Meg

Maria became interested in canine agility when she had Cherokee and Cheyenne.  Maria hadn’t had any formal training at the time, but was pretty handy so she built some jumps for them to practice.  Unfortunately, Cheyenne blew out her knee, then the other during rehab, so Maria decided this might not be a sport for them.

Years later, when Cheyenne passed away, Cherokee was alone for the first time in her life.  She was very apprehensive and fearful then and escaped from their yard four times the first day.  Maria decided something needed to be done to remedy the situation.  Later that week, Maria and her family adopted Meg.

Meg is a beautiful red and white Australian Shepherd.  Maria chose the breed because she wanted an agility dog, and Meg was the perfect choice.  Maria was about to retire and was able to devote a lot more time with her dogs, so she searched for a trainer who could teach them the sport.  By this time, Cherokee was 7.  Cherokee has fun and performs well in agility, but she started her career late so Maria didn’t think she could compete long enough to earn a national title.  Meg was just a puppy, so greater expectations lay with her.

Maria has had a few challenges with Meg.  Meg is quite territorial.  As a pup, she was well-socialized, but her temperament changed shortly after she was spayed at 4 months of age.  She became a little distrustful of people she didn’t know.  She also would guard objects that she knew belonged to Maria.  The first time this behavior was really noticeable was when she lunged at a dog who was sniffing at the leashes Maria left at a spot on the beach.  She even challenged an alpha dog checking out Maria’s shoes.  Meg ended up on her back in a submissive position, but it scared Maria just the same.  Maria sought help from a behaviorist who said Meg should be restrained for the rest of her life, but that was not an acceptable solution when she knew her dog was worthy of much more.

The challenge is still there, but Maria works with Meg and is careful of where she places her things when in public.  She is better prepared in anticipating Meg’s behavior and avoids incidences where Meg could lunge at unsuspecting dogs.  Maria keeps treats hidden from inquisitive dogs and is mindful of where she places things she feels Meg is intent on guarding. It may be Meg’s herding instinct that keeps her watchful and protective of her loved ones and their possessions.  Over time, Maria has become adept at second-guessing Meg’s behaviors and reactions.

Through it all, Maria and Meg have made a grand team.  Meg has honored Maria with agility championships and significantly beautiful moments of pure teamwork while running in tandem.

Meg is a loving dog at home and an intelligent competitor in the ring.  Thinking back about what life could have been like for Meg if Maria had listened to the behaviorist rather than giving Meg the freedom to stretch and be herself, we can all rejoice in the moment when the achievements of one little dog makes life so much more rewarding for those who love them.

Dogs are so much like people.  They all come with their own personal quirks and challenges.  These are puzzles you can solve if you are willing to spend the time and love them in spite of their flaws.  Learn the lessons your dogs bring you and teach those successes you achieve to others who follow.  There’s no dog exactly like Meg, but the happiness she’s given to Maria is worth every moment of hard work and loving care she’s given Meg to help her succeed.