In search of joy

“Enjoying” a walk

Well. Four months into this adventure, Myrtle is definitely a different dog.

She’s far from a “normal dog,” and is still scared of us, any sudden movements, loud noises, etc.

I still can’t help but wonder sometimes, “Does she miss her old life at the puppy mill? Maybe she had friends there?”

I’m sure she’s in a better place with us, but I’d love to see her wag sometimes for US, rather than another dog. Obviously, that’s a selfish feeling I, as a dog owner want.

One of the whisperers (whisperers *plural because, yes, we’ve had three now) said to put that thought out of our minds. She’s right: We didn’t adopt a puppy mill rescue for her adoration.

These days, Myrtle still cringes when I approach with the leash, although she’s always compliant and doesn’t fuss when I latch it on.
Sometimes she even trots toward me if she knows we’re going out for a stroll.

She doesn’t look to go for walks, but once we’re out in the grass, she enjoys sniffing around, investigating scents left by other dogs, cats, squirrels, and lizards in the neighborhood.

Still zero food motivation. In fact, her stomach has been so upset that I’ve resorted to cooking all of her meals! I meal prep chicken and rice, which are easy on her stomach. It’s been going on for a while, so I’ve added veggies to the mix. We’re hoping to get off this and back to dry food eventually.

Myrtle is also on pills, which I have mixed feelings about. To calm her anxiety, she takes a pill each morning. I wish I knew if it worked! I’m hoping it’s just for a few more months.

The one thing that truly cures her anxiety is a visit from one of her friends. Wyatt or her new buddy, Max (my mother-in-law’s scraggly shelter dog, who was adopted a month before Myrtle).

I’m truly content with her being our quirky roommate for the rest of her life, as long as she’s content. I certainly don’t need her learning tricks or jumping to greet me when I come home. I’d just like for Myrtle to find some joy.

If you are interested in my travel adventures, check out my travel blog Jared’s Detours.