Dasha and Vesta

When I angrily run trying to catch a bus, I always think of Dasha. We do not appreciate what we have. To run and catching your breath get onto a bus. Or miss it and stop in front of the closed doors. Imagine, this can be somebody's dream! A dream that will never come true. For someone who can't run, can’t even walk. Dasha could never walk on her own. And never will. Only in a wheelchair or on crutches or leaning heavily on somebody's arm. Very slowly. Her illness from the date of her birth made her dependent on other people forever. Fate tests your without asking you if you are ready. I met Dasha and her family when they got a 2 months old Vesta. It is very very difficult to bring up a good dog. Dasha's family took this task very seriously, because Vesta was Dasha's future assistant. They obeyed all the rules – walks, feeding, vaccinations, vitamins…. Good care, of course. From the very beginning the puppy had to learn that it could not jump at Dasha, scratch her, rub against her legs, push when passing by. Vesta could run around and play with other members of the family but it should have been very careful with Dasha. It was not immediately but the dog quickly learned the rules. I was worried whether Vesta would be up to the role. What if when it grows, it will show certain qualities that we could not see in a puppy. It often happens. There are so many requirements for such a dog. It should be calm and friendly but brave at the same time (not be scared of people, cars, noise). Fortunately, it worked. Vesta is a very happy and energetic dog but she learned to control her emotions.

When it was time to train Vesta we developed a special program. We even had to make special equipment to be comfortable both for Dasha and Vesta. My main goal was to train Vesta to walk really slowly in straight line and give Dasha a chance to walk holding Vesta's frame, sometimes leaning on Vesta. Then Vesta had to learn to walk over border stones in two sets: first move its front legs, wait for Dasha, than move its back legs. Turn left and right only at Dasha's command, slowly, with little turns for Dasha to be able to catch up. If Dasha stumbled Vesta had to freeze, hold Dasha with its weight, not let her fall. Also I taught Vesta to stand or sit still giving Dasha a chance to get off the ground if she fall, leaning on the dog's back. And the dog should not pay attention to anything else. No sudden movements. And there are so many temptations around!

First Dasha and Vesta's walk outside. Now I have to teach them to walk together. The whole family is taking us to the door, we don't take anyone not to distract Vesta. "We will watch from the window!" - The grandmother says with agitation. For the first time we walk very little, I watch secure Dasha by holding an additional lead fastened to Vesta's collar. When we come back Tatiana, Dasha's mom, meets us at the entrance – "My God, I didn't believe the could do this!" Her voice is trembling and I am afraid she is going to cry, and even more afraid that I'll cry myself. We've had many lessons with Dasha and Vesta before her granddad took my place. In town Dasha and Vesta are always watched by somebody from the family. They are worried for them. I understand them. A dog might run close, a car might drive on the pavement, or else. But when they go to their dacha in the country, Dasha and Vesta move around there independently.

I also would like to tell a little about Dasha and her family. When I visit them, I always notice how strong their ties and how much they love and support each other. How they've managed to teach Dasha to be strong and confident. Independent. Responsible. Last year Dasha graduated from school and continues her studies, got into college. She is clever with her needle. Her beadwork is amazingly beautiful! And, of course, she's got Vesta! Dasha proudly says – "Vesta does not listen to anybody the way she listens to me!"