We dog owners love all dogs and especially our dogs. We have memories of our dogs from childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and if we're lucky enough to make it, our golden years. While every dog has a special place in our hearts, there is usually one who sticks out in our memories, even after they start to fade. The One will surface in your dreams 50 years after he crossed the bridge. When you see other dogs on the street - you'll be reminded of the one.
This is the story about The One in my life (I actually have two ones, but I'll save the other for another story): Goober.
Goober wasn't always called Goober. When we first brought him home as an 8-week-old puppy, his name was Louie and he looked liked Marlo Brando in The Godfather. Over a year or so, my family realized that he had a personality not like a mob boss but like a Buddha. He's a tri-colored shih tzu and is about 150% larger than he should be (most males weigh around 15 lbs, he tips the scales at 22.5), but he isn't fat. He's just big. And it's a good thing because when we brought him home almost 15 years ago, my sister was a couple months away from being conceived. After she was born, she would bang on him like a drum, tackle him, pull on his tail and face. He never minded it at all.
I was 11 when we picked him up from the breeder. I still remember the ride home with the tiny shaggy puppy in my lap. He slept the whole way. His training crate was set up in my room and ready to go - this was my dog and I knew on that ride home we were buds. He slept next to me almost every night for the next 7 years, until I moved away to college.
Goober is turning 15 in April and he lives with my mom (who fortunately lives close to me so I get to see him all the time). By the time I had the chance to take him back and have him live with me - he was too used to my Mom's house. If I brought him to my house, he would stress while I was gone and he was home alone (I assume due to the new surroundings) and I didn't want to put him through that. He is now completely deaf and nearly blind and my mom's afraid to move the furniture on him. When I come over to the house and he starts to talk & waits for me to pick him up and love on him. We are still best buds - in part because of what we have gone through together.
Like many teenagers, I had some struggles growing up. I suffered from depression, and I abused drugs and alcohol. My mom was in a tumultuous and sometimes violent relationship which made me even more confused. Goober was my only friend at times and the only creature who experienced the traumas with me.
When my mom and step-dad would fight, we would run to my room together and cuddle. If I wasn't home, he'd hide under my bed. I'd turn up the music to muffle the yelling and pet him until I fell asleep. I'd wake up in the morning and he'd still be in my arms. It wasn't all good between us, though. I had some anger issues and he was sometimes the only one there for me to express my frustrations. There were times I would scream at him, push him away from me, or hit him (it pains me today to think about it) for no good reason other than I had learned no other means of expressing myself. Goober understood and never let it affect our relationship for long. As soon as I needed my friend and recognized it wasn't him I was angry at, he would be there for me again. If it weren't for Goober, I'm not sure I'd have made it through those years.
Goober is in his golden years now and I feel like I'm just starting my life. Just writing this post makes me cry because I'm very aware that he won't be in my life much longer. I wonder how I'll get through the really tough stuff that is ahead. And that's where Goober is really magical. He taught me so much when no one else could. He taught me to stay patient and be loving - no matter what. He taught me that real friends, while few and far between, are more important than anything material because they will save your life in one way or another, even if they can't talk. Finally, he taught me to forgive myself and without that, I would not be here. Goober is The One because he saved my life and taught me to be a better person.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Little Big Dog
I introduced you to Pepe, my 8-year-old chihuahua mix, in an earlier post as my cantankerous little guy. Affectionately, we call him Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde because he can be sweet, affectionate, calm, and loving in one moment and ferocious in the next often without apparent reason. When I'm home alone, I walk around singing to him (he cocks his head, wags his tail, and starts to jump up and down so I think he likes it), but my lyrics are bitterly truthful despite a jovial tune - think Disney song meets George Carlin lyrics (I can't, in good conscience, write the words onto the pages of these here internets).
Anyway, despite Pepe's lack of size (he's about 6.5 lbs), he is always undeterred from doing anything he wants - including playing tug with my boxer mix, Strummer. I keep telling my friends that I need to get it on video - those who have seen it have all doubled over in laughter. I will do my best to describe it: Strummer will usually be playing tug with our lab Ginny until Pepe decides he wants to play. At which point, he will go over to Ginny (who is 80 lbs and a little bit intimidated by Pepe) and tell her to go away with a subtle growl. Once she drops the rope, he picks up the end she had and starts to growl ferociously (I like to think he thinks he sounds like a lion, but you'd guess it was the world's tiniest yard edger if you didn't know any better).
