My poodlepals, Lev and Sage, have a charmed life.  Therefore, I wasn’t sure what would happen when a less fortunate canine chum moved in with us unexpectedly.  He’d been the victim of a hit and run and had a few other health issues, so I agreed to take care of him for a month.  

Joey is a seven-year-old Sheltee who’d been living with an older handicapped lady, unable to take him for walks or to stop over-indulging him with human food.  He weighed in at 521bs on accident day (when he should be 301bs).  Only two weeks later, he was down to 43lbs.  And not only that, he’d had a nice bath, haircut, and teeth-cleaning.

Dogs know how to take care of themselves when they are sick—to rest and not eat if necessary.  Joey had chosen to do just that, in the safe space of my home.  And, surprisingly, Lev and Sage seemed to understand and give him the distance and calm that would help him.  Then, day by day as Joey has started to feel better, he was ready to take up Lev’s and Sage’s routines and habitudes.  Fortunately, these included giving in to dog food, and eating en groupe.  He also started enjoying walks, and keeping up with the pack.  I’m happy to observe how Lev and Sage let him walk in the middle of them, even when he struggled to keep pace.  Every day, Joey gets bette, faster, and more confident, which is a pleasure to witness.

Going from two dogs to three has been a new experience for me—a little daunting at first, but one I’ve adjusted to more easily than I thought I would.  Maybe it’s because Joey is such a good boy, and I’ve grown to care for and respect him so much—as Lev and Sage seem to as well.  Or, mabye it’s because of the feelings of love, security, and being in the "now" that caninekind knows how to  bestow.  I truly enjoy having an expanded pack around to accompany me through challenging days and nights.  Also, bringing smiles to the faces of strangers who see us all ambling down the street is a bonus!

p.s.  Many thanks to the exceptionally kind and talented team at East York Animal Clinic (whom we highly recommend).  Their support and encouragement have been invaluable.