Nomadic Nurse Diaries

Dear Gods of Dog Manners and Farm Magic,

Let me introduce you to my pup, the actual perfect dog—minus her interactions with other dogs. Loyal, sweet, loves adventure, but when it comes to other pups? She’s got some quirks. We’re talking leash reactivity, a food-fueled scuffle or two in the past, and this charming habit of herding other dogs away from me, as if it’s her personal mission to guard me from all canine invaders.

So, naturally, I’ve always kept her on the no-friends list with other dogs. But that was until now. I’m staying on a farm, and the woman here—let’s call her the Dog Whisperer—convinced me to give socialization a shot with her two farm dogs. These aren’t just any dogs; they’re practically spirit animals for my pup—a Great Pyrenees and an Australian Shepherd (her dream dog combo, or so I imagine). Dog Whisperer reassured me, insisted we take it slow, and had this whole introduction plan mapped out.

We started with the basics: one dog at a time, on leashes, just a little walk together. And my pup? Not an ounce of aggression—just pure, insane energy and a whole lot of “OMG, can I play now?!” vibes. I’ve never seen her so eager yet so chill around new dogs. After just two hours, we’re off leash. Let me repeat that: off leash with other dogs, like some miracle breakthrough.

And bless these farm dogs because they’re teaching her all the good stuff—how to be cool, share the space, and maybe learn a little thing called “dog manners.” I honestly didn’t think this day would come. It’s been amazing for her and, let’s be real, a huge stress relief for me.

Here’s hoping she keeps up her newfound social skills because this is one breakthrough I didn’t see coming. Social butterfly status, here we come.

Paws crossed,

Nomadic Nurse