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Monday, June 22, 2020

The Hachi Chronicle

Hachi had a big breakthrough this week.

For Hachi's lifetime, we've had someone help with cleaning every couple of weeks. She, or other workers in the house, completely freak him out. They are very nice people but Hachi has not been able to accept that outsiders might come into the house and roam freely as they work. His response has been to bark hysterically and not ever calm down - even if the people are in the house all day long.

To give you an idea of how bad it has been, we've gone so far as to use a sedative to help him get through days with outsiders working in the house.

When the pandemic started, we canceled every outsider coming into the house... until last week. After more than 3 months of no outsiders in the house, someone spent last Wednesday here.

Drum roll please.... Hachi was fine with it. He spent the day up in the Runner's loft office, and he was quiet the whole time. I thought that maybe he was "shut down" (i.e., scared but not expressing it) but he definitely was not. He had a happy play session with me in the midst of it and then after the person was gone.
Maybe the long break from having visitors stress him helped. Or maybe he's starting to learn.

Now is the moment to remind myself that this is not a linear process. Hachi may not be as fine with the next outsider in the house. However, this week's breakthrough gives me hope.

As these photos show, Shyla and Hachi still love to play when we can find a time and place of solitude to cut them loose. 

We love our Hachi.

21 comments:

  1. After reading this Hatchi report the only thing that popped into my head at first was the plot thickens! Now I am wondering just why he was so happy and did not bark and I do hope that he has learned and when people come he does not bark. He is one of the most beautiful dogs I've ever seen

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  2. that are super news...maybe it will become a habit to show nos signs of stree when intruders enter your house? that would be fab!!!

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  3. Hari OM
    Now that's the kind of news we need to start the week!!! YAM xx

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  4. That's great news. Well done Hachi!

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  5. You are so right about the non-linear thing. And as momentarily devastating as the disappointments can be, the reward of a joyful success can keep us going!

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  6. What great news and we love the photos of you romping with Shyla, Hachi!

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  7. Yippee what wonderful news.....Hachi we won't even wonder why just be thankful...and best of all you guarded the runner in case the came upstairs.
    Hugs Cecilia

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  8. Super news! What a lovely surprise!

    Cheers,
    Chris from Boise

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  9. Awww, so precious.

    Have a woof woof day and week. My best to your mom. ♥

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  10. This such wonderful news about Hachi. It's just another hurdle in life that you all got through. We love seeing them running in the fields together. Thanks for sharing. Have a great rest of your day.
    World of Animals

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  11. All your hard work is paying off! That is wonderful! I remember the first time we had company for dinner and the dogs were great with them. Such a great feeling!

    Keep up the good work!

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  12. Hooray for Hachi! We hope this break through continues for the next stranger. He sure looks happy playing with Shyla.

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  13. That really is a big step and we hope it continues! Love the running duo!

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  14. All I can say is YAY and may it be a new way of being for Hachi.

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  15. YAY for Hachi. Every day with good results is a great day!!!

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  16. That is such wonderful news. Hopefully it wasn't a fluke and he will continue to be alright with people in the house.

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  17. OMD, that is FABulous news!!!! Way to go Hachi!!! I'll keep my paws crossed that you will tap into that inner zen again!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  18. That's 'pawsome' progress! Way to go, Hachi!

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  19. They couldn't look any happier. So glad for the calmness.

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  20. Take every win you can get!! Good job, Hachi! ♥
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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