On this Thankful Thursday, I am most thankful for this incredible community of bloggers and others on social media who take the time to write their thoughts about issues that are weighing me down.
For some reason, Shyla has had a tougher time with her fears lately, and I've had a tougher time accepting them than I usually do. I guess that I want her to actually be as carefree as she appears when galloping in the mountains!
After writing about our "bad" morning when we had to hide in the forest from a big goofy Golden, we had another incident the next day. A pair were riding their horses with a dog running loose next to them. Their dog was very gregarious. However, his interest in Shyla led her to freeze in place, completely unable to move.
While trying to give Shyla support, I had a shouted conversation with the horseback riders who were watching their dog from a good distance away. I had shout the explanation that we could not move until they got their dog away from Shyla because Shyla was paralyzed with fear. Eventually, they did come and take their dog away from Shyla but not without a loud sigh and some unhappy muttering.
I'm sure that they thought that I was insane but I will stand up for Shyla even if people don't understand me or her.
After that, I came home to all of your thoughtful comments about living with a fearful dog. You bolstered my spirits immensely. You made me realize that, although each of these incidents feels huge, it's part of a much bigger life that is happy and loving. And, having empathy fatigue every now and then is normal!
Thank you, Blogville!
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Anytime &*> YAM xx
((((((((((gentle hugs))))))))))) to you both!
ReplyDeleteXO XO XO SHYLA XO XO XO
ReplyDeleteAstro
we love your blog and your pups and all the animals you bring to us. hugs and love to all 3 of you
ReplyDeleteI can tell, she is so worth the adjustments to keep her happy and safe. I hope she hasn't had any more scares this week.
ReplyDeleteYou do a fantastic job training and supporting both Shyla and R. If people don't understand Shyla's fears, that's probably because they've never had a fearful dog. I wouldn't call Toby fearful, but he is aloof. He doesn't often really want to cozy up to strangers and he really doesn't like kids who are loud and wild because they do scare him. I have learned not to feel bad about saying "No, you may not pet my dog." (It was hard, especially after hoping we could be a therapy team.)
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love the love and support from the blogging world.
ReplyDeleteBlogville is wonderful and so are you are your sweeties!
ReplyDeleteMolly has frozen in fear twice when larger dogs have approached her and touched her and thankfully didn't hurt her. It's not fun. We understand♥
ReplyDeleteBlogville is totally pawsome. Their love and support helps every day in a world of fear, noise and chaos. Never fur-get we're all in this...together. For each other. 😍
ReplyDeletePoor Shyla. Sounds like your mountains are busy at the moment.
ReplyDeleteBlogville rocks!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Blogville is the best for sharing love and support
ReplyDeletehugs
Hazel & Mabel
Blogville is all about sharing and caring! Thanks for all you and Shyla share!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Jakey & Arty
You knows we loves you! And don't ever care what other peeps think ~ Ma stopped caring a long time ago. She has had a couple of frightful doggies, and you have to do what is best for your dog, and everyone else can kiss my furry ass! (no, Ma doesn't have a furry ass..that was me...wells, I don't know honestly...I'm guessing....☺) Plus, it makes your doggie more relaxed too. We can sense these things. Since I don't like to be crowded by other doggies I don't know, I have to make special arrangements at the vettie for our appts. Do I care? no. not really. It's a reeeeeally small vet, and not much room, so it's just best for everybody. You do what you have to do for your doggie. I am sendin' lots of {{{hugs}}} and AireZens, and maybe a margarita for those peeps, sounds like they need one! wait...they don't deserve one! BOL!
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ruby ♥
Oh my - people can be such morons. Good for you for being Shyla's advocate - we all need that in life, especially our beloved pets! Sending lots of love from me and Indy here in Baltimore MD :):)
ReplyDeleteSo many dog owners are really clueless about dogs and if their dog has no fears, they don't seem to understand how a dog could have such terrible fears. It happens to me a lot. Mom says keep your dog away, my dog isn't comfortable around other dogs and they say no problem, he is friendly. What part of the English did they not understand. It's tough if your dog is not the "perfect" "normal" dog.
ReplyDeleteIt is so wonderful to have a place where we can share the good and bad of our dogs, and get support and understanding.
ReplyDelete