The neighbors...

In the weeks that I spent preparing for my four legged baby, I invested time in talking to the neighbors at my apartment who had dogs. I asked them where they walked their dogs, what time of day (if our area was safe) and they gladly offered information and were eager to know about my new addition.

As I would come home from work, or in passing, the neighbors would ask if I knew what dog I was bringing home and the time line. They were as eager as me to meet my little baby. Ron is the kindest man. He has a Cocker Spaniel name Tiny. Let me be the first to tell you...Tiny is not Tiny. Ha ha! Then there is Naomi. When Naomi heard I was searching for a dog, she dropped off a dog breed encyclopedia. She detailed all of her experiences with each dog and I gladly listened. She has an Affenpinscher named Gidget. Gidget is not very friendly. He tried to bite me once and I never forgot it. He was on my list of dogs to avoid.

When I found out about Stella, I eagerly showed them pictures. They wanted to meet her as soon as I brought her home! I kept my word and brought Stella to meet them. Tiny (BIGGIE) tried to mount Stella and Gidget snapped at her. To be honest, Mama Bear Lindsey almost lost her temper. That was MY BABY and their dogs were being rude and I did not like it one bit! I made a mental note to avoid Gidget at all cost and limit time with Tiny.

Over the past four weeks, something magical happened. After continually seeing Gidget on our potty walks, Stella and the affenbitcher (no, that's not a spelling mistake) because semi friends. He actually wags his tail at Stella now. Tiny became friends with Stella too. Often, all three dogs collide when we are all out on potty breaks. You know what happens? Absolutely nothing.

So what changed in four weeks? I didn't cast a spell. The dogs didn't suddenly get the fear of Jesus.

I changed. I became more confident in my dog and my ownership. The dogs were feeding off of my energy. I was scared there would be a fight. I was scared Stella would be hurt. My body language was one that conveyed fear. Once I gained that confidence and Stella gained hers, then things changed in more than one way. Other dogs were not an issue, and Stella was able to meet more humans. A human like Herb. Herb is an older man who walks with a cane. He has sparkly blue eyes that are full of life. Even though he struggles a little bit with his strength, his highlight of the afternoon is to visit with Stella. She can be really hyper but then see him, jump in his lap and instantly is calm. She lays there sweetly while he fusses over how cute she is and he asks for her kisses (which she gives generously).

Sometimes it's amazing how things can change when you look at a situation differently. My neighbors feel more like family since Stella has entered the picture. Before Stella, I didn't know any of my neighbors. As an introvert, I kept to myself. Now I am getting out and meeting others. I am learning who lives in which apartment and who has dogs. Just tonight we were all talking about the torrential rains that are in the forecast and our plans for the dogs. I know that if I ever got in a bind, they would be there for me. Stella opens doors...to their hearts and to their homes. I am blessed indeed.