Walks, like good food, are best shared with friends.
And we have met some wonderful friends over the past few months, both canine and human.
Two of these friends were pit bull owners and advocates, Mike and Melissa. With them came two pack walk favorites: Tank and Dixie. It has been a joy to get to know these dogs and watch them grow over the weeks. So wonderful, in fact, that we had to share their stories with you.
Both Tank and Dixie were adopted from a phenomenal Twin Cities rescue A Rotta Love Plus where they were given a second chance at life. Like many rescue dogs, their lives had not been filled with warm beds, soft pets, and dishes full of food. Dixie had spent the the first 5 months of her life tied to a porch with no socialization, love, or attention. Tank was found wandering the streets of Minneapolis and was pulled from Animal Control with only a day left to live. You could say these dogs won the puppy lottery when they found their forever home with Mike and Melissa, but if you asked their humans, I know they would say that they were the ones that won the jackpot.
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| Hello Dixie Photo by Lp Reyes |
Dixie has been described as "too smart for her own good." She is a quick learner and eager to please. She loves hard and plays hard. Obedience and tricks have never been difficult for her to master. Dixie's greatest battle is that she harbors some fear and anxiety towards unknown women, something she and her humans have worked very hard to overcome. To do so, they have spent countless hours socializing Dixie with all sorts of different people. Socialization is what brought them to our group.
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| Dixie displaying her amazing focus during a pack walk. Photo by Lp Reyes |
Over the weeks, Dixie has gained many valuable hours in the company of trusted friends. She has never growled or cowered in the presence of a pack member. She seemed to immediately understand that this was a safe place. And in the safety of this space she has continued to thrive and grow. We can't wait to see where the future brings Dixie. She deserves all the great things in life and we know here family will make sure she gets them.
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| Hello Tank Photo by Lp Reyes |
With a name like Tank, you don't really need an introduction. Tank came barreling into Mike and Melissa's lives with an incredible enthusiasm about all things, but especially all things dog. When Tank first caught a glimpse of a dog he would "turn into Tarzan," until he had the chance to meet them. Problem was, due to no socialization, Tank had no idea how to do so properly. With the help of Lynn at The Canine Coach, Tank began to work to tackle his dog reactivity. After making huge progress with his training he was ready for a greater challenge and so he joined Dixie on a pack walk.
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| Photos by Lp Reyes |
It would be difficult to forget Tank's first pack walk. No one will forget his human's initial introduction: "Hi, I'm Mike and this is Dixie. My wife Melissa is down the street with our dog Tank who is currently having a meltdown." But even more unforgettable would be the events that would unfold on that day. Midway through the walk, Tank was able to catch the pack and walk within a few feet. By the end of the walk he was smack dab in the middle, a model of proper canine behavior. Tank had found his place and his parents were beaming with pride.
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| The Dynamic Duo in Action! Photo by Lp Reyes |
Over the weeks Tank has continued to thrive and grow. If you were to
join our group you would never guess how far Tank has come, he is simply
another member of the pack. And though it may look effortless,
countless hours and training have gone into Tank's success.
Tank's journey has been a highlight for many a pack walker. Not because he is adorable (which, my goodness is he ever). Not because he joined the group (which, is an amazing step in and of itself). Not even because he made such amazing progress (which, is unbelievable to say the least). I think it is because we all see a piece of our dogs in Tank and see ourselves at the other end of his leash.
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| Photo by Lp Reyes |
And that is why we walk together.
