A Pup Full of Love

The last place we took her was to the vet’s office to have the stitches removed from her incision. It took three of us to hold her still while the Vet carefully, methodically worked to snip the hair-like sutures. She finally gave in, breathing deeply, snout pressed against the wall. Her people told her to lay still, and after a bit of a fight, she gave in. Obeyed. For a brief moment.

I thought for sure she wouldn’t ever get back in the car after that ordeal. Surely, she would remember and hold it against us. But still, it had to happen. At some point, we needed to start the training process that teaches dogs to love humans, or at least how to behave in a public setting. Away from home. On a leash. With strangers, who are not all bad.

We opened the car door, and she instantly jumped in. Unafraid. She is a faithful, obedient (at times,) and loving dog, who as it seems, would rather spend time with us wherever we go. Even if it were back to that awful place.

We made it to the end of the long stretch of dirt between our house and the highway. And turned in the opposite direction. We were heading to a new place, a park in the opposite direction of the vet. She had forgotten, or didn’t seem to mind, as she laid at the feet of her little humans, or placed her head on the laps. We pull into the parking lot, leash up, head out. We take a lap around the park, hoping to release some of the pent-up energy in humans and animals, alike.

But, after a lap, she pauses. She looks from me to the park back to me, as if asking if she can go play with the children. She whines and pulls in the direction of the children running around on the playground. A new experience all around. Will this go well? How will she respond to the kids if they want to pet her? Will she run away from me?

All the thoughts flooding through my brain create a momentary panic, but I remind myself this is why we came. To expose this sweet, loving pup to other humans so she learns this vital skill. Two small boys, wielding toy machine guns walk toward us. Their mom, pauses her phone conversation long enough to remind them to ask before petting. Here goes. Will she be nice? I was a bit hesitant, but also knew her past history with our children and friends. She just wants to love!

The boys pet her and she immediately rolls over. Belly exposed. Begging for more love, trying to give love. And, as if she suddenly realizes this is her calling, she spends the next hour going from person to person, asking them to pet her. Forget the walk. Forget the gorgeous day. She knows she is meant to love others at this place. Nala, a puppy who reminds me what this life is all about.