A Little Difference

Over the past few weeks, Juno has undergone a very dramatic change. She was the shyest dog at the kennel, barely even allowing me to be near her. According to Bill, she used to be very social and excited. Unfortunately, a few years back, a former handler was looking after the dogs while Bill and Jodi were off on vacation. When they returned, Juno was skittish and wary. The handler attributed it to her getting loose for a few hours, but she was so nervous, something else must have happened to her. Needless to say, that handler was asked to leave.
Since then, Juno has remained wary. She shows no aggression; she is just constantly scared with strangers around. It was awful to see her like this and I would frequently spend time with her, trying to get her used to me. When training started, she became a different dog. Any time there was a hint of a harness, she would howl and jump on her barrel. On the line, she would jump up onto me and pant excitedly. When the running was done, however, she would go back to her nervous self. It seemed like she would be nervous forever; and then she got pregnant.

We caught Juno and Lynx on the line. We hoped nothing would come of it, but Bill gave her "morning after" pills anyway. While puppies are always fun, this is not a good time. The yard is full as it is and if Juno had a litter she would not be able to run. Therefore, we waited and hoped. A few weeks later, Juno got fat. Bill instantly took her to the vet where it was confirmed. Since it was still early in the gestation period, the vet began a set of shots to cause an abortion. It was hard to come to this conclusion, but puppies really wouldn't be a good decision for her at the moment. She loves running more than most dogs and she is a top leader for the team; and so, we proceeded with the shots.
For a few days, she was mellow and barely came out of her house. I kept a close eye on her and sat with her while the other dogs were running. Finally, after 3 days, the procedure was finished and she perked up. She really perked up. It was as if the shots made her into a different dog. Now, Juno wags her tail anytime I come into the yard; she barks for me to come give her attention; she rolls over for belly rubs. I asked Bill what made her come around and he said it was the pregnancy. Even being pregnant for that short amount of time has completely changed her. The hormones have affected her as they affect many women- happiness.
While I was sad to have to put her through the abortion and doubly sad not to have a new litter, I am so glad that something wonderful came out of this. This pregnancy has made her a happy dog again. Juno is back.