Since I have only been volunteering at PACC for less than 6 months, I am still learning so much; just like teaching a Reiki class or giving a Reiki session to human clients, one needs to be Mindful about what is unique in each situation.

This week I was saddened to see or learn about a few older dogs whom had been adopted out during the holiday season and returned; it hurt my heart for these precious lives to have found hope and a new home..only to be disappointed and returned.  Perhaps the cat didn’t get  along with the new dog…or there were questions about how this new member of the family would do with the children.  I remember back to my own experience after adopting Kiki 6+ years ago; he was difficult in many ways especially when he ate thru 3 couches, some curtains, part of a wooden rocking chair leg, mail, etc. He was also very reactive to all the rabbits in our neighborhood and would stand up on his hind legs whenever he saw a rabbit!  Despite all of this, he was ours and there was no question about returning him; we were family and needed to learn how to best work with his behaviors…helping him to be the best Kiki Drozdoff possible!  He no longer reacts to rabbits nor eats furniture!  He does occasionally take a piece of mail as a joke…and definitely thinks that he is the neighborhood protector from coyotes.

We have so many precious dogs at PACC who deserve a loving home and will definitely enrich your lives.  Be persistent with your love, positive expectations and reinforcement; be resilient and unless there are dire circumstances, don’t give up!