At this point, the most amazing thing happens - Strummer, who at 65 lbs is fully capable of flipping his head and launching Pepe across the living room, just hangs on. Meanwhile, Pepe turns the fiesty onto full blast and is pulling as hard as can while growling as loud as he can. If Strummer pulls back, Pepe digs in his heels and is dragged across the floor. This goes on until Strummer gets bored and drops it and Pepe cocks his head, ears erect, seemingly asking, "Why did you stop?"
There have been times in my life where I have been Strummer and times when I have been Pepe. Times when I've had a perfect opportunity to take advantage of another person because I've had the upper hand. There have also been times when I was the little lady, struggling to prove myself, my worth, and my tenacity. Having the perspective of both - helps me to understand those I work with every day on daily basis and react to these situations effectively. As a result, I try not to take advantage of people and actually try to elevate people with positive feedback and encouragement. I also try to be self-aware so that I understand when I'm a Pepe and need to take the time to appreciate those who are patient with me when I'm learning and growing.
I obviously believe we have a lot to learn from our creatures. If you have any stories, please share them in your comments. Have a great day!
Anyway, despite Pepe's lack of size (he's about 6.5 lbs), he is always undeterred from doing anything he wants - including playing tug with my boxer mix, Strummer. I keep telling my friends that I need to get it on video - those who have seen it have all doubled over in laughter. I will do my best to describe it: Strummer will usually be playing tug with our lab Ginny until Pepe decides he wants to play. At which point, he will go over to Ginny (who is 80 lbs and a little bit intimidated by Pepe) and tell her to go away with a subtle growl. Once she drops the rope, he picks up the end she had and starts to growl ferociously (I like to think he thinks he sounds like a lion, but you'd guess it was the world's tiniest yard edger if you didn't know any better).
At this point, the most amazing thing happens - Strummer, who at 65 lbs is fully capable of flipping his head and launching Pepe across the living room, just hangs on. Meanwhile, Pepe turns the fiesty onto full blast and is pulling as hard as can while growling as loud as he can. If Strummer pulls back, Pepe digs in his heels and is dragged across the floor. This goes on until Strummer gets bored and drops it and Pepe cocks his head, ears erect, seemingly asking, "Why did you stop?"
There have been times in my life where I have been Strummer and times when I have been Pepe. Times when I've had a perfect opportunity to take advantage of another person because I've had the upper hand. There have also been times when I was the little lady, struggling to prove myself, my worth, and my tenacity. Having the perspective of both - helps me to understand those I work with every day on daily basis and react to these situations effectively. As a result, I try not to take advantage of people and actually try to elevate people with positive feedback and encouragement. I also try to be self-aware so that I understand when I'm a Pepe and need to take the time to appreciate those who are patient with me when I'm learning and growing.
I obviously believe we have a lot to learn from our creatures. If you have any stories, please share them in your comments. Have a great day!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Popping Along Despite Funny Looks
One of my favorite rescue groups is Best Friends Animal Sanctuary located in Utah. This rescue group works wonders and refuses to turn its back on any animal - regardless of its physical condition or personality "flaws." This group fought a judge for a possession of the most aggressive dogs in Michael Vick's possession when his dog fighting ring was dismantled - the dogs that no one else wanted. I'm relaying today's story from them:
Poppy is a dog who recently came to Best Friends as a likely survivor of distemper. She is aptly named as she "pops" all the time and looks like she's trying to dance. Despite this disability, she loves to walk, play, cuddle and has a great time; it's almost as if she has no idea there is anything wrong with her. Dogs like Poppy are an inspiration because even though she has nerve damage and she is a little bit different from all the other dogs, she doesn't let it affect the quality of her life.
Poppy is an amazing inspiration to people. As humans, we can get so lost in what other people think about us, that we forget to live our lives to fullest. Even though she may be "just" a dog, Poppy reminds us that our imperfections are only as disabling as we allow them to be. In the end, we define ourselves, not other people, and no one can bring you down or elevate you like yourself.
