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Last night something happened that made my heart swell so big it almost hurt… in the very best way. ❤️
Back in the fall, sweet black Lab puppy Mars, a service dog prospect, spent a few precious weeks with us for some exposure training. He was only 5 months old — playful, curious, and a little unsure of the big city world. Whenever something new worried him, he’d quietly tuck himself just behind my wheelchair, peeking out from his safe spot while I gave him all the time he needed to feel brave.
Last night, I brought baby Rottweiler Kenji (our big Moose) to his very first group class without Chesnyy. After class, the dogs got some joyful off-leash play time… and one of the staff brought Mars in to join.
He entered the room a bit nervous — so many more dogs than he normally sees in the training room, so much energy. But the moment his eyes found me… he came straight to me. ❤️ Not bouncing wildly, but gently placing his front paws on my lap, covering my face in soft, trusting kisses. Then he stayed right there, pressed close, choosing me as his safe place in a room full of uncertainty.
He could have gone to his breeder. He could have stayed with the staff who see him every day. But out of everyone in that room… he picked me. The girl in the wheelchair he’d only known for those few short weeks last fall.
Even once he relaxed and started playing, he kept coming back to check in with me, like I was his anchor.
I don’t know if there’s any deeper compliment a dog can give than saying with their whole heart, “You make me feel safe.”
And as if that wasn’t enough to melt me completely… Kenji was an absolute superstar on his very first night in this class. The youngest dog there by far, he tackled targeting (even into a tricky plastic tote!), stayed mostly focused through all the distractions, redirected like a pro, stayed perfectly polite and quiet, and had a wonderful time playing with the group. A few folks even mistook our growing Moose for Chesnyy!
It was great. My heart is still overflowing. Two special boys reminding me why we pour our hearts into this work — the quiet trust that lingers, the beautiful growth, and the pure love dogs give so freely. 🥹❤️
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