A local shelter gave me a yard enclosure with a view and a red dot on my door to alert visitors not to enter without an approved staff member. I had trust issues. After working with me for a while, Mikie learned that I like to choose my human and dog friends, but she knew there was a loving dog underneath this fear, and she gave me a chance to show that side of myself.
Mikie spent the time with me to learn what I need to be happy. When my adopters came to the shelter to meet me for the first time, Mikie gave them instructions specifically for me, like to be calm, let me come to you, don’t reach to touch me, and hold my treats in an open hand by your side. When I lean against you, you can pet, but not my head, please. If I turn my head away, stop petting me. I needed time to learn to trust our relationship.
I checked out the woman first and she passed the test. I wasn’t as comfortable with the man, although he did follow instructions. They wanted a few days to make a decision.
They weren’t sure my needs were a match for their life. Time passed. Fortunately, they asked for a second chance with me. They had more questions for Mikie, who was one of the people I trusted most because she knew what I needed. Mikie showed me how to walk a dog ramp to get into a car so we could go for walks at a park with my adopters. They asked for me to have a bath when we all decided I could go home with them, and I had a wonderful bath the day before I left the shelter.
Just because I left the shelter didn’t mean I didn’t have Mikie to help me anymore. Not long after I was adopted, she helped with my first vet appointment. She visited a couple times.
A year has passed. Mikie and another friend, Michael, visit us once a week for more training. We are taking walks to modify behavior. Sometimes I still pull and lunge toward a dog, but we are all working together, working toward the day I can greet other dogs calmly. It is okay, because I was allowed to develop the relationship with my people at my pace, and I trust them. I trust Mikie and Michael because they helped me meet people at my own pace. They continue to bring out the best in me.
Max, Becky and Tom
