Saturday, August 8, 2009

It’s been a week of healing for our dear friend Cesar dog. Its clear in his eyes that he is still unsure of many things, and most certainly spends his time in the present moment. We have spent the past week sitting in his kennel with him, allowing him to take his time approaching us, and eating out of our hands. He is learning to work very hard at trust in order to get his daily meal. He will most certainly eat out of a bowl if I leave food for him, but that wont teach him to trust me, or any other humans. In general, nervous dogs will not accept food, or treats. If I were to go in his kennel and try to “bait” him with food in order to get him to work for me he would shy away, retreat and hide in his crate.

This is where patience comes in. As I sit in his kennel run with him, I allow him to take his time, and approach me – the pack leader. I hold his bowl of food, put a bit of his Blue Buffalo dry dog food in hand, along with a few hot dog pieces, and allow Cesar dog to approach me, and when he relaxes into a calm submissive state of mind this is when I allow him to have a few nibbles. He is learning to remain very calm around me, and learning that he only gets something when he remains in that calm submissive state of mind with me. This is a perfect scenario for him to be fed by others as well. Each person that assists me with this rehabilitation follows the same formula for success.

Cesar dog is still quarantined, and on lots of medication. As his body begins to rid itself of all of the parasites, and toxic energy he must remain in his kennel when cleaned. This presents a rather big problem, and further demonstrates what truly appears to have been harsh treatment with a powerful hose, or simply no socialization or experiences previous to being with me. Scooping is not too much trouble at all as he takes to hiding in his crate. As its time for hosing out, his fears rear their ugly head. The shaking begins, the submissive urination, the panic, and frenzy to jump out of the kennel run and flee for safety. Projecting calm assertive energy I silently promise him; this will get easier. Life will get easier.

I am grateful to spend my time relaxing with him in the present moment as well. Most of the time, as dogs come into my life, the lesson they are going to teach me is not always obvious. This time is different. This time I know he is going to teach me patience. He is going to teach me to live in the present moment with him, and wipe clean all of the plans and goals I have for him. He is going to teach me to be here, in the now.

Video (Thank you to Craig Cirelli for edits.):

In this video you will see Cesar dog getting a little closer look at two of his new friends. Safely, on the outside of his kennel my blue pit Dharma, and Laila spend a little bit of time sharing energy. This is a fantastic opportunity for Laila who suffers from extreme anxiety. As you see Dharma relax you will see Laila continue to pant heavily, and lick her lips nervously as she struggles to lay still. Laila also spends much time here for rehabilitation. Dharma does her best to remain calm and act as pit bull role model! (She wants to be just like Junior when she grows up!)