Those Who Get Us
This week, we’re taking care of Kristy’s dog, Joey. He’s a Yorkie, so he came into the world neurotic and high strung. Add rescue dog abandonment issues to the mix and we have one tightly wound little guy on our hands.
Joey is an HSD (Highly Sensitive Dog).
He doesn’t like it when people leave. He took to the couch, depressed, for two days after being dropped off.
The only treat his tummy can tolerate is bread. He really likes bread, so you can imagine the scene when any of us makes toast or a sandwich. If he jumps much higher he’ll hit the ceiling.
He likes to be held, but it freaks him out when people hug. I’d love to know the story behind that fear. Or maybe not.
Do I even need to explain why we can’t take him on walks, or why we dread every knock on the door when he’s with us?
[bctt tweet=”Joey is an HSD (Highly Sensitive Dog).” username=”JHanscomeWriter”]
Joey probably knows I’m writing about him right now. He knows when we are talking about him or upset with him. When I go upstairs, I expect to see him on the couch, trembling and staring, his piercing eyes pouring out the woeful tales of his traumatic puppyhood, so I’ll feel bad and give him bread, or if he’s had some already, pick him up and assure him, “You know I love you, Joey.”
Joey knows I get him. I occasionally tell him to get a grip, but I say it in love. I’ve earned the privilege of saying it because he knows I’m not one of those people who pretends I don’t have issues of my own.
We all need people in our lives who get us.
Who know the stories behind our anxieties and take them seriously.
Who trust us with their fear stories too, so we know we aren’t alone.
It doesn’t mean they don’t encourage us to push ourselves, but when they do we know they’re on our team, not just getting tired of our theatrics.
In fact, knowing they are on our team is often what gives us the courage to push ourselves before they need to encourage it.
[bctt tweet=”We all need people in our lives who get us.” username=”JHanscomeWriter”]
Joey is my reminder that I want to be that friend who “gets me” for others.
Who is this person for you?
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