A Dog Gone Good Life

My furry Valentine, in response to Promptly Written’s February Prompt

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Growing Up With a Dog

I can’t imagine not growing up with a dog. In fact, I cannot imagine life without a dog. I have had a dog my entire life. I grew up with a Doberman Pincher named Blue. Blue was my best friend. She was a gentle giant, to me at least. She was protective of me, so she appeared scary to strangers.

I grew up on a hill on fourteen acres. It was a heavenly private sanctuary. But, since my siblings were considerably older and went off to college while I was in grade school, it was also lonely. So, Blue was my buddy. She played outdoors with me, made me feel safe, walked me to the bus, and slept at the foot of my bed. We were inseparable.

My friends also loved Blue. When I was in the third grade, Blue brought home a kitten. I thought it was amazing. The next day, we found out Blue had bone cancer. She brought the kitten home, knowing she didn’t want me to be alone. The Vet encouraged my mom to give her one last night with our family before putting her to sleep. It was devastating, but of course, we all wanted the best for her.

We kept the Tom cat as a gift from her, but our family never got another dog.

Fast Forward to My Adult Life

After I was married, I couldn’t wait to get another puppy. I knew I would always be a dog person. No matter how painful the loss of a dog is, I would not let that stop the amount of love I know they give.

I wanted a Doberman so badly, but I could not afford a full bred. So, I went to the local shelter and got a mutt that looked as much like a dobe as I could find. I named her Cocoa, and she was just as amazing as Blue.

I became a huge fan of rescue dogs and went on to rescue many more after her.

Things to Know Before Getting a Dog

There are many things to know before getting a dog. Some breeds live longer than others, particularly smaller breeds. But larger breeds tend to be easier to train and, in my experience, quieter and more easygoing. Puppies are like human babies, a lot of work. If you get a puppy, be prepared for sleepless nights and a lot of patience, but it is well worth it. Training a puppy from the start can make for an amazing relationship with a full-grown dog. Trust me, they want nothing more than to please you.

Rescue dogs, in my experience, tend to understand their situation and have immense gratitude for their new home and loving environment. They want to please you in the worst way. However, sometimes, they have developed bad habits that are difficult to retrain and break.

Responsibility with a Dog

Please do not get a dog if you do not want to take care of it. Just like parents who abuse children, do not get a dog and chain it up outside. Do not hit your dog. Dogs are highly emotional creatures. They can tell facial expressions and sense emotions. They are more loyal than most humans. They do not deserve to be mistreated. Do not take your anger out on them.

Even if you have the best intentions, if you cannot afford a dog, do not get one. Vet bills and food are expensive. Think of the dog’s needs over your own.

Take personal responsibility when owning a dog. Yes, that means picking up your dog’s poop! This is a big deal. I live in a condo complex and cannot tell you how many people do not clean up after their dog. It blows my mind. Dog poop does not just diminish into the soil. It takes years to break down. Parvo is a deadly disease carried through dog feces and stays in the soil for up to ten years, according to my Veterinarian on my recent Vet visit. Irresponsible pet parents are dangerous.

Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Therapy Dogs

Today, dogs can be more than just pets. Many people have emotional support dogs. These dogs do not have to be trained. The owner only needs a letter from a therapist stating they have a reason for needing an emotional support animal. This is often obtained online and purchased for $100. Sadly, these dogs receive no training but are brought into airports and other public places, and when they come into contact with service dogs, they can cause interruptions. My daughter has a service dog that she needs for health reasons, and she gets upset when untrained emotional support animals distract her service dog.

Service and therapy dogs both undergo extensive obedience training. Therapy dogs must pass a test that states they can go in public places and behave. Service dogs do not legally have to pass a test, but they do need to perform a service task. By law, a certified service dog handler is not required to show paperwork, and the dog is not required to wear a vest in many states, but most dogs do, and they have official paperwork, much like a human driver’s license. While the service dog is working, they take their job very seriously. They should not be touched or petted. The handler typically allows the dog plenty of play and free time to be a normal dog.

Conclusion

Dogs are amazing companions. They teach us what it is like to give unconditional love. Each one is unique and teaches us just as each human relationship as well. My most recent puppy, Aspen, at 13 weeks, has already won my heart completely. It is funny how getting up several times in the night to let her out seems like small potatoes compared to the love and joy she gives to my daily life.

I take her to the local farmer’s markets or a local restaurant, and everyone dotes on her. Her love is contagious. It is amazing. My neighbors come out and bring her treats when I am in the courtyard with her. It is fantastic to see the happiness she spreads. It brings tears of joy to my eyes.

It is the simple things in life that make us the most happy. And for me, that definitely includes dogs. Animals of all kinds, but definitely dogs. I read once that a dog absorbs our emotions, and if we are sad, the dog may live a shorter life as a result because they are trying to absorb all of our negativity. That really hit me hard. I am not going to do that to Aspen. I have had enough sadness in my life. She deserves the best of me, and it is time for me to live my best life with her.

This is written in response to ADEOLA SHEEHY-ADEKALE’s awesome February Prompt in Prompty Written. I may have replied to all of them or gone off-topic; I am not quite sure, but it definitely sparked a passion for dogs in me. I appreciated this variation of “love” topics for the month. ❤️

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please comment and tell me if you are a dog lover. No judgment. If not, are you an animal lover of some other sort? Do you have a fear of dogs? Tell me more about your experiences.

Peace & Light,

Libby

Lisa Precious / Smiley Blue wrote about one of my favorite topics: non-judgment! It is so important not to judge people but instead offer a smile, a listening ear, or a helping hand. People may be smiling on the outside while screaming on the inside.

Again, along the lines of non-judgment, Lee Byrd wrote an excellent article that is not so much about pea soup as it is about a childhood experience. Our associations with experiences can leave long-lasting negative impressions.