Sauli came into my life like a quiet storm—soft but with an undeniable presence. At first, we were two souls trying to figure each other out, almost like an awkward first date. She had her quirks. I had mine. There was one thing that bridged the gap between us: a box of Greenies.
Training her wasn’t easy. Sauli was skeptical, maybe even a bit stubborn. But I can’t blame her. Trust doesn’t come overnight. It’s earned in moments, in gestures, and, apparently, in dog treats. I sat on the floor with that box of Greenies. Hope and nervous energy coursed through me. Would she respond? Would she see this as a game or a bonding opportunity? I didn’t know. But I knew I was going to try.
The first time I extended the treat, Sauli hesitated. Her eyes darted between my hand and my face, as if she were reading my intentions. I stayed still, letting her decide. And then it happened—a tentative sniff, followed by the softest brush of her nose against my hand. It wasn’t just a moment of acceptance; it was her way of saying, “Okay, let’s do this.”
Training sessions became our sacred time. I’d kneel on the floor with Greenies in hand. Sauli would sit in front of me. Her ears were slightly perked and her eyes full of curiosity. She learned quickly—sit, stay, shake—but it was never about the commands for me. It was about the connection we were building, one treat at a time.
There were times we both got it wrong. I’d mix up my cues, and Sauli would respond with a head tilt that screamed, Really?. But we laughed through it—or, well, I laughed while Sauli wagged her tail like she was indulging me. Every misstep became a stepping stone, every moment of frustration a chance to understand each other better.
Greenies became more than just treats; they became a language. They said, “I see you.” They said, “I appreciate you.” Sometimes they even said, “You’re a good girl, even if you just tried to eat the couch.” Through those small green sticks, we built trust and understanding. They were the olive branch in our sometimes chaotic but always love-filled journey.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, I found myself reflecting on how far we’d come. Sauli was lying next to me, her head resting on my lap, her tail occasionally wagging in her sleep. I thought about the first day I brought her home, about how unsure we both were. And then I thought about the box of Greenies, now half-empty but filled with stories, with victories big and small.
Sauli taught me that relationships—whether with dogs or people—aren’t about grand gestures. They’re about showing up, day after day, with patience, love, and maybe a box of treats. She reminded me that trust is a journey. It is not a destination. Sometimes, the smallest moments hold the greatest meaning.
So here’s to Sauli and me, to Greenies, and to the beautiful journey of learning to love. It is a messy, heart-expanding journey of discovering how to be loved. Because in the end, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Let Your Pawrenting Journey Begin 