Here, at the 1/2 way point between your 9th adoption day and 10th Birthday I wanted to write for you what Dogster used to call a 'Tale of Devotion'.
On a warm early October day in 2002 I headed for the Humane society, just to look as I had done so many times before. There is Kennel #2 was a skinny, scared, shy 11 month old pup with the biggest, saddest eyes I had ever seen. For the first time I decided to meet with an adoption counselor and learn more about this frightened little one. And so we talked, the counselor and I and I discovered that there wasn't much she could tell me about you, other than you had been sent by truck from North Carolina and were very shy and very scared. You had a wound on your nose that was of unknown origin. I decided to meet you in person but you didn't want to meet me, you would rather stay plastered to the side of the adoption counselor who you knew and trusted. I was thinking that maybe you wouldn't be happy in my home but then you did something that changed both our lives forever. You slowly approached me, whined a little and licked my hand. That was all I needed to seal the deal. Once paperwork was filled out and fees were paid you left with me. To say the first couple of weeks were rough would be an understatement. Taking the advice of the shelter I bought a crate so you would have a safe place to call your own, but you were so scared you soiled it every day. Eventually you settled in and grew to love and trust me as I did you. I've tried to socialize you as best as I could; I've taken you to behaviorists and taken you to new places trying to get you used to changes...We've hiked mountains and walked beaches together but you've always been happiest just hanging out in familiar areas. Your extended family loves you just as much as I do and I'm happy to say you love and trust them too.
The last 2 years have been full of changes, most not exactly ones I had planned nor wanted and although I may have been sitting next you my mind was miles away. Now I find the years have passed so very quickly and you are about to turn 10. Your muzzle is white and your chronic health issues are showing themselves more frequently and I regret every single second I didn't fully accept the gift that you are.
I make these promises to you - I will let you be exactly who you are..I will take the time to enjoy everything you have to offer, and I will do anything I can to keep you healthy.
So, Happy Gotcha Day (Oct. 5th) and Happy Birthday (celebrated Nov. 9th) to my quirky, funny, sweet little guy.
Those of you who know me are aware that I find the world a pretty scary place except when I'm home or at Grandma's. Today I was a very brave pup!!
First, mom took me to a fundraiser for dog rescue. I was not exactly relaxed but I let other pups sniff me and I sniffed them back and was overall friendly...not one warning grrrrrr at all!!
Next, I went to Mansfield Hollow State Park and I looooved it. We went to a relatively secluded spot and I ran and sniffed and waded in the water.
Mom says she is very proud of me.
Well, I'm supposed to take the Doxycycline for 90 days but after 6 I'm getting sick already. Last night my stomach was making all sorts of noises and this morning I didn't want to eat my breakfast at first (until Bailey started heading toward my bowl) I ate it all but later I had diarrhea (sp?) Mom's going to see how am I tonight and if I'm still sick she'll call my dogtor for something that will settle my stomach enough to make it through the next 84 days.
Update 2/14 - My stomach is better and I didn't have to miss a dose!!! Yayyyy!!
Dogster Obsessions: The Starter Kit for Dogs by Wildebeest
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