Mia & Orzo: A Bach Retrospective

“Following is my overview of a few remarkable instances that I think are important to share.

Mia (Great Dane Mix) and Orzo (Great Dane), my two dogs, began their Bach flower essence program about one month ago and at first I felt as though there were only small changes in them, however we were only days into it. Rather than give up or doubt the usefulness of the flower essences for my dogs, I kept them on the program. By the end of the first week, I noticed a change. I was embroiled in finals, my Thunderbird graduation, work deadlines, and a family death. I was exceptionally busy (stressed) and they were not receiving the attention or affection they were used to. Rather than act out or acting somber, they really seemed to have pulled through it without much stress at all. I cannot say they were fine with the situation; however, the edge seemed to have been diminished a bit.

Shortly after, they had a Vet appointment, which usually is unbelievably stressful for all of us. It was after the Vet appointment that I reflected on how different this experience was. First, Mia, who is normally neurotic in the car, was calm. She responded to her commands and did not get worked up. Normally I have to carry her through the front door of the office, however this time she waltzed right in. Furthermore, I usually have to pick her up and lift her onto the large metal scale for a weigh in. This last time, she walked right on and sat. It was a much more calm experience that we all appreciated. Orzo loves the car so there was no change there. When we got to the Vet’s office, he usually shakes, puts his tail down, and basically freezes up. This time, he stuck by my side but there were no shakes or cowering. In addition, he had no problem with the weigh in, which is usually a struggle and involves me dragging him onto it. As a final note, he normally sheds buckets of hair. it seems to be a nervous reaction. This last time, he did not do it. It was a remarkable thing and yet I did not even notice the changes until several hours afterwards when I had time to reflect
on it.

Several weeks went by and I was keeping notes on subtle changes but I was missing a few things because the changes were so small and they were building on each other. Kind of like a flower growing. You notice the sprout when it breaks through the soil, the first leaf, the first hint of a colorful petal but all the other changes go seemingly unnoticed because you see it everyday. Mia was like a little flower growing and changing before my eyes, without notice.

Each night, Orzo, my boyfriend, and I watch the news together. Mia always goes to her home (kennel) in their bedroom. She never came out to hang out with us; she would just sleep by herself on her bed. One night, several weeks ago, I noticed she was in the family room with us. Lying on the floor in front of the television with her family. She stayed for about an hour before heading back to her bed. At that moment, I realized each night she was sneaking her way into our nightly routine and staying a bit longer each night. Today, she hangs out with us for nearly two hours before heading to bed. She enjoys the hugs and rubs we give her and Orzo. It is wonderful she is finally allowing herself into our family.

As a final note, and perhaps the most remarkable. My friend came over one night to hang out, as we had not seen each other in a very long time. She was unaware of the dog’s Bach flower essence program so her comments are truly objective. The first thing she did was greet the dogs. After they went through the initial greeting, she turned to me and said, "They are different. They are so well behaved and Mia...she’s lost the wild look in her eyes." She went on for a bit more because she was amazed that within a few short months they, "looked and acted like different dogs. They seem happier." My friend was so happy for them as she loves them very much. I was so happy to hear this, and I still did not tell her about the Bach flower essences because I am going to continue to use her as my outside observer as she is far more objective than I because I know the dogs' program and she does not. It was really wonderful to see someone else notice the changes, as it eliminates the fear I had that I was being too optimistic and perhaps "seeing things." It was a reality check when she noticed considerable positive changes in them without any influence or knowledge of the program.

I feel as though Mia and Orzo are closer now than ever to being at a place of contentment and happiness where they feel, and can accept, the love and security we offer.”

Danielle Canonico, Phoenix, AZ
Director of Marketing, OASIS Gift Shows