This is sooo sweet. I loved this bit in particular: "I was able to jump out of that plane because I didn’t do it alone. I trusted my instructor to have my back—we were, as literally as two people can be, in it together. That’s how I want my dog to feel each day of her life."
I did a tandem skydive when I retired about 10 years ago. I'm acrophobic. But it was on my bucket list so I had to do it. The tandem jumper cracked a rib as he was tightening the harness. Having cracked ribs before, I did let that stop me. Out we went. For the first two seconds I thought what the Hell have I done. Then I was fine. And yes, the moment we landed I asked is it too late to do it again.
Dang! I am of course so glad he took tightening the harness seriously, but also so sorry it resulted in a cracked rib (what an unlucky thing to go through?!). But very impressed you still enjoyed the experience!
This is sooo sweet. I loved this bit in particular: "I was able to jump out of that plane because I didn’t do it alone. I trusted my instructor to have my back—we were, as literally as two people can be, in it together. That’s how I want my dog to feel each day of her life."
Ohh thank you so much, Courtney 💛 I can truly not overstate how important leaning into that social-creature trust has been with sensitive Scout!
that was beautiful 🥹 I want my dog to trust me like that too, knowing that I got her no matter what.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read! Trust is the ultimate goal for our social relationship 💛
I have zero interest in skydiving myself (what does that say about me as a dog trainer? lol) but I appreciate the metaphor!
Hahaha perhaps your version of what skydiving was for me is just something else a little scary but also potentially very fulfilling!
I did a tandem skydive when I retired about 10 years ago. I'm acrophobic. But it was on my bucket list so I had to do it. The tandem jumper cracked a rib as he was tightening the harness. Having cracked ribs before, I did let that stop me. Out we went. For the first two seconds I thought what the Hell have I done. Then I was fine. And yes, the moment we landed I asked is it too late to do it again.
Dang! I am of course so glad he took tightening the harness seriously, but also so sorry it resulted in a cracked rib (what an unlucky thing to go through?!). But very impressed you still enjoyed the experience!