Sometimes I use a flower analogy for Hachi. He has spent most of his life so afraid that he's been closed off like a flower bud. Now, he's learning to relax despite the hills and valleys of life so he is just starting to open up and blossom. I thought of him today when I found a forest lily just starting to open.
It feels as if the solitude of the pandemic has been good for Hachi. Life has mostly followed a set routine. Many days, no strangers appear in his world. He is secure and happy. He gets to play with his sister most days, which makes him joyful.
Some things still throw him off his stride like a short camping trip or the "stress" that he seems to feel when a fun event is about to occur. For example, although he's relaxed about letting us put on his harness for most of the day, it really stresses him for us to put on his harness just before our evening hike. We are learning that we need to adapt when we notice an oddity like that one. Forcing it won't help but putting on his harness an hour ahead of time will help.
Who wouldn't be super excited (and perhaps a bit too hyped) when they know that they'll get to run like this in a few minutes?
We are continuing to feel as if Hachi is improving by leaps and bounds. The loving part of his demeanor and the hilarious side of his personality are shining through.
We love our Hachi.
absolutely!!!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteI'd get excited if I thought I could run like that!!! YAM xx
That Is One Very Odd Dog - I Don't Mean That As An Awful Thing To Say - My Dogs Would Go Ape Sh*T When The Harness Would Appear - After They Ran Circles In The Kitchen With Pure Excitement, They "Graciously" Allowed Me To Strap On Their Harness - Proud Of You Humans And Please With The Progress Here
ReplyDeleteCheers
P.S. Good Boy BLK Dog
Most dogs are just like yours about any sign of a walk, even if it involves putting on a harness. It has taken us a long time to learn about Hachi. For him, the fear of many things is so great that it can drown out even the upcoming fun of a hike or the deliciousness of an awesome treat. I've never known a dog like him before (and he's our 8th dog!). We are learning how to help him but it's been a slow process that is definitely still underway.
DeleteRunning and playing with Shyla makes putting on your harness so well worth it, Hachi!
ReplyDeleteWe all love hockey and he is such a beautiful happy go lucky dog and I'm so glad that he found you because you know how to treat him and how not to treat him. With another person he would have been a different dog I'm not a good that you're doing
ReplyDeleteAwww, I love Hachi too. He's come a long way and so have you. Looks like you've met in the middle. Excellent.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and week. Scritches to the pups. ♥
what a perfect analogy. Even if Hachi IS much more beautiful than a flower! Always glad to hear a good report.
ReplyDeleteGo Hachi Go...bloom and flourish and love your day to day fun
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
It's good to hear Hachi is mostly doing so well and you are learning how to handle his stress. He and Shyla sure look like they are having a fun time playing together.
ReplyDeleteHachi is such a cutie guy and we're so happy he has you to help guide his life!
ReplyDeleteHachi has the very best home he could ever have hoped for. You are just what he needed.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure a routine is a good thing, especially for him. Dogs love routines and fearful ones even more.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing your boy romp with his 'big sister' in the flowers. Keep up the good work getting him to enjoy his life.
ReplyDeleteHachi's progress is amazing, and it's all due to your love and understanding of him. ♥
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets