Keeping the Focus

Today, after I did a snow bike ride with Shyla, I headed out on the road to search for other trails that were packed down. As I rode toward a trailhead, I noticed lots of large dog tracks crossing our "main" road. The tracks were big enough that I stopped to check if they were mountain lion tracks. The elongate paw shape and long blunt nails told me it was a dog.

After checking out the trailhead, I turned around and retraced my route toward home. In the area where I'd seen all the dog tracks, a large tripawd husky mix ran across the road in front of me. I screeched to a halt and tried to make friends with the dog, hoping to get her home. She had a beautiful black and white mask on her face, and she negotiated the deep snow with grace despite having only one hind leg. Unfortunately, she was skittish and wouldn't come near me to let me help her.

So I pedaled home, and I sent out an email to our local network asking if anyone knew about the dog. I quickly received a reply, and someone the dog trusts went to find her. I later learned that she's being fostered while some individuals try to find a home for her. She lost a hind leg to a coyote snare as a very young dog, had a bad early life, and is just learning to trust a few humans. She's only two years old and has lots of potential. The final question was: Did I want to adopt her or know anyone who would like to? That was a surprise.

Sadly, the answer has to be "no" to us adopting her. We can't handle another dog who has socialization and fear issues. Shyla needs as much attention as we can possibly give her. Even if we were looking for another dog, we don't have the energy and time to work with another fearful dog who needs socialization. But, the whole scenario tugged at my heartstrings.

I've written frequently about how far Shyla has come in overcoming her fears. And she has. But, the truth, I've learned, is that deeply ingrained fears don't just evaporate and disappear without a trace. I still stay on my toes all the time, watching out for dogs who might bully her or people who might accidentally overwhelm her. These incidents still leave lasting marks on Shyla although I try very hard to prevent them from happening.

Just this morning, we saw a dog who has snarled and snapped at Shyla in the past. That dog was very well behaved this morning, mostly ignoring Shyla. But, while the dog was nearby, I went over to squat next to Shyla with my hand on her shoulder, and I could feel her tremble. It takes courage for her to stand strong in a seemingly innocuous situation like that one.

I don't mean to denigrate the progress she's made in learning to live happily in our world. It's amazing. And, I'm so honored that she trusts me (and the rest of our pack) to stand by her and help her when needed.

I sure hope that the Husky mix finds a home where she can learn to trust more humans and be happy. I believe that Shyla has succeeded on that front. We love Shyla's sensitive nature - and that sensitivity is what makes her susceptible to being fearful. We love her for who she is, including her sensitivity and all its side effects.

I wish for the same for all the dogs out there waiting to find homes. I wish we could help that Husky mix, but alas, my better judgement says that we need to keep our focus on our Duo.