14 Comments

Nan, this story made my heart sing ❤️ ♥️ Mostly because I can absolutely relate. My dog may have about 80 lbs on yours but she certainly has her share of fears and anxieties. I think its par for the course with rescues and I wouldn't have it any other way.

We, and all those who choose rescue dogs, are doing good in this world even if it's only showing one dog at a time that the world doesn't have to be so scary. 😊❤️

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Exactly. I honor her by following her lead, but I offer her structure and every meal she'll ever need and all the love I can give. She's my heart. I relate to her in a completely different way than I do to her brother, Hugo. He's a story for another time, and terribly neurotic in his own unique and endearing way. I love my pups! xo

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Dogs are so creative. What they create is happiness.

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You bet. And my pups are great little gurus. I learn so much from both of them.

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This is so beautiful and tender, Nan! Our animals are our mirrors - such a beautiful reminder of what it is to be liberated from trauma’s grip. I’m glad you both found each other, and that she gets to experience that liberation at your side. 💕

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Thanks, Kate. I think one of the reasons I gravitated to her so intensely was because I understand trauma, past and present. I was rather traumatized the day I met her, by something that happened a few weeks prior. I had just experienced several deep losses, and I needed a place to put my love. And yes, she's a mirror. I do see myself in her, but I don't think my anxiety or fear was as close to the surface. Dogs and cats are much more honest. No facades there. What you see is what you get, or better, who you see is who you get. I love who I got. She's a dream girl.

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She IS a dream girl! Animals are our teachers, just as much as humans are.

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Absolutely. And animals have a whole lot less baggage, IMO. xoxo

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Lovely story of a relationship that ,it seems to me,is beautiful for both of you. My dog Cora is one of my best friends. I call her Joy Doggie. I have two signals that remind me to stop and recognize something for which I am grateful. Cora's wagging tail is one of them. A red light is the other. Thanks for the tribute to your dog!

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Thanks, Marguerite!

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Our Hymie is also still nervous and rankled by sound. And he's eight years more trusting and friendly than when we found him. Thank you for sharing the love... xoxox

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Thanks for reading, Billie. I love the name Hymie, I’ve seen his photos. We’re so lucky to have them in our lives.

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She's very sweet -- and it must, truly, have been meant to be that you wound up together. I love this phrase, "radical acceptance." Your approach with her is amazing, and I'm sure you feel as lucky to have her as she does you. It is interesting how they can bring out the best in us.

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Love.

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