003 | Ruff Around the Edges with Leana Mayzlina & Atlas

Sooooo…. this episode is a long one, but in my humble opinion it is worth a listen. Though we talk about Atlas’ story, for the bigger part of the episode the talk is about acceptance and personal growth.

Leana fell in love with the gorgeous black pup with the recently operated on, crushed, leg being fostered by her brother. That leg caused him to be on house rest for half (!) of the first two years of his life. During that time he slowly transformed from a mr. Wigglebutts to a fearful dog- and human reactive pup.

Working with an arsenal of trainers, trying out a bunch of different types of anxiety medication, and finally at least a year and a half worth of work with a vet behaviorist brought no relief. And so a different type of journey started, one of acceptance and of “it is what it is”, and that is what this episode is really about.

We talk about the public perception that all dogs “should” somehow be lovely, cuddly, non-barking, non-biting living cuddly toys; about embracing the “and” and not the “or” in all aspects of life including life with our dogs, which can be amazing and hard at the same time.

Then there is what the feeling of being judged does to us. Also, you will hear a bit of my own story with Rusty as we ponder the question what life would have been like for our dogs had they grown up with someone else.

Finally, we sing the praises of another podcast: Paws and Reward

You can find Leana on Instagram: @Leanita

The Instagram handle of her brother, who regularly fosters rescue dogs in the Seattle area is: @dmitriysdogs