Retired Service Dog Journey: Visit Week 1

On Sunday I went for my usual almost-weekly visit to my niece and sister's home. This was my first visit with Freely since she has officially moved to their home. It is increasing clear that this has been the absolute right decision for Freely. She is doing well. Now that she and Lucy (Madeline's dog, 3 year old Vizsla mix) have been around each other for a block of time, they are settling in to some well compromised play.

In the past when we've visited their home Freely had been strategically placing herself in corners or through and behind furniture to avoid Lucy's exuberant play. Her jumping and pouncing are a bit much for Freely's comfort, especially with her hip and spine being so arthritic. Finally Freely has found the perfect position for dog play and that is down on the floor. She simply lays down. When Lucy presents her play bow, if Freely is interested in playing, they start with their mouthing and the fun begins, rolling around on the floor. If Freely is not interested in playing, she simply turns her head away and ignores Lucy. Lucy has not always been so responsive to the head turning and it was a delight to see her now responding appropriately to the canine message.

My niece often does dog sitting and there were two additional dogs there on Sunday. They all got along wonderfully. There is definitely more action at their home and I know this is great for Freely. The relief from my worrying about her quality of life both physically and emotionally is definitely a gift. Her pain level is well controlled. A few groans on ups and downs, but definitely comfortable enough to enjoy social interactions, the most important part.

When I left she was a bit anxious and all ready to go with me, so we may do that a little different in the future. She'll get the change after a few times no doubt. I do have to say that I still feel her next to me around the house, still find myself calling her, and coming home right now to an empty house is the most difficult. And when my heart feels the pain, I just think of her smiling and picture her playing with Lucy, and smile with them.

 

Visual Distractions

Way too much visual distraction for me this morning! Hardly seems like a gift or a blessing!

So, how do I fix it? I had to ask for help this morning. As much as I try not to, sometimes I find that it is best for myself and those around me if I ask for 10 minutes of help so that things can turn around quickly for us all.

When asking for help, it's important to assess:
Can I do this alone?
If I do this alone, will it help the desired outcome?

The blessing is in taking the time to assess, and to answer truthfully.
The gift is in being able to do the task at hand myself and equally a gift is receiving the help.

Did I do this gracefully this morning? It was not clear to me at all how I could change the frustration....it's okay Mara, it's Just a Behavior.

This is the importance of writing about Gifts and Blessings.
Identify blessings.
Identify gifts.
Finding solutions that allow for the gratitude of accepting them both.
Assessment is key in resolving visual over-stimulation for me.

Click Mara!
Now for the treat of a nice stroll out in the open air and allowing the wind to bathe my face and hair, the green spectrum to wash away any tension left overs.
Visual calmness in nature, going to a nearby assisted living where they have beautiful plants, ponds, greenery.

Awe, I am now free to be glad for this day!

Today?
A Gift and a Blessing.