Life with a reactive dog is full of contradictions
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- How is it that I can feel so deeply bonded with my dog yet, at times, feel completely disconnected?
- How can I try to feel connected with my dog while fighting the urge to mirror her feelings—striving to be calm and confident while she feels anxious and insecure?
- How can there be so much love between us, yet I often dread walking my dog, feeling unprepared for her drama?
- How is it possible for me to feel anxious but also incredibly excited to see my dog again after a trip away from her?
- I want the best for my dog, but how do I do that if it could mean moving to a remote place, while I’m someone who is much happier in the city?
I wake up to a happy pup ready for the day, only to face her refusal to go out just half an hour later. I often see myself as a different person during our walks than when we step back into our home.
Sometimes, I think the way I portray my relationship with Lucky doesn’t align with our reality, even though I also feel like I’m being honest—Frustration can overshadow the joy we share, yet I truly am THAT happy with her.
But this complexity is part of any relationship, isn’t it? Our dogs are full of personality and emotions. While I talk about balance from time to time, it’s also about accepting and embracing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with our pups with big feelings.
Would I love to feel more connected and engaged with Lucky? Absolutely. Yet, despite the contradictions and uncertainties, I still believe our love is unconditional, and our bond is unbreakable.