Entry FormEntry for Contest 4!Username: Baobabel
Kennel Page: HereCollie Entering: Luhi and
AreteEntry: Luhi arrived on the ranch with more of an ashamed slink than a walk. She did not have a glamorous life before arriving on the ranch. She had spent years having litter after litter for a backyard breeder more concerned about money than dog welfare. She had been malnourished, mistreated, and had so many puppies taken away too early. This all had major effects physically and mentally on the heartbroken dog. Her fur was dingy and matted in places even though it was short. Her joints ached and she had underdeveloped muscles. Mentally she was lost. She lacked self confidence and self worth, believing it was her fault all her puppies got taken away. That she could’ve done something to stop it.
Her new owners knew something of her background and reading the situation decided it was best not to incorporate her into the main pack right away. They believe space and slow introductions with small groups would be best. Unfortunately (later fortunately), Luhi got a glimpse of one her previous
pups that had happened to end up on the same ranch before. The pup was full grown and looking healthy, happy, although shocked at the moment. Luhi felt a glimmer of pride before the image of what that pup had looked like the last time she saw her flashed before her eyes. ((backstory
here)) Dirty, bones showing under the skin, eyes begging for help and attention. Luhi felt it like a kick in her stomach. She turned in shame.
She had just arrived but she knew this place would not be much better than the last. Experience told her so. Plus, who would want to interact with let alone be kind to a worn out dog who had let her puppies be taken away. Plus, her pup was probably telling everyone around about how awful a parent Luhi had been. How there had never been enough food or resources to go around. Luhi’s depression sunk to an all time low and she receded even further into herself. She wasn’t eating much, she didn’t move out of her kennel, and she flinched at every sound.
Arete was returning from playing with some of the younger dogs in the open field. Despite having a few years on them he could still keep up with the younglings. He enjoyed the push. As he entered the main yard, he saw a new dog arriving on the ranch. While the grime and body language was practically shouting a bad backstory, Arete’s attention was caught by the graceful movement. The ranch was known for bringing in dogs with a rough past. Arete hoping to see more of this graceful dog as she relaxed and learned the safety of the ranch.
But that didn’t seem to be happening. Some dogs took a few days to adjust, others a few week. Rarely did a dog take months of recovery but the newcomer seemed to be in that camp. Arete didn’t see her again for months. He got a few updates from the few dogs that were allowed to interact with her. “It’s like she just doesn’t want to try anymore” He also learned more details about her background from those same dogs. Eventually word got out that the newcomer, named Luhi, was actually the mom of one of the dogs already on the ranch. He learned more after talking to her. She sensed he wasn’t asking merely for gossip. She saw something in his eyes that he wouldn’t realize himself until much later. Arete wasn’t obsessed from one glance or anything but he did find his mind going back to Luhi. That had never happened with any of the other dogs on the ranch
Arete was a solid middle of the pack dog. He got along with almost everyone but wasn’t known for being gregarious or super charismatic. In general, he was mellow and calm, though he could get fired up when playing. He has a quiet confidence. He wasn’t as soothing as some of the others but he was non-confrontational. He doesn’t make waves but he’ll also stand his ground for important things.
Clearly, the current system wasn’t working. The owners decided maybe a change in scenery would help. She was a dog that wouldn’t help herself so maybe one of the others could assist. Eventually, Luhi was moved to a new location. She still had her own space but was no longer extra isolated in the guarantee area. She was now in one of the regular kennels but had extra room and empty kennels on either side. She wouldn’t have to interact with others if she didn’t want to but she would be exposed to more of the daily sights and smells.
This change meant more dogs could try to interact if they wanted to. Most didn’t, trying to be polite but Arete couldn't’ seem to stay away. He saw how much cleaner she was (she truly had a beautiful coat), but she seemed to be even skinnier if that was possible. He tried introducing himself but she just stared into the distance. Since she wasn’t asking him to leave her alone, he decided to continue trying. He left delicious treats for her. The humans had tried a variety of food of course but somehow it was different, being left with a small piece of something rather than a whole meal. She didn't deserve nice food but a single bite of chicken in front of her nose was hard to ignore. Everyday he would leave a little treat as he left. Being small, the treats were easier for her to eat but it also made her body realize how hungry it was and soon she began to eat a little more each day.
