Oh Henry, My Henry!
I often find myself explaining, then justifying my "soft" sweet and sensitive little guy Henry. He really is unique, with his own idiosyncratic tendencies. We've known this since day one, and we've tried with all our might to build him up knowing that we may find ourselves in times where he's been knocked down.
Right now, we're going through one of those times. A week ago Wednesday, Henry knocked a bar. For some dogs, this is no big deal. For Henry, it's enough to spook him -- to send him into fear mode. If you read my last blog post, you'll understand that Henry can be frustrating at times. I suppose he's like a child; only, he can't tell me exactly what it is that's made him fearful or reserved. I can only hypothesize, but I know my Henry well enough that I've figured out (for the most part) what makes him tick.
Although it's difficult -- and frustrating at times -- I'm learning to embrace his sensitive soul. He was our "sunshine" in one of the darkest times in my life; he's since taken on the role of protector in the household. When he has his setbacks, I'm not going to push him. That's not my job. My job is to make sure that: 1. He's loved; 2. He's safe; 3. He wants for nothing; 4. He's loved; 5. He's safe; 6. He's loved.
I'm resolved not to be one of "those" parents. We all know the kind: those who push their kids into something, getting mad when those kids don't earn a trophy (never mind the "everybody gets a trophy" attitude). But the bottom line is this: from Henry, I've seen glimpses of brilliance. When he is on his game, he is downright beautiful. Whether it's in his genes (and I think it is -- shoutout to our family and Henry's siblings), or whether it's something he's learned, Henry has shown the potential for excellence on an agility course. Except, that is, when his mind gets in the way. Win or lose; however, I love this kid and I will continue to love him until the end of time no matter what happens. No matter if he never competes in agility.
Eagerly demonstrating our "plank" work...
You see, we fell into agility because it was something that was fun for him. It didn't take a rocket scientist to observe that running up and down an A-Frame for the hell of it was something most dogs don't do. Okay, so lately, Henry's a bit more shy, but we're thinking he's going through another fear period. What usually might not phase most dogs, could be enough to send our sensitive "soft" little guy reeling. Nevertheless, despite his apparent fear, he's giving us just enough to say "I'm still here with you, Mom...I'm still having fun!"
Last night, in a most unorthodox fashion, we catered our training to the dog. Specifically, to Henry. Sure, everyone has a method to his/her madness, but certain methods won't work with certain dogs. Sometimes even the most tried, trusted, and true training has to be "bent" to be effective in a particular situation. I think I gave our instructor Marta Coursey a heart attack when I posted the below video on Facebook, because -- clearly -- the teeter instruction was different, unconventional. What you have to understand is that, over a period of months, Marta seems to "get" as well as embrace the uniqueness that is Henry. She's seen him in his glory, and she's seen his setbacks. She's seen his sensitive side, and she recognizes our challenges. Last night's downward teeter was suggested because Henry normally LOVES to run down things. Thus, this exercise - the downward teeter -- was hugely monumental for our little guy in that: 1. the movement didn't scare him; and, 2. the noise didn't scare him. Baby steps, right?
Today in Pre-Novice class, we didn't even attempt to run any courses. Instead, we played and built his confidence. By the end of our games, he was smiling and running a bit faster. A "spring" in his step meant that I was getting through to him, and that's all it took to make me smile. Even better, he was smiling, too.
I know we have a long road ahead of us. I know we may or may not compete. More importantly, we are a team no matter what, so my goal is clear: we have fun, period.
As an aside, I don't know if any of you believe in the supernatural, or psychics or mediums. A friend and client of mine -- a reknowned medium -- came to my office this week (she stopped by just to say "hello" as she was in the area) and met Mr. Henry; without prompting she began telling me things she could not have known about him unless she'd read my mind. I'm not about to get into a debate on this stuff, because y'all can believe what you want to believe. All I'm going to say is...good, bad, ugly...and everything in between...Henry and us: MFEO.
Henry meets reknowned Medium Kelly Schloer.
Onward!
