I grabbed onto things that I could perceive. First, I listened for sounds. A road was not too far away, and I oriented myself using car sounds. I was off my bike and walking because I couldn't see far enough ahead to safely ride. Next, I saw this fence. That was a very welcome sight because it meant that I was almost to the edge of the meadow!
It felt a bit like a metaphor for life. We all want our lives to be as clear as a bluebird day with all the coming steps and long-term goals being obvious.
But life doesn't tend to be that way. I remember our shock and confusion when Hachi started behaving aggressively toward R last spring. They'd been so close up until that point that our heads were reeling. Prior to that, they always liked to be close together, even snuggling. (This photo is from last March. Sadly, I doubt that we will see this scene again.)
It was one of the more disorienting periods in our life because we'd fully expected a dog pack who would get along peacefully. But, like on that foggy day in the meadow, we grasped onto any guides that we could find - as we tried to navigate a world that we had never been in previously. We were so fortunate to have resources to help us - a good friend who is experienced with situations like this one and excellent dog behavior veterinarians.
And that is what I am thankful for today - the help that we found as we devised a plan for keeping Hachi in our family. Now, we know that we can keep all three dogs safe so our goal has evolved. Now we want to rehab Hachi as much as we possibly can. We've already come so far that who knows where we will end up? That is the hard part - not knowing, like in a huge foggy meadow.
Thanks to all of you who have offered support over the past year. And thanks to Brian for hosting the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.
The white-out shots are so beautiful but so scary to be outside in. Hachi is loved♥
ReplyDeletethat is scary when you get lost in the fog...wow... and we are so glad to see this photo of hachi and r together...
ReplyDeleteWhat a scary time it must have been to try to navigate in that storm. Just like the storm you are navigating Hachi through his life and teaching him that life isn't so scary.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly kept your wits about you in the white out. I'm not so sure I'd have been quite so chill.
ReplyDeleteHachi is fortunate as well, to have found your family. Life would likely have been much different for him if he had not.
That sudden transition from snugglebuddy to unpredictable aggressor was the part I found most heartbreaking. I'm so SO relieved you've found ways to keep everyone safe and happy, and I hope Hachi's progress continues :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes the most difficult things seem out of reach but we all must keep reaching to find our happy. Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy. Who knows what will happen with Hachi, but you're doing everything you can. What a wonderful thankful.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous Thankful Thursday. Scritches to the pups. ♥
Hari OM
ReplyDelete...and I am thankful for knowing people like yourself who are prepared to work with Love and Heart and Logic and Determination... but most of all Love, of the capital 'ell' variety. YAM xx
What a wonderful post KB...you and Runner are dog whisperers...
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
What you describe is so true, so much like life. Sometimes we are enclosed in deep fog, and even darkness, but eventually we will come out into light again. Certainly something to be thankful for, and Hachi is a good example of that.
ReplyDeleteHave heard of 'white-outs' now I understand what they are.
ReplyDeleteLife can definitely be very much like that foggy meadow. Sometimes it takes longer than others to get that fog to lift, but it always does, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
We know from experience you will learn to adapt to the situation, and even though it may not be the dream you once had, it will still be wonderful and your love for each pup will make up for any sorrow.
ReplyDeleteIt is very disconcerting to find yourself confused in areas you know so well. I'm glad your time was not terribly long until you could reorient yourself and head safely on. It is interesting and very disappointing that Hachi turn so quickly after all those months of loving R. He is lucky you decided to work with him and help him stay in your home. Many people would have given up on him.
ReplyDeleteI think your angels were helping you through the fog just as they have helped your pups
ReplyDeleteMom remembers driving to work in the fog and how disorienting it is to not know exactly where you are. Hachi is so lucky to have such a dedicated family to help him
ReplyDeletehugs
Mabel & Hilda