The Project Dog: Elway’s Story
Elway came into my life in the Fall of 2020. A pandemic dog of sorts. 2020 was full of loss. My sweet Percy died in April, my grand dog Cannoli died in August, and my wonderful Daisy Mae was very old and died in November, just two months after Elway joined us. I never want to be without a dog! They're lights in my life and the heartbeats at my feet.
I have been the guardian to a reactive dog (people and dogs) for the last 11 years and she has changed my life in some incredible ways, but being her person felt impossible at times. Those early years presented me with challenges that I was not prepared or equipped for. It was isolating and frustrating and I often felt judged and criticized. While time and experience has shifted my perspective a lot since then, those old feelings are still there as a memory.
Reading these stories from the guardians of Project Dogs may be healing some of those old feelings that I had buried. Their struggles, their frustrations, the love they have for their dogs, the changes they have made to better their dog's lives, the lessons they have learned along they way - they are just like mine.
These stories make me feel seen and heard through the words of other people who are sharing in these same experiences. You don't have to feel isolated or judged. There are people out there who understand you, people who understand your dog, people who understand your journey. I hope you can find some of your own comfort and support in these stories, just like I have.
And if you feel ready to share your dog's story. I would love to read it!
-Noelle, Series Editor