A Loving Note: Seeing, Protecting, and Embracing It All
- Feb 27
- 4 min read
Dedicating to Embrace
I discovered Atlas in a shelter - more here - and immediately felt something magic-like.
You know that gut feeling, the one that stops you dead in your tracks. I saw her scared and nervous eyes. People are shifting around me, not giving her a second look. She was gently playing with a tire kong, whereas the other puppies were bounding around, sharing licks and getting love through the cages. I knew she needed to build her puppy self-trust. I approached the cage slowly, and when she noticed, she got off her bed and started barking loudly from the farthest corner. I would do the same, too! I moved back, respecting her, and asked the front desk to set up a meeting in the play park.
At the first meeting, I could see how excited she was to be outside. I stayed where I was, and she quickly ran about smelling things, but far from me. I really wanted to approach her, but instead I grabbed a rope toy and started shaking it. This got her attention, but she still didn’t approach. Deciding to throw it, she ran over and sniffed it. Not interested in the rope, she decided she would give me a chance. Her hesitant curiosity caught my attention; she was thoughtful and intelligent in her approach. I knew she was special and wanted to grow.
Overcoming the Barrier
Fast-forward to today, our trust, communication, and guardianship have transformed into something beyond description. There was no magic button. I dedicated lots of time to understanding her breed(s) needs, evolving personality, background (i.e., being in a shelter), and basic puppy care. I invested, and I can confirm it was one of the best returns I’ve ever made (and continues to be)!
As her third birthday is approaching, I wanted to share some unique things I love about her. To have ups, there are downs, and reflecting reminds me that protecting her routines, her sense of security, and our life together matters as we continue to grow and change alongside one another.
Adorable Elements of Atlas
Dozy Stare | Her eyes say wide open, and then her mouth opens into a yawn, wavering ever so slightly.
Gratitude Nose | When she doesn’t want to walk (due to weather conditions), I sometimes carry her. She always turns her head around and noses me when she senses I start to struggle from holding her - always right on cue! Her way to thank me!
Grab-A-Leash | Always wanting a mental challenge, when a walk is too boring, she will grab onto her own leash and play tug-of-war with me - jumping up and down.
Sky-Booties | During winter, the salt on the streets bothers her paw pads, so I will put snow booties on her. She does her “bootie run,” where she kicks out her paws to the side as she raises them higher than usual. Super funny looking!
The Upside Down Look | When she gets super playful, she rolls upside down and stays there, a toy in her mouth, her paws straight up.
Yes, the Puppy Eyes | Every dog does this, but she goes beyond and uses her slumping puppy position to really emphasize it! So hard not to pick her up and give loads of kisses!
Inspector Z | One of my favorite things to watch. She is incredibly explorative and cautious at the same time. Will always test things out, but not a fan of any lunges toward her before she has smelled the thing/person on her own time. She moves either like a turtle or a fox.
Bum Play | This is so funny to watch! When she is playing with other dogs, she loves to circle and use her bum/backside to reengage. It keeps the play entertaining and super playful!
The AllStar | Occasionally, when holding a high-value treat, she will do all the tricks she knows! She locks in with the treat!
Bunny Ears | When she hikes, her eyes have a way of folding over and flopping like a long-eared bunny - very soft and rounded and earning her one of her many nicknames, Little Bunny!
The Stand Off | This is a newer trait from wintertime and not always appreciated, but she will stand still before we go on a walk. She seems reluctant at first, but once we are past the door, she bounds out, ecstatic! Funny, she sometimes does not connect the dots that the door leads outside!
1hr Early Alarm | Talk about circadian rhythms, this pup is always 1 hour early! As she is food-motivated, she always feels the need to alert me that it is her dinner time, but she is never on time! Even if I move it earlier, she will continue to alert me earlier lol!
That’s What She Said | She is the most talkative pup ever, and lets me know how she feels by mumbling to me! Always very quiet in undertones, but gets my attention and conveys what she wants based on behavior. Can be helpful or tough depending on the situation!
Ongoing XO | Forever adding…
Atlas: How Cute Am I?!???!
Protect the Magic You Find 100/10
I have felt so lucky to see Atlas’ transformation right before my eyes. Trust, relationship building, and confidence can be difficult to cultivate and maintain. For our relationship, I focused on patience, a mix of novel and stable environments/routine, and listening to the evolving feedback. This framework continues to shape how we axplore - and why I value supporting the journey over just the destination.
Take time and consider what you have invested time in.
Treasure the process, as we are always learning and growing - sometimes we forget we are in the good times!
Make a list of 10 things that you treasure about that investment and then go share (if possible) with the person or a loved one. #ChooseLove just like Bad Bunny says!
Stuck on how you want to move forward to embrace the magic?
Read and save this framework - you already have everything you need to make that step!
No new information, just reframing!
