One of our four rescue chihuahuas has more health challenges than most dogs should ever face. His issues are long and complicated: ocular albinism, Cushing’s syndrome, hearing loss, joint problems, and poor eyesight. Add in a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde attitude, and you can imagine how colorful life with him can be.
He has lost most of the hair on his underside, giving him the appearance of a store-bought chicken breast. He walks with a spider-like gait because of his joints, and his eyes reflect red when the light hits just right. At one point in his life, he even ended up in a kill shelter before we were able to bring him home.
With all these challenges, you might expect him to be miserable or withdrawn. But he isn’t. Every day he still romps around, plays, and finds a sunny spot to enjoy. He will come up sideways with one paw lifted, asking to be picked up and petted. And don’t dare stand between him and his daily treat, he won’t let you forget it.
So why share his story? Because this little dog reminds me daily about perspective. If he can wake up with a playful and loving attitude despite all of his challenges, then I can face my own struggles with the same determination.
That’s especially true right now as I continue searching for a new job. When the process feels slow or discouraging, I think about him and remember to start fresh, stay positive, and keep moving forward.
If a small rescue dog can find joy in every day, then so can we. What motivates you to keep pushing forward?
