Percy
This is Part 4 in my series on adopting a new animal friend.
Judith and her 15-month-old Tibetan Terrier Percy were in crisis. “He escalates,” she said, “and becomes aggressive to the point of biting … I need to keep him in a pen in a separate room.” Between pauses, she stifled tears.
Judith called me that day to schedule an initial session for herself and Percy. She had gotten my name from a therapist specializing in animal grief and loss. She admitted that though she was skeptical of meeting with an animal communicator, she was at a critical juncture: meeting with me was the last resort. If Percy’s erratic behavior didn’t improve–she had to consider euthanizing him.
That was eight years ago.
Her commitment to Percy transcended companionship; it was spiritual. She considered Percy–as she had with his five Tibetan Terrier predecessors, Snus, Molly, Babe, Ben, and Blossom–as gifts from the Dalai Lama. His lineage held much promise as did his registered name, “Grace’s Little Possibility.”
Judith got Percy from a reputable breeder at eight weeks old and soon after bringing him home she realized he was a “special needs boy.” He was anxious and distracted, fearful of noise and bright lights, with a limited ability to focus on tasks or make eye contact. He didn’t like to be touched and was unable to express affection. Due to these limitations, he was not able to complete three puppy training classes, and at just over a year old, Percy’s biting turned into aggressive behavior. His escalations were often delayed responses to stimulation, such as a noisy car. Even the sound of leaves in a strong wind could set off a reaction.
Prior to our meeting, she had taken him to an animal behaviorist who had prescribed four medications for him. Though this helped to mitigate Percy’s aggression, he struggled with side effects. Being sedated did not allow for the connection that Judith knew was possible. It was also not the quality of life that she wanted for Percy.
Due to Percy’s erratic behavior, we met for our initial session by phone. Judith learned that Percy felt shame at not being able to control his behavior and that he had a willingness and desire to grow. His plea for Judith? “Help me heal.”
This was the turning point for Judith. She committed to working with the challenges Percy presented. He became calmer, something I see often when animals have a chance to communicate and, like humans, “feel heard."
Many of Judith’s family and friends knew the road would be difficult. They didn’t understand her decision to keep Percy and thought she should euthanize him. Even as I shared their concern for Judith’s safety I can now appreciate even more what a drastic step this was for her to contemplate. She was in her early seventies then and managing him physically while staying safe was a daunting task. But armed with the insight from our session, she persisted. Our second session was in person at their home.
Percy’s challenges seemed to stem from a genetic disposition akin to autism in humans, which made him reactive to stimuli. He also suffered from birth trauma as the last born: he was delivered a full two hours after the rest of the litter. Physically he was on hyper-alert; emotionally he held shame and grief; mentally, he was sharp and eager to learn. We began his healing by building on this awareness as well as on his strengths, including his fervent desire to support Judith rather than cause her stress.
Judith continued to see progress and asked if I would be willing to meet with her and Percy monthly. I agreed and over time she gathered a team of other professionals. An important component for success was the extent to which each professional working with them was willing to genuinely connect with Percy and attune to his particular needs, rather than perceive him as a problem needing to be solved.
Percy’s progress was both gradual and visible. He became willing and able to be touched by a chiropractor to help reduce the heightened reactivity in his nervous system. Additionally, he was receptive to the recommended changes in his new diet. His groomer took extra time with him, making sure there was no radio blaring, and that only one or two other dogs were present. The vet and her staff also worked gently with Judith and Percy’s unique needs. Each step supported the next one, even as there were setbacks along the way, with Percy’s escalations occurring at times. Still, they continued to make progress and Judith eventually enrolled Percy in obedience classes at Petco, many one-on-one, where he showed off his “smarts” and enjoyed socializing.
Four years ago marks another turning point on their journey when Judith hired a remarkable, highly skilled in-home trainer. The trainer has worked firmly, gently, and patiently with Percy, providing him with a strong sense of structure and support. Judith shared with me that “The trainer really gets him, Percy adores her, and considers her his best friend.” This training is ongoing, including scheduled walks 2-3 times weekly.
Judith and Percy’s transformative journey has been fruitful as well because Judith has been willing to grow too. Her efforts to reflect on issues that have arisen through their struggle, gather a team, ask questions and learn what she can, have strengthened their bond immensely. They have both evolved through their process together.
Percy is nine years old now and no longer needs medication. He, Judith, and I meet less frequently and our sessions are more about checking in. Judith tells me Percy has become more affectionate as they enjoy their lives together, with Judith singing to Percy, something he has always loved as much as his peanut butter treats! Percy likes being able to support Judith with a steady and loving presence. Percy’s escalations, though still possible, have not occurred in many years.
In knowing them I am moved by the extraordinary capacity of how our lives, whether human or animal, can be changed through genuine connection and relationship with one another. In her own words Judith writes:
“You do not have to be an expert in the healing process — kindness and patience have taken me and Percy a long way. If you love an animal and he/she loves you in return, never give up — believe in your ability to love one another. Gathering a support system around us has been Percy’s and my biggest accomplishment, one which has made all the difference — no one can do this healing process alone.“
Thank you Judith and Percy for sharing your story!