Spirit has taken new steps since her last blog entry. We've included some highlights and a link to a photo diary chronicling her progress.

Progress Continues

With the heavy snowfall and ice, she ventured onto the sidewalks with a little help from Mom. This gives her more time to walk and run for exercise and to stimulate her digestive system. Initially, she walked a few steps and then stopped. Her expression said, “Oops, what am I doing on the concrete?” Mom learned to encourage but never force Spirit in her new endeavors. The patience is rewarded as Spirit grows confident of this new venture. Now she rarely hesitates to venture onto the sidewalks.

To protect her feet from the ice and any de-icing agents used, Spirit’s paws are dipped into lukewarm water and then dried with a clean cotton towel after each walk. This takes place near the entryway where her water container and towel are stowed before each walk. Afterward, she shakes herself off, approaches Mom to be stroked on her head and under her chin as Mom says, “Good job, Spirit. Good job,” in a soft encouraging voice. If the tone is too excited, Spirit is frightened. Mom understands this because certain voice intonations and sounds frighten her as well.

10 Year Birthday Celebration Treat for Spirit’s Friends

A photo diary is available with photographs and captions that describe Spirit’s journey these past few months. Whereas she was adopted in March 2008, her presence in the family seems longer when Spirit is relaxed and acting as any canine would. When her confidence falters or something frightens Spirit, it is a sad reminder of the many years and months she spent in a puppy mill. In dog years, 8 years and 8 months is a very long time. When she sniffles or exhibits any sign of illness, a momentary panic ensures with thoughts of, “Not enough time, never enough time to make up for the loss of so much of her life.” Fortunately, non-human animals are amazing in their capacity to forgive, take risks and venture forth with the courage to trust and love humans and other living beings.

Click the slideshow icon at Photo Diary to follow Spirit’s progress in photographs and captions.