The Perils of Papito (Mr. Papito Bones) Part I: Adjusting to Life Changes

Hello, I am Papito. My story is short--that is, what my owner knows of me. You may not be able to tell, but I am part Chihuahua and Part Rat Terrier. So, as you can see, I am part Latino, part US citizen. Sometimes it is hard to understand which part of me is the Latino (Papito), and which is US (Mr. Bones). But I digress. I don't remember my early years, but, I heard the people of a pet rescue organization say that I had been with them for three years, and most likely, was abused. They had called me Jimmy Dean in those days.They would bring me each weekend to a pet adoption place, but alas, no one wanted me. Until she came along. They told her I was "a riot" and could be very funny. She said she had seen me on the website and fell in love, by sight only--she would later tell others it was my big ears, or my Marty Feldman eyes, but I think there was a bigger connection. At first it was hard for both of us. I didn't know whether to trust her or not, whether she would be mean or loving, so I reacted as most sentient beings do--fear. My fear was reflected in showing my teeth and growling each time she came near me. I could even sense her fear of me--I may be small, but, I really know how to growl and suddenly jump at you. I would say it took us about a month to get used to each other. The good news is that neither of us gave up on each other. Trust was built and now, well, with the exception of the vet, she can take me anywhere and I know I'll be okay--just as she knows I will protect her. Yes, we had a hard time adjusting to our new living situation. Has that ever happened to you? Has it happened by choice or not-your-choice? That really doesn't matter--getting used to change is sometimes the hardest part. What can you do? First of all, like we learned, it's okay to show and express your feelings, whether it's about fear, depression, anger, loneliness or just plain resistance. Expressing it as I did isn't always the solution, but you can speak in a language others will understand you. I have to keep giving her clues as to what I want. Express yourself. And if you need to, calm yourself. The old adage, "This too shall pass" is so true. Time can really help you deal with things, so give yourself time to get used to the new place, new rules, or new living situation. Another thing you can do is understand that what you are going through right now will not always be how you feel. Who knows, maybe like me, your life will get better as a result. You can even evaluate by saying, "What's the best that could happen to me in this new situation?" And yes, remember, we can adapt to a lot of things--new move, new school, new family, new siblings, or just a new haircut. Like hair, we can grow out of it. And, if you are having a real hard time dealing with this situation, ask for help. Whether it be your parents, your sister/brother, a trusted adult, a friend, or a professional like her, help is just a shout-out away. Lastly, if you are not sure of what is going to happen next, stop worrying about it and just go out and ask the people responsible for this change, "What is going to happen next?" It's okay to want to know, and to ask, for information. Well, I think I've said enough about adjustment. But you can click here for more information on that. Oh, and look at this, I found a quote by the human Jimmy Dean. I guess I still have a piece of the old me inside. And, that's okay.