Well it has been two months since adopting Jack. Each day he is improving. Let me explain why. Jack is from North Carolina. He was rescued off the streets. He is a little over two years old. He still has puppy in him and a bunch of survival skills from living on the streets. I sense he has been abused as well. A retired couple adopted him and returned him because they could not handle his energy. This is how Jack came to me; he was sent back-rejected. Bottom line Jack has had a rough beginning in his life. I am determined to change this. Sometimes I question my determination because of where it takes me sometimes.

Jack is a collie/shepherd mixed breed. He is a herding dog and in his eyes he needs to herd me and this has been difficult. I am his pack. There have been times in the past two months where I have “lost” it when it comes to his biting. I was talking to an old dear friend last night that went through the same thing. She told me to hang in there because it does get better. It already has but I still want this behavior stopped yesterday. Progress not perfection. Since he was on the streets he has food issues. I cannot eat with him in the room or even in the house. Ugh… It is getting better I have been able to prepare food somewhat. Hopefully we will tackle this before winter arrives. I think he is in a constant state of what if I don’t have any food? He does not quite get the concept he is being taken care of. Hmm this could relate to me on so many different levels. What about you? Fear of the unknown it can be debilitating and when you have no control over your circumstances such as a dog that fear can fester and come out in behaviors that are not so enjoyable to the recipient.

I have this really big fenced in area for a dog pen. It takes up most of my backyard. At first he did not understand the concept of having his own space. I needed him to walk him in there daily for him to understand. Now he goes in there and hangs out. Not quite getting the concept of doing his “business” but we will get there.

On a positive note I am walking between three and four miles a day. I am in pretty good shape thanks to Jack. My nutrition is great but I had not been exercising. He gets me walking in my neighborhood. I have met a few neighbors I did not know; thank you Jack. Having a dog can boost your social life in your neighborhood. Unfortunately he has taken to jumping after ongoing cars. Another dog owner who is a trainer recommended taking treats to distract him. It has helped. Movement affects him. Movement can affect anyone who has experienced abuse of any kind.

It was recommended to me to blog about Jack. What I can tell you is the last few months have been difficult and enjoyable all at once. I am having awareness’s along the way. Everything can parallel in ways we would never think of.

So I ask you this. This blog may be about a dog but what I wrote about can be relatable if you take the time to reflect upon it. What can you reflect on, be aware of, and say yes this makes sense…

Until next time…

Lisa~