How times change
Oh how times change. I used to be like Pebbles. I don’t mean eleven weeks old and into everything, those go with the territory of being a puppy. Pebbles is pleased to see everyone. She loves meeting new people and everyone loves her. I have found myself looking back wistfully to the days when I was more like that. Mum used to say, when I was young, that if a stranger turned up at our house I’d have invited them in for tea. I’d forgotten how good it felt to be open to new situations and new people. This has all made me realise just how neurotic I have become as I’ve got older. I don’t really know what to do to fix it now.
Before Covid
I was fine until around the start of Covid. Then, with not going out meeting people so much, I got used to my immediate pack and no one else. Since the end of all the restrictions, partly due to Mum avoiding infection and partly through my own ill health, I’ve just got worse. The sad part is realising how much I’m missing out as a result. Mum still wants to take me everywhere, although her everywhere is much more limited these days. But there are so many situations where I get stressed and bark that it has become difficult and even I can see that.
Learning from Pebbles
I’m wondering if I can learn from Pebbles’ open nature. Instead of telling her all my concerns about the world, it might be better to let her take over as top dog in our house and just follow her lead. If I do that, do you think it might help me to become more like my old self again? Mum will love me whatever happens, but I can see life would be more fun if I could be trusted when we go out.
Love and woofs
Wilma
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