06/16/2026
๐ฆ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐ ๐บ๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฑ. โค๏ธ
This morning was physical therapy, and at this point Jetty is such a regular that all the therapists know him. I honestly think some of them would be disappointed if he didnโt show up. ๐คฃ
While Iโm working on the machines, he quietly hangs out beside me. When Iโm on the table, he settles nearby. When itโs time for side steps, he walks right along with me. Step. Stop. Step. Stop. Not exactly exciting from a dogโs perspective, yet somehow he accepts it as part of his weekly routine.
Last week I was doing step-ups on a single step, and the look on his face was priceless. You could almost see the wheels turning.
Are we going upstairs?
Step.
No?
Step.
Then are we going downstairs?
Step.
Mom, pick a direction. ๐
Honestly, physical therapy must seem completely ridiculous from a dogโs point of view. Sideways. Stop. Forward. Stop. Up. Down. Up. Down. Yet somehow he just rolls with it.
My favorite part is hearing comments from across the room.
โMy dog would be all over the place!โ
And honestly, theyโre probably right. Most dogs would be. Meanwhile, Jetty acts like physical therapy is just another appointment on his calendar.
Whatโs funny is that service dog class the night before reminded me heโs still very much a teenager. We continue to have ongoing negotiations regarding the meaning of the word โdown.โ A few months ago it was one of his strongest behaviors. Lately he looks at me like he understands exactly what Iโm asking and would simply prefer not to participate. ๐
Itโs funny how easy it is to focus on the one thing that isnโt working.
Last night I was thinking about the behavior heโs struggling with.
This morning I was reminded of everything heโs already learned. โค๏ธ
Anybody else ever have one of those moments where you suddenly realize how much progress has happened while youโve been busy focusing on what still needs improvement?