Note from my client:
Sweet Pea |
"Sweet Pea was adopted from Frosted Faces in Ramona 5 months ago. Her wisdom DNA says she is 45% Chihuahua but I don’t see it. I’ve had estimates of her age as between 8 and 12 years old. She’s a girl. I would like to be able to find out how much she is able to see and hear. To my mind, she is blind and deaf but I know there’s something there."
My conversation with Sweet Pea:
Frances: Hi Sweet Pea – How are you?
Sweet Pea: I’m ok [she sounds very timid].
Frances: Do you know you are loved and safe with your new mom? She will never give you away or hurt you in any way. This is your forever home. You can relax and just enjoy the rest of your life.
Sweet Pea: Are you sure?
Frances: Yes, honey, I am sure. She is a very nice lady, and you will always have food and a roof over your head. And. especially lots of hugs and kisses if you’ll let her.
Sweet Pea: Oh, that sounds really good to me. Thank you for telling me that. I was afraid this was just another place I was staying until they get tired of me and then I go somewhere else.
Frances: Can I ask how you are seeing? How are your eyes?
Sweet Pea: Well, not as good as I used to but I can see images that are big. Because I don’t always hear people coming, I’m afraid I’ll get stepped on, so I like to go under stuff.
Frances: So, you don’t hear very well?
Sweet Pea: Not really well, I feel like everyone mumbles and I feel the vibration on the floor when they come.
Frances: Your new mom suspected you had issues with your eyes and ears so now she knows. This is no problem for you or Mom, it can be expected when you get a little older. It happens to people too.
Sweet Pea: So, she won’t be mad at me?
Frances: No honey, she won’t be mad at you. She knows you need some help to feel comfortable in your new home. Is there anything you would like to tell Mom?
Sweet Pea: Thank you for taking me home with you. I wasn’t sure if you were going to keep me or not, so I guess I was holding back. That’s part of why I run away when you want to pick me up. I was afraid you were going to put me in a container and take me someplace else to live. I am happy you want to keep me. I will try to be the best dog I can be. I would like to be able to receive hugs and kisses from you. It’s been a long time since I trusted anyone to do that. Many times I was picked up and thrown around by kids who really didn’t know better and parents who didn’t pay attention. Please be patient and I will try to overcome my fears and insecurity. Talking with this lady really helped me to understand I’m staying. That’s a big deal to me. I’m so very happy to hear this news. Thank you again for doing this for me and I will be the best dog that I can be.
Frances: Thank you, Sweet Pea. That is a lovely message for your new mom. I will be talking with her shortly. Bye for now.
Sweet Pea: Bye, thank you again for talking with me. I can already feel myself being more relaxed.
Frances: That’s wonderful to hear Sweet Pea. Talk again soon.
Sweet Pea: Ok bye.