So the next time you're feeling a little bit down on yourself, put a little pop in your step and think, "What would Poppy do?"
Read the whole article here.
Poppy is a dog who recently came to Best Friends as a likely survivor of distemper. She is aptly named as she "pops" all the time and looks like she's trying to dance. Despite this disability, she loves to walk, play, cuddle and has a great time; it's almost as if she has no idea there is anything wrong with her. Dogs like Poppy are an inspiration because even though she has nerve damage and she is a little bit different from all the other dogs, she doesn't let it affect the quality of her life.
Poppy is an amazing inspiration to people. As humans, we can get so lost in what other people think about us, that we forget to live our lives to fullest. Even though she may be "just" a dog, Poppy reminds us that our imperfections are only as disabling as we allow them to be. In the end, we define ourselves, not other people, and no one can bring you down or elevate you like yourself.
So the next time you're feeling a little bit down on yourself, put a little pop in your step and think, "What would Poppy do?"
Read the whole article here.
Monday, February 20, 2012
A Brief History
I thought I'd take a moment to tell you about the mutts I currently own. Like with any good story, character development is crucial for a good understanding - so without further adieu (from largest to smallest):
Ginny (yes, my husband and I are Harry Potter nerds) is an 80lb chocolate lab. We adopted her last year when she was 7. At the time of adoption, she weighed 100+ lbs and was covered in scabs and skin growths due to food allergies. Despite the fact that she had to heave and it was a struggle to stand up - she loved to walk. She was exhausted easily and when she wasn't walking or eating, she slept. She didn't play or ask for attention, she just moped (we affectionately call her Eeyore to this day). But, in a matter of a few short months full of lots of walks and wheat-free food, she made a turn around even we didn't expect. She now jumps, hikes, and runs at full speed after ropes and tennis balls for hours on end.
Strummer (named for The Clash lead singer, Joe Strummer) is a svelte 3-year-old 65lb boxer mix. He may also be lab, pit, Rhodesian ridgeback, or who knows what - we adopted him last year at the same time we adopted Ginny. He is a happy-go-lucky and highly energetic dog. He loves to play chase and will pester any other dog by gently poking them with his nose until they get irritated and chase him off. The madder the other dog gets, the funnier he thinks it is. Strummer also likes to be held upside down like a baby. In terms of personality - he and I are very much a like. We are 'doers' or 'a-types' and the kind of creatures who prefer to ask forgiveness than permission for the sake of a good time. He is also a klutz - he runs into doors, people, and walls like he's a ball in a pinball game.
Karma (so we could say, "Good Karma" or "Bad bad Karma") is a 6-year-old chihuahua and dachshund mix. She is timid and weary of strangers, but once she opens up to you, you might as well be t-bone steak because she won't leave you alone. She is the demure 'belle' of the group who gently reminds you to pet her by sticking her nose under your hand and lifting it gently. She also loves to walk for the sake of walking and surprises me regularly by how far her short little legs can carry her.
Last but not least is Pepe, our 8-year-old chihuahua mix. Pepe and Karma we adopted from our vet's office - another elderly client of his brought them in after his wife passed away. Stricken with grief - he asked out vet to euthanize them to which our vet replied that he couldn't do that but would put them up for adoption and ensure they went to a new home together. It is a good thing - because not many things in this world understand Pepe, and Karma is one of them. Pepe is, well, cantankerous. We believe he is chihuahua and min-pin with a little twist of Tasmanian devil. I call him Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde because one moment he acts as if he wants to bite your face off and the next he is all snuggles. He also loves to play tug with Stummer (who is, quite literally, 10 times Pepe's size) - but the good natured Strummer makes him feel good by just hanging on to one end of the rope instead of sending him across the room.
So that's my crew. The only other animal worth mentioning is my husband, John. He has the biggest heart of anyone I know which can make discipline and boundaries tricky with so many cute faces. We're making it though!
