Why It's All Worth It

Why You Shouldn't Give Up On Your Bossy Teen-Dogger

By Kate Shawgo and Bella Joy

The "teen-dogger" who pulls you down the street in a gagging choke -
......becomes a companion who wears saddlebags and struts to work on a daily basis.

The "teen-dogger who says "ain't gonna, don't wanna, can't make me" -
......becomes a companion who puts away her toys in a basket, brings her own leash
......and wears her doggles to make people laugh.

The "teen-dogger" who charges other dogs (cats, squirrels, insert your favorite animal here)
with intent to dominate -
......becomes a companion who can sit and "just watch it" and lives for tennis balls in the dog park.

The "teen-dogger" who has her nose into anything and everything -
......becomes a companion who can learn a new trick on the first demonstration.

The "teen-dogger" who overwhelms others with her eager energy -
......becomes a companion who can turn any day into a celebration and finally,

The "teen-dogger" who you think will never grow up and "get it" -
......becomes a companion who blends into your world and your heart so well that you can complete
......each other's requests before they are even requested.

The challenge?
......Faith, Patience, Commitment and Consistency:
......Build the bond.

The secret?
......Faith, Patience, Commitment and Consistency:
......What you give will return to you hundredfold.

The result?
......Faith, Patience, Commitment and Consistency:
......A lifetime of trust, adventure and together-love with the best friend you ever had.

May your journey be rich and full.

Kate Shawgo and 9-week old chocolate lab Bella Joy "rescued each other" through Spokane County Animal Shelter just before Halloween, 2002. Each has questioned their sanity several times throughout Bella's strong-willed teendogger years. Now, firmly ensconced on the other side of adolescence, they look back, sigh contentedly and declare "Oh yes, it was DEFINITELY worth it!"

Bella and Kate learned to communicate with each other through continued classes at Diamonds in the Ruff and have maintained long distance behavior coaching with instructor Carol Byrnes after relocating to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Bella is currently employed as official shop doggess and (polite) greeter at Mountain Spirit Gifts, their inspirational gift shop located in Black Mountain, NC.

Who would have guessed that a bossy teenaged "freight train" would end up lying patiently under the cash register as her ears are braided by a 15-month old child? How does she know to pick up a package dropped by a customer in a wheelchair or gently touch her nose into the palm of a woman who is blind?

This is why we train together; so that somewhere down the line the individual pieces begin to fit, and somehow, it all makes sense. At that moment our heart fills with pride and we offer gratitude for the sensitive, gentle companion our teendogger has become.

- Kate Shawgo mtnspirit@mac.com

Bella under the counter at work with her Lambiedoodle.