Marshall spent the past week back in Arizona. While out of town I wanted him to be in a place he considered safe. Sandy would be certain to keep his special needs in mind. I wondered if he would have a setback or if he would thrive.
And thrive he did. To the people in Arizona he was a noticeably improved. His ears and tail were up. He showed moments of joy when Sandy fed him the homemade dog biscuits I’d brought along. He went out with Sharkey and Charm and this seemed to be a comfort to him.
One of the board members from the rescue, Leslie Watson, came to visit while he was there.
“Which dog is that?” Leslie said pointing at Marshall.
“That’s Marshall,” Sandy said.
“OUR MARSHALL?” Leslie was incredulous.
Not only was he a dog with more confidence Sandy noticed that he walked with more strength, his legs were underneath him and his ears and tail weren’t hugged so close to his body. And he approached Sandy on his own for a scratch behind the ears. She was thrilled.
The evening I spent there in the cottage Marshall ventured out of his crate. There were towels on the floor to help him get over his fear of the tile. He stepped out, went to the last towel and bunched it up. He curled up on the towel and put his head down on his paws. He was out in the open, without the protection of close walls around him. It was a first. And it was wonderful.
Marshall did well on the long ride home. When we arrive home he remembered the house, the routine and what time supper came along! Although I know we have much to work through in the future I am thankful he sees fit to give people a chance. We’ve been his greatest agony. It’s time to become his greatest joy.
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