Today is a holiday. While other people celebrate their children's birthdays, today we celebrate the fifth birthday of our Skipper, our beautiful German Shepherd. And it is today that I want to take a moment to look back on the intensive and educational journey we have made with him over the past four years. When Skipper came to us as a young dog, he brought more with him than just his cheerful presence. He also brought with him a lot of insecurities and fears.
Already in the call that was made for him in which it was announced that he was looking for a new owner, it was clear to us that he carried a past with him that had shaped him into a dog full of doubts. And we also knew that we would have to work hard with him to support and guide him in this. What we didn't know, however, was how insecure he was. And that turned out to be worse than we could estimate. In fact, many of his insecurities only came out several months to a year later. A few examples are that little things, such as a displaced watering can, scared him. The wheelie bin that was put outside on garbage collection day and suddenly found somewhere where it would otherwise never be caused Skipper to jump with all four legs in the air in fright. His world seemed filled with unpredictability and fear, and even the presence of our other two dogs, Myla and Lana, initially caused more confusion than reassurance. The two ladies would not accept anything from him and if they did not ignore him, they would snap at him.
The first days were filled with moments of rejection, growling, and snapping. Skipper felt lost because who could he trust in this house? He sought support from the ladies but did not receive it. The support he was looking for had to come from me and my partner, but that was a bit difficult for Skipper in the beginning. He clearly wondered if he could really trust us. After all, he had also trusted his previous people and they had left him like that. The shaky bond of trust we had had to be enough, but then Lana also came into heat in that first week. It became a very intensive time that cost me many hours and attention to manage all interactions between the dogs. And at the same time build a relationship of trust with Skipper yourself.
Fortunately, after about 3 weeks we saw a remarkable transformation. The ladies turned around and cautiously contacted Skipper. Confidence started to grow and Skipper slowly became more relaxed. He showed more and more of himself.
It is now almost four years and many hours of training later and what started as an insecure dog has grown into a confident leader. It is as if Skipper has realized that he has now found a safe haven, a home where he is not only tolerated but also embraced.
One of the most special rituals that reflect this change is our daily brushing moment. What was once a challenge for Skipper has now become a calming ritual, where we both take time to enjoy the intimacy and relaxation it brings. While I groom his coat, he lies with his head on my legs, his sweet mischievous eyes looking up at me or relaxed closed, enjoying the gentle caress and attention.
The only odd aspect of this ritual is Skipper's tendency to take my fingers into his mouth. A little quirk that's more endearing than disturbing. It almost seems as if he is still looking for extra security in this way, a physical reminder that I am there and that he is safe.
Today, on his fifth birthday, I look back not only on Skipper's personal growth but also on how we all worked on it. We had to do it together. It took patience, dedication, and an abundance of love to overcome the fears that once plagued him. His interaction with Myla and Lana, which was initially erratic and dismissive, has given way to a close friendship and mutual understanding.
However, Skipper's journey to self-confidence has not been a straight path. And even now, four years later, he still carries a hint of uncertainty, a reminder of his early life experiences. He completely missed the socialization that is so important for puppies, and we will never be able to catch up. That piece will always ensure that part of his unique personality will remain unchanged. That part also ensures that Skipper will never become a dog that can just be housed anywhere, but this part also ensures that he is our crazy cuddly dog.
Our cuddly dog that we are incredibly proud of. He was once considered unplaceable by many due to his difficulties with other dogs, and n the insecurities he suffered from. But here, in our remote environment, he has found his own unique role. Skipper is not a dog that greets everyone at the gate with a wagging tail, but that is not why we have him. Instead, we have a guard dog that, when we approve, transforms into a big, cuddly bear.
Our relationship with Skipper is based on trust, patience, and the power of a second chance. We gave him the opportunity that others did not want to give him, and he seized it with both legs. Together we are strong, and Skipper's story reminds us every day that with love and understanding, even the most traumatized souls can find a way to peace and security.
