For The Long Haul

One of the most inspirational bloggers and doggie moms I know once wrote a post that so deeply resonated with me that I doubt if I could put into words how much it impacted me.  It ripped open a bandage that covered a gaping hole in my upbringing that I will spend the rest of my days trying to make up for.

Other than Samantha, who belonged to my grandparents, I didn't really have a stable animal presence in my life.  While my dad was/is an animal lover, my mom isn't really even an animal liker.  I remember several dogs in my early years.  They came and they were gone.  I don't know where they went other than "to live out in the country."  Given my parents m.o. I assume they were given away.  Rehomed.  Some may have run out in the street and perished.  I just never knew.

I don't have the foundation of respect for our furry friends that some people have and that is just where I came from.  It doesn't make my parents bad or necessarily wrong,  it just is how it was with them. 

I'm actually not even certain when the forever pet concept jelled in my conscious but I do remember the early days with Ray which were such a challenge. Before we adopted Ray, I wanted an elderbull.  I wanted an ambassador who could be a therapy dog if that was the path they were destined for.  My husband wasn't convinced and was dead set on a puppy, so it seemed only natural that we adopt one of the "Sparkle pups."

To say Ray was a challenge as a puppy would be to say that Chicago can be a bit breezy.  Ray and his litter mates were separated from Sparkles at around 5-6 weeks and really had no social skills.  While my mission was to socialize Ray as much as I could, I also found myself disinclined to do so.  My ambassabull was so prone to leaping up from his diminutive stature and ripping the fabric from my sleeves.  He "mouthed" my hands, passing feet, toys, furniture, leashes, and anything else he could find.  I was the redirect queen, with antlers, chew bones and stuffies shoved into every pocket but there were plenty mornings where I sat on the kitchen floor and cried bawled, "Oh my god!  Pit bulls live for nearly 17 years!  I have to endure 16 and a half more years of this!"

That's right.  I was discouraged, disheartened, angry, humiliated by my failure, and still it never crossed my mind to do anything  but get through the next 16 and a half years.  My first milestone was set at 2 years.  I had read his personality would be shaped and I was hoping for a glimpse of my future ambassabull.  In the meantime, it would be work, work, work, lessons, lessons, lessons in  an effort to have the dog I knew Ray could be.  It turns out that around 18 months, he became just that dog.  A dog who I think may still one day be a CGC.  If he doesn't, will he be a failure?  Will I?  If success is measured by certificates and awards, maybe. 

If success is measured by eternal love and devotion, which I suspect it is, then I'd say we are doing just fine.

A Mile in Their Shoes

We all know and live by the creed that when we adopt a pet, it is forever.  We call it a Forever Home and we hear/read stories about families that have lost their home and are still struggling to keep the family structure intact.  Including the family pets.  We're no different.  I would like to believe that if adverse conditions arose, I would go to extreme lenghths to keep the four of us humans and our five fur babies together.  We've had challenges with all five most of our fur babies at one time or another, but we've stuck with them.  That's what families do.

I've looked with barely disguised distain at people dropping off their dogs at the shelter.  They obviously didn't try hard enough, really want their dog, were not worthy, etc.  Judge, judge, judge. 

I also know people who have given up their pets because it really and truly was the best thing for their pet.  I would rather lose an arm than lose anyone of the souls living in my home, but if for some reason I was faced with a King Solomon-like situation I would surely, surely, hopefully do the right thing.  But we aren't usually faced with something that crucial to know when it's time to do the right thing. 

I have a co-worker who was asked do make an adjustment to their career path.  They declined.  They were asked several times over the course of several months and declined every time.  Finally, the request was made by someone two or three levels up, "Your company needs you to do this," and the unofficial message was that this person would be remembered for the adjustment and later well thanked.  This was not a request to be taken lightly and it was mulled over sufficiently before being accepted.  A few months down the road we find that the sacrifices were greater than anticipated and this person believes that his/her two Great Danes would be better off in another home.

This person has been home approximately one to two nights or less per week and though there is a roommate who can feed and care for the dogs, this roommate is planning to move out of state, so now I would like to share two dogs who are still with their person, but are looking for new forever homes.  My co-worker would love to see them go together, but says they are not a bonded pair.

Here's a little info:

The white dog with black spots

Neutered male, weighs 110 pounds.  He is UTD on shots and was adopted May 2012.  He was previously in a home with four other dogs.  He is a people dog and has to be around people all the time.  He is a licker/kisser and drools after drinking water.  He is laid back and a sweetheart.  Jumps some when meeting someone new but has been around kids with no issues. Has had some accidents when left alone for long periods of time.  He was three in September.


The black dog:

This neutered male weighs 135 pounds and was three in January.  He is also UTD on shots.  My co-worker has had this dog since it was 12 weeks old.  I'm told he is lazy around the house and doesn't need to be near people all the time.  "He can be aggressive around other dogs as he is an alpha male.  he has been around kids with no issues."  He has jumped the 4' fence in the past.

Both dogs if adopted together, or one dog will come with a custom made three-bowl raised stand that the owner hand made, also with two plastic totes for food bones, treats, harnesses, leashes, etc.

This person was adament that the dogs would be "free to a good home" as he/she didn't want to "sell" them.  I convinced this person that an adoption/rehoming fee should be obtained and that if they wanted the Allen County SPCA or any worthy organization would be glad to accept the donation to which this person agreed.

So here is the task at hand, dear Blog readers.  I would love to help find these two good homes, and would be forever appreciative if you'd share, share, share.   I've obviously hidden this person's identity as well as possible so if you have someone interested, please put them in touch with me.  I can be reached through email.  Some of you have it and others can email peaceabull at gmail dot com.  or send us a message through Facebook. 


*These dogs are still with my co-worker who is trying to do right by them, which is why I am helping.  I will always stand by a decision that is made in the best interest of the animal.