I received a wonderful surprise in the mail this week.
Just getting mail that isn’t a bill or junk is already a small victory—but this was something special. Inside the package was a T-shirt designed by a former client. It was created as a tribute to her dog, but inspired by a mantra she picked up from our training sessions together.
Printed on the shirt were the words: “Good Decisions by Kenya, the Mal”
“Good decisions” is a phrase clients hear me reference often:
- “Watch for a good decision.”
- “That was a good decision.”
- “Do you think that will lead to a good decision?”
My teaching goal is to improve a pet owner’s awareness of their dogs behavior. I want them become skilled at reading body language, so they can more accurately predict what their dog is about to do. When humans are better at predicting their dog’s next move, they can prevent problems, redirect to incompatible behaviors, and reward the good decisions.
Kenya’s Story
Kenya is a Belgian Malinois who was found as a stray in northern Wisconsin. My client tried to locate an owner, but when no one came forward, she decided to keep her. It didn’t take long to realize she was in over her head with a powerful, under-socialized, high-drive, land shark!
When I first met Kenya, I was skeptical of what the outcome would be. She was so far over threshold—lunging and barking at nearly everything she saw. The sight of vehicles, even from a significant distance, sent her into a full-blown frenzy. She was easily frustrated by confinement or restraint and would redirect.
I knew two things if we were going to have a successful outcome: 1) the training approach had to be comprehensive and systematic 2) Kenya’s owner needed to be in for the long-haul and capable, not only of taking direction, but of actually doing the work, day in and day out.
Difficult training cases aren’t easy on most pet owners. Too often people are looking for a quick fix or an excuse to opt out. But Kenya’s owner was anything but average. She was deeply smitten with this dog, and while that kind of emotion can sometimes get in the way, she channeled it into doing what was best for her dog. Her determination and willingness to learn were remarkable, and the progress they made over time was truly inspiring.
Today, Kenya lives a high quality life that alternates between the North Woods and the city. While she’ll always prefer the woods (who wouldn’t?), she’s learned to cohabitate with two other dogs, has a few other canine friends, and can now navigate the commotion of urban life with composure. It’s a transformation I honestly wasn’t sure would be possible when we first met.
And it’s entirely due to her owner. She embodies what it means to be Your Dog’s Hero—and she’s the reason I’m starting this new series of stories.
Back to the Gift…
Along with the t-shirt was a card explaining the inspiration behind it. My client shared that she’d gone on to create several other shirts based on the lessons she’s learned through her journey with Kenya.
Here are a few excerpts from the note:
“The phrase ‘Good Decisions’ always rings in my head… And Kenya is making more and more good decisions on her own.”
“I made another shirt too: ‘Good Dogs Wear Muzzles’—to remind people not to pass judgment.”
“And a few others to promote kindness and consideration, like ‘I Am My Dog’s Only Advocate’ and ‘Leash Your Dog.’”
This gift was more than a T-shirt. It was a tangible reminder of what’s possible when an owner chooses to grow for the sake of their dog. It represents partnership, awareness, and the quiet heroism that happens when someone commits to understanding their dog’s needs and meeting them where they are.
Let’s celebrate more of these stories!
If you’ve learned lessons from your dog that have inspired you to change how you live, think, or train, I’d love to hear from you. Share your story by reaching out to me: Robin@robinmacfarlane.com. Together we can inspire others by demonstrating what it means to be Your Dog’s Hero.
