08/07/2026
Hello there! This one is for Beethoven's cheering section. ❤️🐾
It's hard to believe Beethoven has been on the farm for almost four weeks already. Here's what I know so far...
Beethoven is hands down a wild man with a mind of his own. He has clearly been let down a few times in his life, and because of that, he still gets anxious when he thinks we're leaving and not coming back.
Little does he know, he's found his forever home here at Mad Acre Farms.
He's also incredibly stubborn. When Beethoven doesn't want to do something, he simply won't do it. But...he has officially met his match in my amazing husband, Ryan.
Ryan has a level of patience that I truly admire.
Every evening after we finish work, we head outside to do farm chores. Beethoven comes with us and spends that time on a tie-out right in the middle of all the activity. It's our way of helping him get comfortable with the goats, chickens, ducks, geese, our pretty amazing farm dog Thailand, and everything else that makes life on the farm a little chaotic.
By the time chores are finished, it's often getting dark. Between caring for the animals and tending our market garden, the days are long. But Ryan still takes Beethoven to his favorite spot where he gets to burn off energy chasing his laser pointer.
Tonight I stood back and watched something that made me smile.
Ryan gave Beethoven the visual command to sit before taking him off the tie-out and putting on his leash. Beethoven knew exactly what was about to happen and could barely contain his excitement. Every time Ryan reached for the leash, Beethoven jumped up.
Five or six times.
And every single time, Ryan calmly waited.
No frustration. No raised voice. No giving in because it would have been easier.
He simply waited until Beethoven followed the command and held it.
Eventually...he did.
It was such a small moment, but it reminded me that training isn't about who's stronger. It's about consistency, patience, and trust.
Over these last few weeks, I've watched Beethoven change. His anxiety has eased. He's following more visual commands. He's starting to understand that when we leave, we always come back. Even car rides, while still a work in progress, are getting a little easier each time.
Watching Ryan and Beethoven together just makes sense. They're exactly what the other needed.
Sometimes the ones who have been let down the most simply need someone who refuses to give up on them.
I think Beethoven finally found that someone. -❤️✌🏼 Jamie
