The ongoing saga of Snowflake. Progress is made!
Looking back over my posts about Snowflake I'm amazed that it's only been 4 weeks. Only 4 frustrating and crazy making weeks.
She still hasn't divorced herself from the unoccupied single wide trailer house but at this point I visit with her first thing in the morning and then follow her back to my house for breakfast. She's no longer afraid of the guard dogs next door (they're really sweet dogs, just have a job to do) and waits patiently for me to provide kibble. We commune for a few hours as she plays pounce-n-run with Jack and both of them bark at the guard dogs through the fence (Jack more than her).
When she's ready to go 'home' I put the retractable leash on her and we walk together back to the vacant trailer where I take her off the leash and head back to my place just in time to meet her there. She and I have come to terms on the leash; I can't lead or put any pressure on the leash and she will walk next to me as long as it's her idea. She will on occasion come back late at night or early in the morning and if I haven't left the gate open dig under the fence to get into my yard. I don't leave food out 'cause I'm not fond of feeding the raccoons (no offense meant Rocky) besides I want her to associate with me.
We had the opportunity to meet my neighbor today and she behaved like a normal dog, not afraid or reticent to be touched and petted. All this in only 4 weeks.
This is a particularly dangerous time for her. She's no longer hiding under the vacant trailer and traveling the two blocks or so back and fourth to my place. If animal control gets a complaint on a stray dog she's history. I don't think that will happen as she doesn't threaten other dogs, cats or even the pet rabbit that routinely is out in the yard across the street.
Next big hurdle is a bath and OMG she needs one! Then getting her into my two seat sports car for a trip to the low cost vet in Weatherford, 30 miles away, for rabies and a heart worm test.
It will be another couple of weeks I think. She's terrified of cars, moving or stationary.
She can't stay with me forever. She needs a farm or someplace with acreage and a family or livestock to guard. She cannot be fenced in which explains the rope burns on her neck from her previous owner trying to contain her.
It is a work in progress, wish me (and her) luck.
= new reply since forum marked as read
You're doing a wonderful thing, all dogs need love and care. I've adopted dogs from rescue and my beloved Barney (adopted him at age 10 or 11, had him for 8 precious years) had never lived with people and was also terrified of cars, didn't even like to walk past one - but he got used to them over time. It just takes time and patience, which you've certainly given her. 
