Be Still, Be Patient, Repeat

GRACE STE. CROIX: I look down at my hands and stare at the two figures ahead of me. A stream of description flashes through my mind: malnourished, terrified and almost completely hairless. Two little Yorkies stare up at me quizzically. At least, I'm told they're Yorkies. I couldn't really tell.

Eleven-year-old Ribbon and five-year-old Evie have never been outside. They've lived in rabbit cages their whole lives. Neither dog has ever seen a snowfall, even though they hail from Kentucky and Montreal respectively. Actually, they can barely walk. They do not understand the difference between being outside or inside or that my house is their home. They are not properly trained, have never been washed and they don't understand any commands. You see, my husband and I did not get these girls from a local pet shop or breeder. We adopted puppy mill moms.

A puppy mill is a barn, house or other dwelling where pets are used to constantly breed and breed without rest. Dogs are kept in tight, dilapidated quarters. The only human contact they have is the occasional feeding, dropping off a stud for mating, or someone arriving to take new puppies away. Illegal in some areas, but legal in others, these places supply locals with discounted dogs and cats, and often sell to seedy pet shops.

As a senior dog, Ribbon could only produce one surviving puppy per litter so she was no longer a valued commodity. The first time she left the puppy mill was when she was thrown down a makeshift ventilation shaft. In the part of Kentucky she came from, owners are allowed to place any animal down this 'drop box' forcing all the under valued animals: dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and farm animals to stay together in one room. Those pets who survive the ordeal are placed in cages for the rest of the week until Friday when they are systematically put down. This process is repeated week after week.

Puppy mill cast offs, surrendered animals and abandoned pets are an epidemic and shelters are extremely overwhelmed. Our sweet Ribbon was saved by a Canadian rescue shelter; 'Loyal Rescue' in the Greater Toronto Area. Evie, is the survivor of a raid on a rural Quebec puppy mill. And now they're with me, a simple girl who has little experience with traumatized pets. But what I do have is plenty of love and a lot of patience. Little did I know, these were the two main ingredients for a successful survival recipe.

Be still, be patient, repeat: my mantra for the first few weeks.

I would encourage them immediately to walk on their own, often times giving them a tiny treat for a reward. These little girls needed to gain weight so it was good to give them a little incentive. Everyday I would place some of their meal on a step, encouraging them to learn to walk up and down the staircase. Dogs clearly have a passion for food and this task was learned in only two weeks, in fifteen minute a day intervals.

Both dogs were terrified of men, so our male friends and family took it upon themselves to speak softly. They remained still and would allow the girls to get used to them. It took about six months before they would tolerate a male in the house and about a year before they befriend a man. They were terrified of rain, plastic bags and any small noise, so we spent a lot of time socializing in the kitchen and they learned quickly to associated noises with food.

When the first snowfall appeared, Ribbon and Evie dashed outside. Like a people with a lost childhood, both Ribbon and Evie decided that they had to run in order to regain all of the missed idle years. They would never walk, but run everywhere. Both girls snapped at the snow as if it was millions of tiny white flies. It wasn't long before they realized that snow is edible and they loved prancing in it like rabbits. So I watched as these Yorkies began to blossom.

New mantra: be still, be patient, observe.

I realize now that it was me who benefited most. Both girls are now fourteen and eight respectively. Ribbon now a breast cancer survivor is also deaf however, they've taught me that I did not have to be an expert to aid in their healing, but just a loving person who would not give up. I am blessed to be witness to their enthusiasm, their bravery to take risks and their ability to get through a situation and not to dwell on the past.

Be still, embark, and rejoice.

The life lesson both of these beautiful dogs offer is that you're never too old to start over. It is possible to reopen your heart after you have been hurt and learn a whole new way of life. Embrace each positive opportunity and take each chance. Do not let your past disable you. You are a survivor and you can walk again or even run.

Jun 4, 2011 - 12:32 AM

Carol Ste. Croix -

So very pleased to read this article, Bonne Chance and good luck on your future endeavours!

Jun 3, 2011 - 12:10 AM

Paul -

This is a great article. Both hard to read and hard to not find out where it was going to take me. The lessons you mention are heart warming and inspirational.
Thank you.