understand.

Those 2 photos are beautiful.. Kiki has the most soulful eyes .

[Giselle]

That's a good idea, cloverfdx! But since Kiara's so into tennis balls, how about flyball? I think Kiara would be a *star* at that. She's got the build for hurdles and she definitely has the drive for tennis balls! With a little encouragement and a bit of resocialization, I'm sure you two can help build up confidence and, eventually, things will fall back in place. Good luck to you guys!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Your post put me in tears, Kay. Although I can't say I've been through what you have with Kiara, but somehow I understand.
Wow, that was incredible rude of you uncle to say that!
Love you both, Kay!

[elizabethann]

I know this must be heartbreaking for you, Kay. I read in another post about your worries with her, and I can definitely understand your concern. I can't think of a better person than you to be with while she "heals", but maybe some outside, socialization, away from your pack, would be a good thing for her. It might reintroduce Kiara to the real world, but in a protected area, such as in an obedience class or agility class. I think Kiara, based on what we have seen, would be a GREAT agility dog, plus it would help her confidence so much.

Good luck, my friend. You, and Kiara, need to feel good again, about life. I'm sure you are going to find a way to get her comfortable.

Logan

I was thinking agility myself - something to build up her confidence.