Gratitude

Shyla and I went to our advanced dog training class yesterday. I find myself constantly astounded by her.

She loves meeting the people at our training class. She's learned that it's a safe place where people are always nice to her. In fact, she's even started jumping up when greeting some of them. With my previous dogs, there was absolutely nothing positive about them jumping on people. But, because of Shyla's background as a fearful dog, my trainer and I exchange a smile when she does it and gently guide her toward a more appropriate greeting style. She's learning fast.

Each class lasts an hour and is held in a public park or on a city street. Shyla always has about three short episodes of "fear" during the class. Most people wouldn't recognize the signs but I've learned to see them - her face gets tight, she sniffs the ground while ignoring the world around her, and her movements get jerkier. When she hits one of these rough patches, we walk away from the class and either play a fun game or chill out quietly. And, the phase passes in a few minutes (if I don't take a break at the first sign of fear, it just escalates). Sometimes I know what caused it, and sometimes I don't.

During the majority of class these days, Shyla sits by my side when the teacher is talking, seeking eye contact with me. She's not vigilantly swiveling her head around to scan for danger. Nope, not any more. Instead, I feel like she trusts me to watch out for her while she focuses on me.

Seeing her eyes focused on my eyes makes my heart swell with love. This little girl has come so far, and I've somehow earned her trust and love along the way.

After class, Shyla and I went for a little hike to unwind, and we had our second incredible sunset in a row. We can go months without seeing sunsets like these - and we've had two in a row!!! I am so thankful!

It seemed like a fitting ending to a day when I felt such gratitude for Shyla being part of our lives.