Dear Rosie,
I know you’ll never read this, but I’m sure you understand everything in your own way.
We have a special bond. I knew it the first time when I saw you, then I made an impulsive decision to take you into my life. It was definitely your big, beautiful, brown eyes! You got your nickname ‘Rosie, the beauty-eyed’ and it has stuck with you forever. I never meant to change the name you got from your temp owner, though. Your chip still reads Rainbow, the symbol of magical blessings when you follow your heart’s desire.
When we first met, you were a 6-month old, frightened, little creature rescued a month before. I was told later that I had been the first person you didn’t bark at, and now I can value how much that means. It was strange, so many things were swirling through my mind. I had never had an own dog before, I was a know-nothing at that time, but I didn’t have the chance to hesitate, it was time to take action.
You were in such a bad shape physically, it took me several months to strengthen your body. You had obvious sings of negligence (and God knows what else): a broken tail, an omphalocele probably from birth, a wrecked immune system causing reactive allergies, a series of urinary infections and diarrhea… We were frequent guests at the vet.
While your body was healing, your own personality started to flourish, too. You became a naughty and reactive dog with fear-based aggression towards people, but I also knew it appeared, because you started to feel secure at home. I could never blame you since you did not have that kind of joyful puppyhood that every dog deserves. Negligence, violence and the lack of socialisation led to your behaviour, I could get that. It was a very difficult period for both of us. I was so desperate and clueless at that time, you made me cry several times. I asked for help in so many places, I even took you to a school where chain collar was still the tool for training. It was wrong, I know, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the mistakes I’ve made, I still make and for those many more I’ll probably make. You don’t deserve any frustration I put in you for my inexperience, unfortunately we learn things the hard way.
You were already one year old when I finally found a community of experienced and helpful behaviourists and positive trainers who changed the way we live. After a dozen hours of rehabilitation we could finally go to regular dog school. Your rehabilitation continued by mantrailing and we have just started protection work for therapy. Teaching you obedience is an everyday routine for us. I accept that you might never chase butterflies, but I’m sure our hearts’ desire will guide us to damn good places.
You’ll be two in August this year and for now I feel we understand each other much better, and our path of a more conscious development is clear. I promised you I would provide you a fulfilling and joyful life. While doing my best, you teach me about motivation, patience, acceptance, forgiveness, and about living in the moment and never giving up.
I started this blog about us, because I deeply believe in knowledge sharing and the power of dialogue. I’m not a trainer, I only read, observe and ask a lot. I hope our readers bear it in mind, but still find relief for those desperate moments, or new inspiration for their own rehabilitation and training.
Thank you, Rosie, for coming and being an essential part of my life. It’s only together can we reach the furthest.
With a neverending love, your owner,
Orsi
Budapest, 7/22/2017
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