Grant's Lessons: Part 3

As I wrote about in one of the earlier lessons, Grant didn't like males very much when I first met him. He still doesn't (at times he will bark and get upset about a male walking by for no discernble reason) but he has learned that some males are actually kind of cool to hang out with. When my dad comes to visit, he and Grant are best friends.

With the combination of time, treats, lots of play, belly rubs, and even more time, Grant and I have gotten to a really good place. I never felt closer to Grant than I did last summer when I found out he was a beach dog! He has learned that he can trust me and that I will take care of him.

Now I can turn him upside down, cuddle with him, and even play rough with him and he doesn't mind (I don't think I am supposed to say that he actually likes it!). He knows me. He trusts me. His trust me in me overrides anything else in he might have experienced in his life.

That is the power of trust, when your belief in someone overrides experiences that we have had. We humans have a tough time with that one. Even if someone proves themselves over and over again, we have that nagging thought in our mind...what if I can't trust him/her? But is an incredible moment when someone/something gets to that point where Grant and I have gotten to. I could look at him and say "Grant, let's move to North Carolina/Timbuktu/The South Pole and his response would be: "Are there treats there? If so, let's go!" He trusts that I look out for what is best for him.

That is the truest power in the world because it makes me even more determined to do what is best for him. It is my privilege to do that for him, Maizy and, most importantly, Marybeth.

I hope that I can learn from Grant and believe in the power of trust. I have much to learn from my beach dog. Thanks G, you are the man!