In my belief, every animal we have bred to be our pets deserves a human companion who will love them unconditionally. Since we have brought them into existence, it is our responsibility to care for them. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting two remarkable clients, Jack and Dood, and despite initial fears and anxieties, our connection blossomed.
A Beautiful Day at St. Stephens Anglican Church:
On a picturesque day, I embarked on a walk with my delightful clients, Jack and Dood. Jack, a spirited MinPin and Chihuahua mix, and I go way back to my days on Salt Spring Island. Jack has always been his lively self, a tad noisy and hyper, but exceptionally well-behaved during our walks. This time, our adventure took us to the serene grounds of St. Stephens Anglican Church—an open and private space, free from distractions, allowing me to forge a strong bond with both dogs.
Jack's Unique Journey:
Jack, who has been experiencing a decline in eyesight, relies heavily on his hearing and sense of smell. It's truly remarkable how adeptly he navigates his surroundings. During our walk, Jack even ventured off-leash, confidently following the scents that captured his curiosity. We were amazed when he effortlessly found his way back to the vehicle, leading us on the path back home!
Dood's Tale of Trust:
Dood, on the other hand, presented a different challenge. When I first arrived to pick them up, he displayed fear and even nipped at my hands. Understandably, as a new person in his life, he needed to gauge my trustworthiness. Gradually, I approached him with caution, settling down nearby in a calm manner. After a few minutes, he allowed me to pick him up, albeit with some vocal protests. In my arms, he felt safe, but once I placed him in the car, we had to start from scratch. This cycle repeated when we reached the park, but I anticipated this behavior.
Dood's Intelligent Discovery:
Dood's intelligence shone through as he observed how I interacted with Jack. After approximately 15 minutes, while I was crouching down to inspect what Jack was sniffing in the grass (just in case it was something he shouldn't eat), I extended my arms and called out to Dood. Surprisingly, Dood approached me, albeit with his head down (as shown in Image 2 above). With a single gesture and the sound of his name, he cautiously made his way toward me. Encouraging his progress with kind words, I witnessed a spark of interest as he started trotting closer. Although still uncertain, his head held low, he displayed a willingness to give me a chance. That precious moment, captured in the image above, marked the turning point. He allowed me to pet him and even rolled over onto his back, revealing vulnerability and trust. Then, much to my surprise, he playfully lunged at me, only to scamper away and return for another round. He wanted to engage in play!
The Journey Continues:
Although the momentary breakthrough was brief, it transformed Dood's perception of me. He shed his fear and began to listen attentively to my every word. During the car ride back home, he even claimed the middle seat, fixating his gaze upon me throughout the journey.
A Successful First Walk:
In summary, our first walk exceeded all expectations and the journey continued getting better day by day!
Up Next Week:
Embracing Serendipity with Sadie: A Journey of Pet Care and Personal Discovery
Share Your Thoughts:
If you have a furry companion in your life, take a moment to reflect on the bond you share. How can you strengthen your connection and provide them with unconditional love? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's celebrate the remarkable relationships we have with our pets and continue to be responsible and loving caregivers. 👇👇👇
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