Ginny (yes, my husband and I are Harry Potter nerds) is an 80lb chocolate lab. We adopted her last year when she was 7. At the time of adoption, she weighed 100+ lbs and was covered in scabs and skin growths due to food allergies. Despite the fact that she had to heave and it was a struggle to stand up - she loved to walk. She was exhausted easily and when she wasn't walking or eating, she slept. She didn't play or ask for attention, she just moped (we affectionately call her Eeyore to this day). But, in a matter of a few short months full of lots of walks and wheat-free food, she made a turn around even we didn't expect. She now jumps, hikes, and runs at full speed after ropes and tennis balls for hours on end.
Strummer (named for The Clash lead singer, Joe Strummer) is a svelte 3-year-old 65lb boxer mix. He may also be lab, pit, Rhodesian ridgeback, or who knows what - we adopted him last year at the same time we adopted Ginny. He is a happy-go-lucky and highly energetic dog. He loves to play chase and will pester any other dog by gently poking them with his nose until they get irritated and chase him off. The madder the other dog gets, the funnier he thinks it is. Strummer also likes to be held upside down like a baby. In terms of personality - he and I are very much a like. We are 'doers' or 'a-types' and the kind of creatures who prefer to ask forgiveness than permission for the sake of a good time. He is also a klutz - he runs into doors, people, and walls like he's a ball in a pinball game.
Karma (so we could say, "Good Karma" or "Bad bad Karma") is a 6-year-old chihuahua and dachshund mix. She is timid and weary of strangers, but once she opens up to you, you might as well be t-bone steak because she won't leave you alone. She is the demure 'belle' of the group who gently reminds you to pet her by sticking her nose under your hand and lifting it gently. She also loves to walk for the sake of walking and surprises me regularly by how far her short little legs can carry her.
Last but not least is Pepe, our 8-year-old chihuahua mix. Pepe and Karma we adopted from our vet's office - another elderly client of his brought them in after his wife passed away. Stricken with grief - he asked out vet to euthanize them to which our vet replied that he couldn't do that but would put them up for adoption and ensure they went to a new home together. It is a good thing - because not many things in this world understand Pepe, and Karma is one of them. Pepe is, well, cantankerous. We believe he is chihuahua and min-pin with a little twist of Tasmanian devil. I call him Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde because one moment he acts as if he wants to bite your face off and the next he is all snuggles. He also loves to play tug with Stummer (who is, quite literally, 10 times Pepe's size) - but the good natured Strummer makes him feel good by just hanging on to one end of the rope instead of sending him across the room.
So that's my crew. The only other animal worth mentioning is my husband, John. He has the biggest heart of anyone I know which can make discipline and boundaries tricky with so many cute faces. We're making it though!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
If we aren't learning at least we're entertained.
That's what I say to my husband about 12,000 times a day. That might be a slight exaggeration, but we have four dogs and negotiating ourselves to 'pack leaders' amongst the gang of puppy pirates can be interesting at times. Patience is lost, yelling happens, or fuzzy faces frown to the point you think your heart is going to drop out of your chest. But, if we stop, take a deep breath, and seek to understand and connect with these mangy mutts (and other things fuzzy) - I have noticed that we as fallible, sometimes oblivious, but well-intentioned humans can have moments of transcendence. It happens when you realize that the dog really doesn't speak English and is trying his hardest to make you happy, despite outward appearances (Down is fun and I want to play with you; that's why I tore up the pillow!). It happens when you lose your job or a relative dies and head on your lap abates the pain better than a narcotic. It happens when your a small farmer and your animals are more than pets, more than food, more than money - they are what make life worth living. It happens when you make eye contact with a beast, large or small, and you see yourself in the beast.
It happens all the time to those of us who are near animals and let them get to know us. We all have the stories, I plan on sharing mine. EnDogue is all about animals, why we love them, and how they make us better people. I'll also share useful tips, tricks, and things that I have learned over the years relating to creatures.
I hope you enjoy this blog built to celebrate the at least entertaining if not enlightening world of animals.
It happens all the time to those of us who are near animals and let them get to know us. We all have the stories, I plan on sharing mine. EnDogue is all about animals, why we love them, and how they make us better people. I'll also share useful tips, tricks, and things that I have learned over the years relating to creatures.
I hope you enjoy this blog built to celebrate the at least entertaining if not enlightening world of animals.
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