An update on Fred

First of all, I can hardly deal with how precious Fred's face is in this picture; the sweetness is almost too much to bear. Even better is what the image represents, which is a relaxed, calm, and happy working dog, chilling out and listening to a young friend read him a story at Marley's Mutts and Beale Library's bi-monthly Barks & Books session.

Why is this so significant? Well, some of you have followed Fred since he was a wee pup; and watched as he went away to serve a child with autism for two years, which ultimately did not work out, and led to some emotional and behavioral trauma in a once "bulletproof" Fred.

A day or so after Fred was released from service, and came home to me (nine months ago), we went to Tehachapi Library for the Barks & Books session they have there twice a month. This was when I was still learning how severe Fred's reactivity issues actually were, and what triggered his unnerving growling behavior. He was still very hyper-alert and had a hard time calming down especially around other dogs while in a small indoor space. The minute we walked into the library that day, Fred barked loudly a few times and became very overstimulated. As we exited, one of the volunteers brought her dog outside so we could explore proper introductions between the dogs. Fred growled at the other dog and got all huffy and defensive. His nerves seemed to be permanently switched "ON". I remember being so discouraged and sad that day...and so many days like it that followed.

These last nine months of being together, including with other dogs in all kinds of contexts, have been full of triumphs and backslides. But, what so many urged me to remember on the darker days was true...Fred just needed time. And with time, as well as hard work, a balanced daily life, and an endless supply of love and understanding, Fred has regained his confidence, and learned how to respond appropriately to what once sent him off the doggie deep end. He is a new dog; I see it every day, as I slowly - and always with a cautious and watchful eye - put him in slightly more challenging situations as I feel he is ready for them. And oh, how he rises to those occasions.

Fred is an acutely special, strong, intelligent, empathic, and gentle canine soul. He got lost, then found his way... not back, as in "back to his old self"...but forward, into an even more amazing version of who he has always been, and will always be.