Hey there,

Every morning after breakfast, Muggins comes to the kitchen and asks for Care Time - that’s our name for hygiene rituals like ear cleaning and nail trims.

I acknowledge Muggins’s request and set up supplies. Muggins rests their head on a chair to say they’re ready for ear cleanings. Once that’s done, I toss some popcorn into a cardboard box that holds a few toys – our “sniff out the treats” game.

While Muggins sniffs, I prep for teeth brushing. Muggins comes to the toothbrush station and looks at me directly to say they’re ready. I rub their teeth with gauze, then give them another sniff box break.

When Muggins returns, I hold a bottle of immunotherapy drops and ask if I can squirt some in their mouth. Muggins deliberately shifts from “I’m ready” to “No” – turning their head away.

I thank them, then toss more popcorn in the sniff box. Muggins sniffs out their reward and gets a drink while I clean up.

Care Time is done for now. The drops remain untouched.

This is how it’s been lately, and honestly, it’s frustrating!

If Muggins took the drops, they might feel more comfortable. Maybe we could even give less meds!

I’ve spent so much – money, time, energy – to make sure Muggins is well cared for. So yes, it stings – when I offer care, and they say no.

But when I shift my focus from me to us, I see a different picture.

I see hygiene care for a touch-sensitive dog being easeful, even enjoyable. I see Muggins, who used to run from ear cleanings, now asking for them. And I see a relationship built on trust and collaboration.

Some days, there’s ease. Other days, just no’s and sighs. But either way, we’re in this together.

We can feel well when we connect.

And we can connect when we feel well.