This is not a new passion or love, there was a brief 6 month period in my life “without dogs” and I was somewhat lost. I say somewhat because I had two children under the age of two so I didn’t have much time to think about it being lost at the time, but there was definitely a void. However, in the last few years most of my friends have opened their homes, and our dinner, movie & coffee dates to four legged puppies in training...So I wouldn’t blame you – I’ve gotten used to being greeted by “Ruby!!”, “Maisie!!” or “Another one?!”....I get it.
The only exception I take to being the wacky dog lady is that I (and my adorable pups) are a buffer between my friends and something extraordinary that keeps me coming back for more...and (admittedly) has made me appear a bit more than somewhat “Wacky”...
I have had no less than 38 pups through my house in the last 3 years....and at one time I had 11 (at Christmas last year when we had a litter in our kitchen!) this is crazy even for a dog lover. REALLY crazy. I don’t actually like the revolving door very much. For many reasons....
A. I don’t like that every time I take a new dog it takes 3-4 weeks for their true personality to come out...especially when often I only have them for 3-4 days.
B. I don’t like that dogs react to the stress of a new environment by being hyper, disobedient, and often forget basic things like housetraining.
C. I don’t like that it makes the dogs that are permanent members of our family (and some of the two legged people too!) stressed for a few days every time a new pup comes through the door...and creates behaviours in them that are not attractive or endearing either.
Last but not least...I REALLY don’t like that just as I begin to get attached and my heart starts to forget point A, B & C that I have to give them back, and then I cry...
So why do I still do it? Because of the joy I find on the other side of the buffer -- when the cute factor gets old...When the puppies just aren't enough anymore...
Last week I had another dog in my house, his name is Leroy (at right with Maisie)...I call him the Marsh-mellow man...or sometimes just mellow man. He’s a yellow lab that is more the colour of a lightly toasted marshmallow, mostly white with some carmel tips here and there...Leroy, like most dogs that come to visit was a little stressed, fortunately he doesn’t pee in my house, he just is very silly and “very silly” for him, is sort of like most pet dogs on sedatives so we’re good. But Leroy is what inspired this post, because when PADS talks about “making a difference, one dog at a time” it’s dogs like Leroy that we’re talking about. I first met Leroy at Kwantlen, I was walking through the halls with my brand new 10 week old puppy-in-training Ruby when I came across this handsome boy and his lovely partner Nicole. Reality time: had either of us not had a PADS dog at the end of our leash we wouldn’t have met...sad, but true. That’s one of things Leroy does...he’s a handsome escort that acts a social icebreaker...like the new boyfriend who’s the most popular guy in school – everyone knew Leroy and as a result, they got to know someone even more remarkable: Nicole. Unlike the popular guy at school, Leroy never demands attention – his job is to make Nicole shine. And shine she does, she is bright, bubbly and funny – she is incredibly caring, kind and thoughtful. I’m sure she’s always been that way...but those who knew her BL (before Leroy) say that she is a changed woman, she’s now exudes confidence, enthusiasm is talkative and always smiling – before Leroy she was shy and unsure. Having Leroy gave her the confidence to go to school on her own. Of course like most PADS dogs Leroy does physical things for Nicole, the biggest thing he does is give her the freedom to come and go as she pleases....opening and closing the front door so that Nicole can leave the house. This “little” thing means the world to Nicole, not having to be an imposition or annoyance to anyone, and to have the pride of knowing that she is truly an independent adult, not someone’s dependent...is a wonderful gift. Leroy has opened so many doors for Nicole...but the biggest ones are figurative.
I keep bringing crazy dogs into my house and loving them, because at the end of the day I know what I do makes a difference. The dogs are great..even when they are exhausting...but the clients are just like me, they love, work and play – their strengths and weaknesses, joys and sorrows may be different but we are very much alike in our desire to matter and make a difference. It’s a circle and if my door closes to furry friends, then clients don’t get dogs, and clients don’t get as much freedom to make the impact they do in our community...
I’ve been asking everyone I know to pledge me for the PADS Walk & Roll for Independence, but now I am offering you a different invitation...to the "other side" past the cute puppies. I'd love for some of you to meet some of the people that are the reason the dogs are in my life...
The walk and roll for independence is at Confederation Park on August 30th. It’s gonna be a great day, with fun for the whole family (two legged and four!). You can register here:
http://www.gifttool.com/athon/AthonDetails?ID=1580&AID=746
I promise you won't be disappointed, and you too might leave a little bit changed...
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