Jace's Journey

Book excerpt: “There’s nothing more I can do for you.” We had officially hit rock bottom, my dog and me. A moving story about a woman and her dog, Jace’s Journey is a testament to those dog owners who, try as they might, struggle with their dogs’ anxieties, triggers, and traumas. Van Mulligen takes you on a journey through time, trust, consistency, and acceptance—from tears to triumph. The journey begins when Van Mulligen and her husband choose to foster Jace, a rescue pup and their first-ever dog. Beautiful and charming, Jace is a Xoloitzcuintli from Mexico who, despite his sweet character and calm demeanour, is troubled and anxiety-ridden. The busy streets, loud noises, and passersby of Vancouver, B.C. have a terrible impact on him, unleashing behavioral issues and unshakeable fears. Out of her depth, Van Mulligen seeks help from professionals everywhere. Van Mulligen journals the struggles and successes of Jace’s training, development, and rehabilitation. Far from easy, she details the challenging process, including what tools and resources proved fruitful and which tricks and tips gave them hope. Chock-full of good advice and relatable experiences, this book is a light in the dark for dog owners and lovers.