Blue-Eyed Resilience: The Transformative Tale of Fernando
Fernando has mezmerizing blue eyes and a soul to match. photo: Sara Scott
For anyone who’s ever loved a dog, this story will resonate in the deepest chambers of your heart. It's a tale of transformation, of hope found in the unlikeliest of places, and of a bond that defies the odds. This is the story of Fernando.
It was in the depths of winter, in a landscape of barren trees and frosty breath, that I first found Fernando, a stray dog with eyes as blue as a summer sky, stark against his gaunt frame.
Those eyes, I would come to learn, were windows to a soul both gentle and resilient. Despite his severely emaciated body that hinted at a troubled history, Fernando looked at me with a spark of hope in his gaze that instantly captured my heart. His coat, though dull from malnutrition, hinted at the beautiful dog waiting to emerge with proper care and love.
As January's chill gave way to February's promise, Fernando became more than just a rescue. He became family. His DNA test revealed a heritage as diverse and surprising as life itself: equal parts Catahoula Leopard Dog, Treeing Walker Coonhound, and Pit Bull, with American Bulldog and a smattering of other breeds thrown in for good measure – a true canine melting pot.
Our journey together has not been without its challenges. Fernando's limited vision, akin to navigating the world without glasses, added a layer of complexity to his adaptation. As we settled into our new life together, it became apparent that Fernando had never lived in a house before. He didn't know how to communicate with people, startled easily similar to someone with PTSD, and preferred lapping up puddles outside to drinking from a dog bowl. He was wary of taking treats by hand, as if it meant someone was trying to catch him, an indication that kind people had likely tried to help him in the past.
But amid these challenges, a bright spot emerged. Fernando instantly bonded with my Chihuahua mix, Chester, who took on the role of canine mentor. This connection proved invaluable in Fernando's adaptation and healing.
Perhaps the most poignant chapter in our story was Fernando's battle with separation anxiety. Having known only the harsh indifference of the outdoors, he now clung to the newfound security of companionship with a fervor that broke my heart. His distress when apart from me became our Everest to climb. This wasn't just garden-variety separation anxiety; Fernando had developed a hyper-attachment specifically to me. No other human or dog would do. His world had narrowed to revolve solely around my presence.
As a professional dog trainer specializing in separation anxiety, I knew the road ahead would be challenging but not insurmountable. We began our ascent, using carefully prescribed medication as needed to support our behavior modification plan. Each small victory - a calm 30 minutes apart, then an hour, then more - was celebrated like a summit reached. Gradually, Fernando's world expanded beyond the radius of my presence, his confidence growing with each successful adventure apart. A heartwarming development was when he started cuddling with Chester during our separations, happily accepting his tiny canine brother as a babysitter.
As the seasons changed, Fernando's spirit blossomed with new purpose. During the recent July 4th holiday, he experienced his first off-leash romp on my parents' property. It was nothing short of magical to see him run with abandon, his eyes alight with joy, his spirit unchained. Even more heartening was his enthusiastic response to recall, a moment when the dog trainer in me high-fived the anxious dog mom, celebrating a job well done on recall training and the trust we had built together.
Yet Fernando's story is far from having reached its conclusion. Each day brings new challenges and new opportunities for growth. Some days, the shadows of his past loom larger. On others, his progress shines bright enough to eclipse any doubt. Through it all, those mesmerizing blue eyes continue to sparkle with a zest for life that inspires me daily.
In Fernando, I've found not just a companion but a teacher. He's taught me that love is a language spoken in patience, that trust is built in moments of vulnerability, and that the most beautiful souls often come in packages that the world has overlooked.
As we continue to write our story together, navigating its ebbs and flows, I'm reminded that the journey of caring for a once-forgotten dog is not a straight path but a winding road. It's a road paved with challenges and triumphs, setbacks and breakthroughs. But with every step, with every ice blue glance, I'm reassured that it's a road worth traveling. Because sometimes in our attempt to save another, we end up saving ourselves.