Curve

Do you know what I did last weekend? I walked past two dogs! Now, it was across a play field, and I stopped, clenched a bit, but then dropped my head for treats and (slowly) walked to my human’s side so she was in between me and the springer spaniels.

But, I did it! I walked, all by myself, no carrying or cradling, all the way to the car. You should have heard my human. She was cheering and telling me I was the best, most perfect girl. She was so happy that people thought she had won the lottery.

As you know, progress isn’t linear.

Monday morning, on our way to the car, I pulled, lunged, and squeal-squawked towards one of the neighborhood cats so hard it was all my human could do to hold on while we both were on our uneven, old brick street and sidewalk.

When we went to the park, she hoped she was being overly sensitive when she thought she saw a little skip in my step as I walked beside her. When I meandered ahead and bounce-bopped-sashay-shimmy-stepped, she shook her head because I was walking joyfully, just fine.

However, every time I circled back to her side, she swore there was a slight change in my gait. Knowing she’d not regret shortening my walk if she was wrong, we headed home early.

After she worked for a few hours with me stretched out, snoring loudly beside her, we got up for a break. Much to my dismay, she decided tug wasn’t a good idea, and we just did some gentle movement exercises. There it was again, a skip-step when I was on her left side, looking up. 

She texted my chiropractor (anyone else not get adjustments so you can be super proactive about your dog(s)’ health and well-being?) and skipped my late afternoon face-pummel-chasing water activity (aka helping her water flowers.) 

I’ve been fine ever since, but we’re going to take it easy (she says) until I get to see Dr. Crouse. I love Dr. Crouse. She gives me treats and makes my body feel so good. 

So, today and this weekend, maybe rest is all you need to be your brightest, best, bounciest self. And, if you have a reactive dog too, our Sardines & Cream Cheese is a fan favorite.

Love, Mabel Sweet Good Girl Dog 

*This article also contains an affiliate link to my favorite tug toy when I’m feeling 100%.