My understanding of how each dog that comes into our lives and have new lessons to teach us continues to deepen. Or as they say, each dog comes into our lives just at the right time for whatever it is we need at that time.

Joie and I have had to make our adjustments. But in being honest with myself, I realize it was me that needed to be more open and pay attention to who Joie is as a dog. Ever since I had a reading with animal communicator, Dawn, concentrating on what Joie needs, I’ve felt a beautiful shift in my relationship with her.

Now don’t get me wrong– I loved Joie from the minute I saw her. I wanted her with all my heart and I’m so glad she is mine. But I still had work to do on myself, and quite honestly, I’ll always have work to do. This is what life is all about, right?

Joie is the first dog I’ve ever adopted, so I didn’t know how her day to day was before me. It is also interesting that when I share with people that I adopted her, and she is paralyzed, many assume she was abused. As far as I know, that is not the case.

Whatever Joie was used to before she came to live with John and I, I’ve learned to be more aware of her needs and be more observant. I discovered one morning as she was watching out the patio door, that maybe she wanted to be out on the deck while I was getting ready. Sure enough, I opened the door, out she went, and she seemed to have the best time exploring all by herself. I hadn’t thought before to let her do this because Frankie didn’t like being alone outside and would whimper if I wasn’t out there with her.

I love cuddle time with Joie, but I’m also enjoying seeing her as the independent little dog she is.  How interesting as I think she is helping me to be even stronger in what is right for my own life as well.

We (hopefully) have many years ahead of us to grow into the relationship that is meant to be just right for us. But Joie is a reminder to me to stay tuned in not only to her needs, but mine as well.