I think Beckett suffers from a bad case of vanity. Although we've been trying to do a number of things at once in our lives, we have had to work everything around how it would influence Beckett's routine. It seems odd but in a lot of ways, a child was much easier to accommodate. In Beckett's case, he is so sensitive about his whole surroundings that nothing is considered 'normal' to him. It's just a case of feeling someone less threatened.
As you can see here, the dog kennel is connected to the screened in covered porch, which is in turn connected to the doggy door we purchased especially for Beckett knowing he was may be cold if left outside. Once inside the patio door, we have a dog fence setup that allows Beckett to nestle on his pillow beside the fireplace.
Before we moved to the cottage there was a lot of back and forth to get the cottage ready. There were also those days of 'repairs' that had to take place before we could move in. Winter's cold played against our piping system and a few had to be repaired along with a new dishwasher installed. All this while the patio/kennel was being constructed!
In the midst of this, we knew Beckett had to get his coat cut short because of the 'clean' problems he was beginning to experience and we were unable to help clean him. Then there was the issue of the mud that would be experienced in the country. As you can see from the photos, Beckett was not amused by the outcome.
In reality, we had to take him to the vet's to be clipped because we knew a regular groomer wouldn't be able to deal with his fears. Hell, we can hardly deal with his fears!
Anyway, we dropped him off in the morning, he was sedated and then groomed. Apparently he wasn't too bad with the clipping part but even under sedation, he freaked out as they tried to put him in a tub for a bath. It was nice of them to clip him but in all reality, he didn't need to be put in a bath if he didn't want to go. Needless to say, this has taken him back to almost step one.
We came home last evening to a major mess. Beckett has realized he has the ability to jump up and get things off the table. I've lost all of my invoices for the construction I've done so therefore my tax deductions for this year. Darrin's cell phone was chewed up but somehow still works. Today I've put the web cam on and set it on motion detection. I do have one of him from the first day he was left alone all day. He spent the day playing with his toys and digging up dirt in his kennel.. all looking like he was having fun. Now I suspect he is having anxiety issues. I am stopping up at the vet's today to get his medication. I'm finding my patience is growing short and it takes all my strength to just leave the room calmly so Darrin can deal with Beckett from time to time.
This weekend we have friends showing up for the weekend with their two playful dogs. I am hoping that seeing these dogs playing with us will remove some of the fear that has crept back into Beckett's attitude.
It is also getting to be a major drag with the rain having been ongoing for two weeks straight and trying to get the horse's shelter constructed in the mud every weekend and in the evenings. My time for their arrival is almost upon me too. Beckett will have to stay in a 'hold' pattern for a few days while I divert my attention to this need. It may also provide me with the break from him that I need at the moment. I wonder how many other adoptive homes experience what we're going through or if this little guy is unique in his situation. I do wish I knew what was done to him so I could counteract or at least not provoke reactions.
In reality, we had to take him to the vet's to be clipped because we knew a regular groomer wouldn't be able to deal with his fears. Hell, we can hardly deal with his fears! 
