It appears her attachment to your maids is just familiarity, going to what and who she feels is more normal to her. You have made great strides with her, and I feel you will get there again.
I am serious about the showing of teeth, as it happened with my dog. If you have a tennis racket to keep near you just to block her if she tries to bite, you could start teaching her about human smiling and showing teeth, but talk her through it. Offer her treats when she is non reactive, work a few minutes at a time and end on a good note. Always tell her 'Good Dog!' when she does what you expect. It's really going to take time, and this is just a temporary set back.
When she licks you when you come home, praise her alot. Reward any good behavior you see.
How does she react if you wear sunglasses? She won't be able to see your eyes and won't know if you're looking at her or not. This may be good or bad, but maybe worth trying.
She seems to have felt threatened by you, so she's avoiding your stare. Only look at her for a second then look away, to show her you are not trying to threaten her. As she becomes more accepting, increase the time you actually look at her. Like glance at her, then look away, then glance again, and look away. Don't try to hold a gaze with her.
I also would not approach her while she is sleeping, until you can trust her more. Maybe never. My male will attack if he is woken up abruptly. Bite first, see who it is second. So I am sure to gently wake him up before I do anything else to him.
Also, I would wear a Tshirt to bed and all day for 2-3 days, then put it in her bed. This will make her become familiar with your scent and should ease her anxiety a bit.
Always eat before you feed her. Masters eat first, so this could help reinforce this idea in her mind.
If you choose to let her be with the maids, I think it might be best if you were there too. I don't think it will really hurt your relationship, maybe make it a reward for something she does right. I would limit the time though if possible. There is no reason she can't learn to accept you as she does the maids, it will just take time and consistancy.
If it all becomes too much or things get worse, maybe see if the favorite maid would want to care for her. I'm assuming the maids are live-in (?) That way you could still oversee her care and know she is being treated properly. And maybe rescue a buddy for her that doesn't come with as much baggage...
I still do think you have a good chance of bonding with her. My male took eight months before he would finally trust me completely, and bond with me, but I don't think he had anywhere near the issues your little one has. I almost gave up on him, I thought he was just a non-licking, disinterested type of Yorkie. But then the day came when he finally kissed me on the cheek! I cried I was so happy! I said 'So you do have a tongue in there!'
Now, I can't get him to stop! (Be careful what you wish for)
I adopted a Himalayan cat 2 years ago from the Humane Society. He had lived with us a few weeks before my Mother in Law came to visit. He tolerated me, but when he saw her, he ran and jumped on her lap to be petted. Never did that with me, and still hasn't. I feel bad keeping him, (I just love him to bits) but he seems so at home with her I almost feel cruel keeping him! She's not in a position to keep a cat, but I wonder what I would do if she was. He has since started to warm up to me, but it's still nothing like how he reacts to her. I'm so jealous! |