Jack is in a foster home after being rescued from a very difficult shelter. He has trouble interacting and won't wear a collar, harness, or leash for any reason, making it difficult to train him. As I virtually sat down in front of Jack to talk, he immediately got up and moved away. It seemed like he was uncomfortable being that close to someone he didn't know. He continued looking at me sitting there and it seemed like he really wanted to feel comfortable enough to sit with me, but couldn't bring himself to do it, or was running on instinct or hard-ingrained habit. So I moved further away and he settled back down to where he began. I apologized for invading his space like that. But again, he gave me the distinct impression that he is aware of this in himself and wants it to change. I even heard, "Help Me," though I don't think he said that literally, but it summed up what he was feeling. "Jack, I can tell you want so much to feel comfortable around people, to feel like a "normal" dog who can do regular dog stuff. I think the fact that you are already aware of this and that you want to change it is a huge benefit to you. You are surrounded by people who care and want the best for you, so I know you will be able to overcome this." I could feel his anxiety and even that his heart was racing, but also a distinct effort to suppress those reactions — to "push them down." Jack was really working hard to overcome. I almost didn't want to bring up the subject of the collar and training, as this felt like a raw topic still. "I can't be boxed in or trapped," said Jack. "I need to feel safe and in a place I can trust. Part of me is there, but the other part is still trying to catch up," he tells me. He then added, "Can we train off-leash? I can work with treats," he suggested. I see him in an enclosed room where he was safe, but had some freedom. I also see him trying really hard to make that work, though he still seemed a bit nervous. I wondered if I should ask him about what it was like where he was in the shelter. The thought, though not "vocalized," still made it though to him and he kind fo shrunk into himself, ears down, protecting his space. I hear lots of noise, many, many dogs. It was chaotic and it never stopped. I quickly tried to switch to a different topic. "Jack, what would your ideal home be like?" The scene in my mind immediately changed from cold to warm, both in temperature and color. Like a sunny meadow. It didn't feel like the details were too important to Jack, just that he had a safe home and a normal dog life. I kept seeing him with at least one other dog and it feels like he is definitely open to having a dog companion. More than open to it, but would appreciate it. He feels more comfortable with dogs than people currently. I asked him, "What kinds of things do you like, Jack?" I see him sitting with people in the living room. They are relaxing watching TV. He is trying to relax, but still feels on edge. He is not quite able to connect with his true self, the deep-down self that is able to express his likes, his preferences, his joys and pleasures. This layer of anxiety and fear that is holding him back is simply a layer that he is aware of and is working hard to try and peel away so he can begin really living. He shows me a dog trying to get out of a sweater that he doesn't want to wear. Jack knows he doesn't want to wear it; that it's not naturally something a dog would wear, and he is part way there to getting it off, working diligently. "Is there anything I can do to help, Jack? Or anything your people can do?" I feel his whole body relax and it feels like just knowing he has loving support is a huge help to his progress. "Just time," he tells me. "Don't give up on me. I just need a little more time." "No one is going to give up on you, Jack," I tell him. "I'm pretty sure you are with people who will give you all the love and time you need to get that sweater off and feel like yourself again." Upon hearing this, he wagged his tail for the first time during our conversation. He is feeling much less anxious and more at ease. "I'm so proud of you, Jack," I told him. "For making it through some really hard times and for trying to so hard to get to a better place, mentally and physically. I know you'll make it all the way there." He is now looking at me, tongue more comfortably flopping out of his mouth and tail still wagging happily. Such a great sight to see! No more words were necessary.
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AuthorMy name is Josh and I'm a learning animal communicator, hoping that sharing my journey will help others. Categories
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February 2020
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