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and super fast. She would look oh so cute and lovable and then within a split second shift and become a terror. She attacked the other two dogs as well.There were times when we truly didn’t know what to do and it broke our hearts. The last thing we wanted was for someone to get hurt so we kept her away from anyone that came near her.Fast forward eight years and with time, love and a lot of patience she has gotten a lot better. Still not 100% but better.We still warn people about her and to stay away or be very careful. Some of those people end up telling us how fabulous she is and then probably think we are crazy for warning them. That’s OK with us. We would rather be safe and warn them than have someone get hurt.If you take out her snappy personality, she is actually our best behaved dog.Here is what we have learned:1. Love can shift behavior patterns over time.We constantly told her we loved her and made her feel safe. Just like we use our own mantras to change our mindset, what you tell others and help them feel can change their mindset as well. Even a dog.2. Treat others as they wish to be treated. That is the true golden rule.I learned how to hold her years ago in the way she liked. Miracle likes facing me and me holding her under her front legs. It calms her down. I can only guess she can see me and is aware of my actions which makes her feel safe.3. Recognize signs and back off. Give someone their

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own space.If her face was turning angry with her snarl, it was a sign to back off and leave her alone. Everyone needs space and recognizing the signs is a key step in nurturing a relationship.4. Get the right help.The first groomer that groomed her got bit, so needless to say we were not invited back. So, then I personally tried grooming her for months, and again, it didn’t go very well. Lots of blood and scars. We needed help and found the right groomer that was good at handling challenging dogs. We found Maria and that changed everything. Now she gets excited when I tell her we are going to see Maria and runs to her when I drop her off.Sometimes you need to keep going and take action in order to find the right person who has the right solution. Not everything will work out, but you need to keep going.5. It’s likely not their fault. Express empathy and take a moment to see yourself as others.But what if you took a minute to realize it may not be their fault? Maybe she had a bad experience with the previous owner? Maybe something in her brain just isn’t wired the same as another dog? Treating the animal (or person) with empathy is the best path.Have you ever heard the expression “heart dog”? Miracle is my heart dog.We all experience challenges with people, and in this story an animal, but when you come out the other end and experience the change, it only makes you stronger and more appreciative.</article></body>

Yes, We Have A Bi-Polar Dog.

5 Life Lessons And How I Have Grown By This Experience

Photo by Author- Miracle posing….not an easy task.

Her name is Miracle. She isn’t officially diagnosed but after years of telling our vet we think she is bi-polar, our vet finally agreed.

My husband desperately wanted a third dog. We already had two Shih Tzus that were only one year old, still puppies, but he wanted a third. I am a people pleaser by nature, and I love our first two pups (and my husband) so why not?

My husband found her on the Craigslist in the fishing section. “She just popped up!” Or so he claims, the jury’s still out on this.

She was super cute, three months old, scruffy and needed a home. (Actual photo below.) Her previous owner was heading back to Afghanistan, as he was in the service, and his girlfriend didn’t want her.

At this point in our FL Keys journey, we were still starting out and money was extremely tight. So, we gave him the $300 we had and offered him a charter someday when he returned.

Why the name Miracle? It was the day before Christmas Eve. We were taking in this little dog and we had no room at the inn.

It didn’t take long to realize she had some major issues. She was extremely temperamental to put it mildly. She wouldn’t let us come near her or groom her. Her bite was fierce, hard and super fast. She would look oh so cute and lovable and then within a split second shift and become a terror. She attacked the other two dogs as well.

There were times when we truly didn’t know what to do and it broke our hearts. The last thing we wanted was for someone to get hurt so we kept her away from anyone that came near her.

Fast forward eight years and with time, love and a lot of patience she has gotten a lot better. Still not 100% but better.

We still warn people about her and to stay away or be very careful. Some of those people end up telling us how fabulous she is and then probably think we are crazy for warning them. That’s OK with us. We would rather be safe and warn them than have someone get hurt.

If you take out her snappy personality, she is actually our best behaved dog.

Here is what we have learned:

1. Love can shift behavior patterns over time.

We constantly told her we loved her and made her feel safe. Just like we use our own mantras to change our mindset, what you tell others and help them feel can change their mindset as well. Even a dog.

2. Treat others as they wish to be treated. That is the true golden rule.

I learned how to hold her years ago in the way she liked. Miracle likes facing me and me holding her under her front legs. It calms her down. I can only guess she can see me and is aware of my actions which makes her feel safe.

3. Recognize signs and back off. Give someone their own space.

If her face was turning angry with her snarl, it was a sign to back off and leave her alone. Everyone needs space and recognizing the signs is a key step in nurturing a relationship.

4. Get the right help.

The first groomer that groomed her got bit, so needless to say we were not invited back. So, then I personally tried grooming her for months, and again, it didn’t go very well. Lots of blood and scars. We needed help and found the right groomer that was good at handling challenging dogs. We found Maria and that changed everything. Now she gets excited when I tell her we are going to see Maria and runs to her when I drop her off.

Sometimes you need to keep going and take action in order to find the right person who has the right solution. Not everything will work out, but you need to keep going.

5. It’s likely not their fault. Express empathy and take a moment to see yourself as others.

But what if you took a minute to realize it may not be their fault? Maybe she had a bad experience with the previous owner? Maybe something in her brain just isn’t wired the same as another dog? Treating the animal (or person) with empathy is the best path.

Have you ever heard the expression “heart dog”? Miracle is my heart dog.

We all experience challenges with people, and in this story an animal, but when you come out the other end and experience the change, it only makes you stronger and more appreciative.