Akira

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Akira is the last of the Illinois Trio to come into our foster care. She came from the same breeder that had Bozley and Rone. She, too, tested positive for heartworms. During heartworm treatment, dogs must remain quiet and the stress of transporting could be fatal. I first met Akira while at the boarding kennel to bring Bozley home with me. Still in shock from seeing him, I was led into the grooming area. Akira was brought into the room and immediately ran to a corner, under the grooming table. All I saw was a tiny flash of black and white dart by.

Bending down to get a look at her, I saw a cowering, shivering, intensely frightened little fluff ball with eyes pleading not to be harmed. With that one quick glance, I slowly raised upright and walked away in hopes to ease Akira's discomfort.

Nearly two months later, Akira was finally well enough to be moved to her foster home. When I met the transporter, timid little Akira was curled up in a ball, at the back of the crate. The transporter, Joyce, had to practically climb in the crate to get a lead on Akira. She does not respond with the fear biting that many timid BCs do. Joyce coaxed Akira with gentle words while we waited until she decided to come out of the crate. It didn't take long before the scared little girl peeked her head out. Joyce gave some loving praise and Akira was ready for a short walk and an introduction to her new foster.There was no trouble getting Akira into the crate in my vehicle. She prefers the security of seclusion. Not a peep was heard on the ride home. She just curled up in the back of the crate.

Once we got home, I dropped the tailgate for the introductions. My dogs have this routine down pat. They take their turn, then walk away. Akira seemed comfortable with all the doggies around. While holding her lead, I opened the crate and helped her to the ground. Again, my dogs took their turn to get a brief sniff and walk away.

Then I finally got a chance to look at Akira. Her lovely coat is shiny, long, and full with delicate hints of pale brown for eyebrows and accenting her legs. As she rolled over to expose her belly, I realized that she had probably been used as a brood bitch. My eyes filled with tears remembering a poem about a young, female dog locked away from affection, used only to birth puppies for money. Could this sorrowful tale have been Akira's life? Was she locked away when still a puppy just to have pups? It would explain her fear of hands and humans. Without loving human contact, how could she know my intentions never to harm and only to help.

I could no longer dwell on her past, it hurt too much deep within me. It was time for a walk. Akira had never been leash trained, but she did surprisingly well on a light lead. My mistake was to let her seek shelter in the underbrush along the pathway. She got tangled in the honeysuckle vines and thought I was the cause. She soon realized I was freeing her of its hold and we continued the walk ... in the middle of the path. Our walk ended at the back of the house and into the basement.

She prefers to be outside, but since breakfast was overdue it was time to be crated for her meal. After morning chores were finished, we went for another walk. I found a perfect spot for her. . . on the patio, under the deck steps. This cubbyhole is covered with English ivy, Clematis, & Virginia Creeper. She can watch everything that goes on, yet feel hidden. That was her special hiding space for the afternoon. Akira was crated, while I had to leave. Upon my return, Akira was happy to see me and willing to come out of the crate with only minor coaxing. We took another walk, this time I nearly ignored her tendency to seek cover. She found it reassuring to just keep walking. We stopped at the top of a hill that overlooks the house, yard, pasture, and meadow. Akira curled up in my lap, with Faira beside us, giving delicate kisses.

By the end of the day, Akira had learned our routine, the paths we walk, and that my hands were gentle and loving. There was nothing to fear at this home, yet her past refused her from trusting humans. Her eyes were on me every moment, fearful of any sudden movements or unusual noises. Though she is safe, Akira will not feel secure for some time to come. As I put her in her crate, on the soft, fluffy bed, and bid her sweet dreams, I cannot help but think how a human could have subjected such a sweet innocent to such atrocities. There will be no pleasant dreams for me, tonight. My heart hurts for Akira's suffering.

September 15

Akira was so happy to greet me this morning. There was no hesitation to come to the crate door, but getting her out required a few kind words and a little time. While attaching her leash, I noticed the size of the collar she was wearing. It was not too tight; it fit her fine around the neck. However, it was quite wide for such a little girl and the buckle alone was quite heavy. It must have been a burden for her to have donned this thick, weighty strap. This would soon be solved with a dainty new collar. Returning from our morning walk, I felt a sneeze coming on and raised my hand to my face too quickly. Akira bolted and I lost the hold of her lead. She ran for cover at the opening to the woods. Although she had ample time and space to make a complete get away, she did not.

As I approached the woods, she almost beckoned me to her. From the underbrush, she would pop out, then return to its cover. Someone watching may have mistaken her actions as a game. I knew it was no game. She was afraid, but wanted to trust me and run to my arms for comfort. All she needed was some reassurance.

I sat near the dense overgrowth, not facing her, sideways to her. Soon, she crawled to me. After a few loving touches, I held her lead and we strolled back to the house for breakfast. By our afternoon walk, I had made a mental list of things to remember while walking with Akira. Do not look directly at her or in her direction. No sudden movements, including swatting bugs, running with the doggies, or removing spider webs from my face. My hands must stay in my pockets. I must always wear a smile and it helps to sing. When stopping to wait for the less mobile or to pet the dogs, squat beside the them to give slow strokes on their neck and back, rather than a little rough house pat on the backside.

Even though I feel foolish walking through the woods with my hands in my pockets, singing songs while smiling, and watching Akira peripherally, if it makes her feel I am trustworthy, than that is what I will do. However, if she were my child, I would never allow her to trust a human who behaved in such a manner! With all this in mind, I felt comfortable to let Akira run free with the other doggies. We walked to the woods, then I bent down beside Akira to release her lead. It took her a moment to realize she was free. I stood and started walking and singing and smiling, without looking in her direction. She started to play with the others. They ran and she ran.

It was difficult to tell if they were racing or playing tag, but whatever it was, it was probably the first time Akira had ever had the chance to run free! Her tail that had been tucked under her body was now curled up across her back and wagging excitedly. She was smiling from end to end.

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