Once she was regaining some life, he spent more time with her. Most of it was spent in silence, just sitting right outside her kennel, giving the comfort of company without the expectation of interaction. After awhile she began to acknowledge him in small ways. First it was just losing the blank stare, like looking through him. Then it was a curious side eye. Later she rested her head facing him. Soon after, the next time he went for a visit, he found a blanket waiting for him on his spot outside the kennel. Much longer down the road, he arrived to find the blanket inside the kennel, in one of the corners. That felt like a big day for him.
Around this time, arete had started a couple new habits. Every few days he’d leave behind a gift. Each trinket was small and honestly worthless. It wasn’t meant to impress. He was trying to get her to laugh, or at the very least, engage a little. He tried to find the most random items he could. One day a pinecone, the next a ripped up ball. A self made mudball was the first thing to nearly get her to laugh. He knows he saw a small smile on her face! He finally got a real physical reaction by bringing in a frog. At first she had thought it was a toy so when it moved she leaped up! She quickly settled back down as he ran and grabbed. She gave him a side glare and he had the decency to blush and tilt his head. Inside though he was ecstatic because he could tell she didn't mean it. If anything, it almost felt a little flirty?
It began to become a game, what reaction she would give him. Sometimes she’d be delighted. Other times she’d only show a bored expression and look away. She was sitting next to him instead of huddled in a corner facing away. This was huge. Not only was she engaging but he could tell she was messing with him.
During this time he had also been talking more. Telling stories, occasionally singing, oftentimes just talking about things going on on the ranch. Overtime she seemed to be more and more interested in whatever he was talking about. She let out a gasp during a spooky tale and he swears he heard a faint chuckle when telling an embarrassing story. Knowing he wasn’t the best storyteller, he would sporadically bring another collie with him. They had many collies with unique talents but he didn’t want to overwhelm her so he usually just brought the storyteller or a singer. Her walls came back up the first few times and she never engaged directly with them like she did with him but slowly she grew more comfortable and enjoyed the entertainment. She seemed to particularly resonate with the songs. She got so caught up in them, tears would slip out or a faint grin would appear. While Arete wished he was talented enough to bring the same reactions, he was glad he had thought of the idea. Luhi was grateful too. She sat next to him during the performances, even brushing against him.
The progress was very gradual but there was a big difference in the dog now versus when she had first arrive. She still wasn’t speaking but she was eating and engaing. She was even showing playful behaviors. The biggest shift didn’t happen with Arete however. Her pup finally came to visit her. She had heard of Luhi’s progress and decided it was time. They sat alone in the kennel for a long long time. When they finally emerged, both had tear stained faces but looked much more content. It was obvious they were emotionally worn out but some peace had been made. From that point on, Luhi spoke. She was never the most talkative of dogs and honestly never got much of a chance to speak to others, other than her pups which always got taken. But she was at least using her voice now.
Arete originally felt a twinge of disappointment that he hadn’t been the first to get her to talk but that was quickly washed away by the joy and the excitement of her progress. She actually vocally responded to him now. Later, she would open up about her past and share the load. She gave a soft greeting to others that came for a visit. And not soon after her pup visited, she got the courage to leave the kennel for the first time with Arete’s support. They didn’t go out long but that step was huge. Arete made sure they weren’t bothered by anyone for that first few visits. Once she was comfortable going out longer, he took her to his favorite secluded space beneath a giant old oak. They’d talk, have a snack, and just rest in its shade. Luhi was looking and feeling better everyday. The activity and engagement were doing wonders.
The physical stuff was mostly healed but it was still an uphill battle mentally. Slowly Luhi gained more confidence but she still heavily struggled with self worth. She assumed no one else wanted her around and that they didn’t actually like her. Noticing this, Arete encouraged friendships with others. He didn’t want Luhi depending on him in an unhealthy way or thinking he was the only one who would accept her. First she was upset and felt abandoned and worthless again but then realized why he made the suggestion. She cautiously began to try a few activities and hung out with different groups. She grew to cherish the art day on Tuesday. The collies there were so patient and kind with her. She found the freedom and bravery to express herself in her art. It was very healing for her and continues to be her favorite group. She grew close to her fellow artists and they continue to be some of her closest friends.
Arete and Luhi continued to grow closer too. They grew away from the somewhat caregiver dynamic and cultivated a relationship as equals. Turns out, once she had most of her confidence back, Luhi was quite playful. Arete continues the tradition of little surprise gifts to get a reaction. They play and flirt and find quiet spaces to rest. They enjoy activities apart but are always grateful to come back together. A year and a half after she first arrived, they officially announced themselves as mates. It was clear they only had eyes for each other.
((word count 2052))
