Thursday, September 22, 2011

Our Old Soul Puppy

Fenway is balanced.  I’ve never met such a calm and relaxed puppy.  Dog lovers will understand what I mean when I say he rarely pants or keeps his mouth open.  There is no out of control chomping, finger-biting, or drooling.  He does a great deal of observing, sitting perfectly still with his mouth closed, brow furrowed and eyes intent.  What kind of old soul dog is this?

I love my two girls dearly.  They make me sublimely happy with what they do and how they love us.  They are mostly obedient and well-mannered (except around other dogs) and are predictable in their needs.  Before Fenway, I’ll admit, I was letting the discipline and consistency slack a bit.  I was becoming complacent in my dog skills.  His arrival has meant keeping a keener eye on the dogs.  He's a dream; it’s the girls I have to watch vigilantly for rough play, nervous energy and predatory behaviors.  All these behaviors require correction and a chance to “get it right” again. 

Fenway will sit and watch the girls and us, deep dark eyes taking it all in under a furrowed brow.  He very rarely needs behavioral corrections, and when given, they are followed and learned almost immediately.  It’s as though he’s thankful to have been rescued, although I know he can’t understand that.  Can he?

Some spiritual beliefs involve people having a few chances at life – “a do over”, so to speak.  Those that have been through a few earlier versions of oneself and have innate knowledge, peace and understanding are called “old souls”.  I can’t be sure, but I believe Fenway is one of these old soul dogs.  He’s brought tranquility and balance to our pack.  All change comes from some chaos, though, and this integration has been no exception.  But we’re almost on the other side of the change.  Nyxie’s gained a playmate for her abundant energy and can finally share her toys with somedog that can appreciate them.  Arwen is still trying to figure him out; he’s not taking her as seriously and dramatically as other weaker dogs do.  Maybe she’ll learn humility. 

I’ve learned from Fenway that having a dog does not mean more work and more stress.  In fact, being near him, with his warm little body pressed against me in a doggie snooze, is calming.  His energy soothes me.  His Zen way of being is just beautiful.  We are a lucky pack, indeed.

What a happy sundog!


17 comments:

  1. Ah yes, the old soul dog. In some ways McIver is my old soul. Fenway is a proud grad of the University of Hard Knocks. He's probably been through more in a year than my spoiled Calhoun has in his 5.5 years!! Don't you wish he could talk? Of course an old soul's eyes sometimes tell the story...

    Mamma Heartbeat

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just look at those ears. It's great to know that things are settling down in your house at long last. This dog has certainly been a life-changer for the better....his life and his pack's.

    ReplyDelete
  3. @ Mamma Heartbeat - you're so right. I'm sure I'd cringe at some of my little man's stories. I often wonder how some dogs get lucky and live good lives and others live such tough ones...
    @ Amber - yes! Finally! We're still a work in progress, but every day brings good things :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love those ears...big ears are the new black!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love reading about Fenway's Zen attitude. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Such a great post! We too have been amazed at how well Lightning has worked his way into our pack. Thunder still has some reservations about the little guy but harmony rules and that is wonderful.

    How we love those ears!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great addition to the family. Looks like we both have an ear thing going on
    Benny & Lily

    ReplyDelete
  8. LOVE those EARS!!! :)

    Woofs & hugs, <3

    ~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Fenway is so beautiful basking in the sun! Yes, we were told by a dog whisperer that my boy Gibson is an "old soul" and I sure believe it. He has a quiet wisdom about him and is one of the best-natured, calmest dogs I think I've ever parented. I believe they are our spirit guides...This was truly a really lovely post!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Y'all,

    Yes, rescues know and appreciate having a chance at happiness. They know when they have a good home. They may not all be the best natured and calmest dogs on the planet, but they are the most appreciative.

    BrownDog's Human

    ReplyDelete
  11. what a great post you have! have a great day ahead! :)


    ---------------------------------

    It's all About Pet Fences |Dog Fence

    ReplyDelete
  12. It is something like that with our two rescue dogs, they are also so grateful and giving and I tend to lean on them when I need their soulful energy.

    Sounds like Fenway was meant to be right where he is at, in your arms and pack to create just the right balance. Sounds beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Fenway sounds like she was meant for your pack :)

    Licks and lots of slobber,
    Lexi and Jasper the Danes

    ReplyDelete
  14. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Woofs & hugs! <3

    ~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

    ReplyDelete
  15. He sounds just perfect - I'm so happy for you that you added him to your pack. I do think some dogs 'get it' - you know, that they were rescued, much more than others do. And I definitely believe in old souls. Congrats, I hope he does bring some balance and peace to your girls.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Happy Wednesday woofs & hugs, <3

    ~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

    ReplyDelete

The girls and I love to hear from you - please leave us a note!