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Chloe Ackerman, PsyD (she/her)'s avatar

Thank you! Maybe if you get a husky client in the future, you can send me videos?

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Rebecca P's avatar

I love this post, boundaries are my biggest struggle. I recently escaped a bad relationship but thought I could still take care of his dog, a Border Collie mix, while he was at work/sea. Eventually, because of who we are, I had to go zero contact with the ex and say goodbye to my fluffy boy. In an attempt to be less sad and avoid becoming a total potato, I started walking dogs at the local humane society. Making better decisions feels weird but hopefully it becomes my new thing. Thanks for sharing, I always look forward to your posts.

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Chloe Ackerman, PsyD (she/her)'s avatar

You showed up for yourself in escaping the relationship AND saying goodbye to your pup. That must have been a heart-rending call to make. Your grit and resilience really shine through in all these decisions, as well as the decision to start volunteering for the humane society. I admire you so much!

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Night Shift Writing's avatar

Himself (my partner) also loves Huskies. I did tell him, though, that if he ever thought of bringing one home, I wouldn't say no, but..it was all on him to groom it, clean up after it, manage the prey drive, manage its escape artist tendencies, and keep it exercised, trained and entertained. We do not own a Husky.

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Chloe Ackerman, PsyD (she/her)'s avatar

This is exactly what I said to my wife when she started talking about getting a border collie. I do not run fast enough or long enough to exhaust that dog, and we don’t have land. We do not have a border collie. 😅

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Cindy Ojczyk's avatar

Sounds like Himself respects your boundaries! You've must have set, and kept, them before.

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Iva Markicevic Daley's avatar

I always wanted a small dog, and now I have a husky who daily reminds me she prefers my husband over me. Even though I’m the one who brought her into the relationship 😂🙄

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Chloe Ackerman, PsyD (she/her)'s avatar

Ha! Dogs (and cats!) really do have their own agenda. We may think we’re in charge, but they’ll correct us promptly.

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Cindy Ojczyk's avatar

I say that about my cat. I feed him most of his meals. Groom him. Keep his litter box clean. He sits on my husband's lap!

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Iva Markicevic Daley's avatar

What little jerks 😂

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Cindy Ojczyk's avatar

Nicely done, Chloe. Great examples that were easily understood.

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Chloe Ackerman, PsyD (she/her)'s avatar

Thank you, and thank you for reading!

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Shelly Stallard's avatar

This is a cute way to address this issue🤍🖤🩶

I had a husky. I loved her very much. NEVER AGAIN. I admire *other people’s* huskies. She and our Border Collie (who was a working ranch dog) helped me learn to peacefully coexist with other “not for the inexperienced” breeds who currently have me in a dog sandwich 🙄. Rather like difficult folks.

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Chloe Ackerman, PsyD (she/her)'s avatar

Yes, exactly! I also would really love to have a border collie, but I don't think I could keep up with one. Maybe if I lived on a farm, but I'm a city girl.

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Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

I love this statement: "Acceptance is not permission for someone else to treat you badly." Amen to that. I also love cute husky pics....

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Chloe Ackerman, PsyD (she/her)'s avatar

I think this is one of the most important things about both acceptance and forgiveness. Neither are meant to allow someone to continue treating us badly. They’re meant for us to be able to move on, heal, and grow.

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Susan Winterbourne's avatar

Chloe I do not have a husky nor have I watched one so no photo😞. But again shared your post and with my German friend and she loves your writing and dog examples.

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