I recently embarked on a new adventure – house and dog sitting. As a result, I vacated my home and rented it out. Removing all my belongings from the property and preparing it for the new tenants was taxing. My muscles ached in unfamiliar ways, and it took some time for my energy levels to return to normal.

One of the dogs is exceedingly skittish. While she has become comfortable with me, approaching to lick my fingers, she remains hesitant about physical contact. Our first walk proved quite eventful. Initially, I almost left without her because she avoided my attempts to put her leash and harness on. However, just as we were ready to depart, she scurried into a corner by the door, allowing me to finally secure her equipment.

Furthermore, during our walk, she mysteriously escaped from her harness while I briefly paused to pick up after her. I started to panic upon seeing her run away. Yet I mentally said “NO” and refused that reality, confident she would return owing to her bond with her canine companion. Sure enough, she trotted back to us but continued keeping her distance, as per usual.

To then get her inside I had to leave the front door ajar and circumnavigate vehicles outside to subtly guide her indoors. Thankfully, she ran inside rather than down the street.

Interestingly, these small dramas seem to inevitably occur while exhausted. By day’s end, I felt on the verge of an emotional meltdown. Any change, all the moving and adjusting to a new location, invariably stirs things up. The dog drama was just a catalyst to push into emotional overwhelm. Realizing I required some self care and re-centering, I decided it was time to get grounded in my new surroundings.

I invite you to try out a short technique I used: