Feel Good Project day 51
Today Justin and I took action-and took back CONTROL.
From our ten pound wiener dog, that is.
Seriously.
As funny as it all might be (or NOT, in reality) Miss Maggie Brown Longbottom has slowly taken the reign in our household. Lately her behavior has gotten to the point where it is not a joyful addition to our family, as she has been somewhat attacking us if she does not get her way.
Although it’s a big monetary investment, we figured we will do whatever we have to do to help her shape up. Like all things in life worth anything, many times there are hard parts and challenges but the victory is sweet. We were not ready to give up on her altogether (although there HAVE been times that Justin has threatened to put her on Craigslist!) so the best course of action was to go forward and hire a dog trainer and behavior specialist.
As fate would have it, we were referred to Giorgio, who we both agree is the best thing that ever happened. Not kidding-within a three hour period, Maggie became a different dog completely, It’s as if a switch was flipped in her today, and although no where near perfect, we have hope we thought never existed in regards to helping our situation.
Georgio showed up at our place with a giant grey pitbull mix and from the minute he walked in our door, miracles happened. This is going to take tons of hard work and discipline on our part, but we are committed to the process and stand absolutely amazed at what has transpired in less than twelve hours.
There are so many life lessons and parallels that could be drawn from this experience this far, and I know they will keep unfolding as we keep working.
The biggest thing I walked away with today after the first session is that it’s really NOT about Maggie.
This is about US.
We had a feeling this might be the case as we had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin Behan from natural dog training on Extreme Health Radio awhile back and learned so many fascinating things about dogs behaviors being a reflection of their owners.
It takes an open mind and an ego check to receive constructive criticism and suggestion-both of which we were and are very open to.
What I gained today (besides an amazingly better acting pup) is an invitation to let go of fear even further. To not let fear rule me OR my dog, as we all learn as a team how to let go and trust the process.
Once again-LETTING GO seems to be the recurring theme for me these days, in all different ways and areas of my life.
This training is just as much (if not more) for me as it is for Maggie. I had to take many deep breaths today and truly let go of any control I think I have over anything and jump off the cliff, trusting that I will land with ease and grace.
THAT is actually a surprisingly GOOD feeling.
I felt supported today as well as respected, both by my dog and myself.
Letting go is the hardest but most rewarding thing I can possibly journey through thus far in life. This whole past year this has been the message screaming out to me.
It MUST be heard. It’s DEMANDING to be followed. It DESIRES my cooperation in order to make the trip less bumpy.
I am buckled in and all ready to go, no matter how scared I may feel at times…
FEEL GOOD MOMENT OF THE DAY: Watching my normally anxious and unfriendly dog transform before my very eyes. By the end of a three hour session, she was snuggled next to a very large and intimidating dog, acting like best friends. I know it may sound small, but to us it has begun to change our world. It’s truly a Christmas miracle…
