08/13/2026
Reflections from a Dog Trainer: The Hardest Part Is the Waiting 🐾
Things have been hard lately. Every job has its ups and its downs, and in a new program we are always working to improve how we run our rehabilitation program. And so its all felt a little heavy.
Recently, I was talking to my father about this feeling. About the highs and lows of seeing a dog come in, usually through our cruelty department, fearful, shut down, or even the occasional intake, excited, because they’ve arrived in a safe space finally. I told him about some of the cases we’ve seen going from petrified, to hesitant, to shy, to a dog that is confident, spunky, playful, full of personality. And then they move on past our doors to our main branch where they can be seen by you, and you can get to know them, adopt them, and they can learn to love their new home.
Which is a beautiful happy ending that so many of our dogs have already gotten. But the difficult part for me isn't caring for the animals. It’s not working to overcome fears and discomfort, or getting to know the animals to evaluate their needs before going up for adoption. The hardest part is the waiting.
In a career with a high risk of compassion fatigue, we have to be careful with our attachment to our charges. Since starting at our rehab center when it opened, this is a lesson I continue to learn. But I don’t let that stop me from keeping a close eye on those dogs that have left our care and wait at the shelter for someone to take them home. Some days I come in and share updates with the rest of our staff. “Did you see this dog got adopted?” “Your favorite dog got adopted this weekend after a month of waiting!” and so on. These success stories motivate me, and I like to share that feeling when I can.
And sometimes, I wait. And they wait. And we wait.
Some days I wish I were able to go back to the main branch during adoption hours so I can tell all these dogs stories. So I can remember their journey from day one to forever. And cheer them on during meet and greets and see their new families excitement when they can bring home their new best friend.
I was describing this to my father, and he said he feels that way too, cheering me and my siblings on through life. Rooting for us in our wins and in our mistakes. I’m glad I’m not alone in that regard.
So if you visit our shelter, and happen to adopt one of the dogs that has come through our rehabilitation centers doors for a short time, or a long time, just know that I have been keeping an eye on your new friend, and that I’m always rooting for you, and for them. 💜
- Cecilia
