Jasper Lily’s First Trip to the Beach
Oh Jasper Lily…. why are you so skittish? You are fearless beast (for the most part) in the front of our apt and our block. Yet we walk 1/2 a mile down a hill, past a barking (yet fenced in) dog and near some cars rushing by and you become a little, shaking, nervous dog.
Full disclosure – Shelby also had “issues” walking in downtown cities (she would press herself up against the buildings on her left side so only her right side would be exposed). She had an irrational fear of drains, bridges, metal plates on the ground (literally would jump or try and go around them). But Shelby never minded walking in a neighborhood or down by the beach.
Back to Jasper, once we got to the beach, I was ever hopeful she would relax and enjoy the sites, smells and sounds of everything. She clung to me like white on rice. She tried to crawl up my leg so I would pick her up (I refuse to enable that kind of behavior). The bikes that she loves to chase and bark at near our apt? Yeah, scared of those too. Bushy tail tucked between her legs. Ears back and sideways. Oh how I wonder what those dumbo ears really can hear. It must be insane! The crashing waves on the coast – she darted between my legs. I let this go on for about 5 minutes till I noticed her shaking really hard and her tongue was no longer pink but bright red. I decided it was enough and we turned around to go back and somehow, she got the memo that we were headed home. Or perhaps she just prefers to be on the east side of the bike path. She ran in the sand, tail wagging, happy.
We walked the 3/4 of mile or so home and as soon as we turned to our street, she became relaxed and joyful. Oh Jasper … we could have so many fun adventures if you would just ease up a bit and channel your inner Basenji! If you are indeed part mini-pin, that is also a fearless species. Find your strength! And Shelby, if you are listening, send Jasper some of that bravery that you had … let her know that life is for living and exploring and that with me, she may not be loved ALL the time but she is 100% safe and secure.
Feet on the sand! Progress
Curious at first
Waves crashing … a little unsure
Guarding her casa!
OK – so this is super cute! Jasper can’t seem to sit on just one set of stairs.
Aww poor baby. She will get there Alison, remember where she came from, this is all so new and scary to her. As long as you stay strong with that tough love (yay for you for not picking her up, it’s SO easy for pawrents of small dogs to do that and that behavior only makes things worse) and introduce her little by little like this, she’ll get there, I know it.
You are an awesome pawrent, she needs you to show her the world isn’t so scary.
June 26th, 2014 at 8:01 pmAlison,
Very proud of you. One step at a time. These are new things for Jasper. It probably was sensory overload. How about trying to walk a little further each day. then when you eventually get to the beach stay a little while then come home. then repeat this. I think this way she won’t get so overloaded.
I think you are doing great though.. She will get there. I already see improvements in you & her 🙂
Hugs & love
June 26th, 2014 at 8:22 pmMichelle & Angel Sassy
Alison, once again, I don’t have to say anything because both Jerry and Michelle said it best. Time will be your best friend…….
Love,
June 26th, 2014 at 9:03 pmBonnie & Angel Polly
Alison,
Just catching up on this! I think it’s wonderful that you have opened your heart to another fur-baby. It just shows how great of a person you are that through your pain you can find room to care for another one that needs a home. She will grow on you and with you. Her poor life was so rough! My other dog, ziggy, was dropped on the side of the road at just 8 weeks… and while that is young.. he still has weird phobias that i swear are from that. Goodluck on your journey! She is a cutie … and i LOVE her name 🙂
June 27th, 2014 at 12:12 amLove that last pic. Very cute.
June 27th, 2014 at 12:29 amAdorable! Love when dogs do the 2 stair yoga pose. Hope she will relax over time. Our Spud took 2 years to lose his fears of me, since had endured abuse at the hands of a woman.
June 27th, 2014 at 3:53 am