Your Dog

I'm a lucky dog. I have a nice home, the people really seem to like me, I get quality dog food and veterinary care and there's lots of cuddles and dog treats. Heck, I even get to sleep in the bed. I've got it made.

But other dogs, my canine brethren, are not so lucky.

I felt I needed to open this page with a singular plea: If you're thinking about getting a dog, please do us a favor, and be sure to check out your local rescue shelter. If you're leaning toward one breed, please, I beg you to consider an older dog from one of the many breed-centric rescue agencies. You'll find dogs who have lost their owners, dogs who for whatever reason have been separated from their families. For some of us, the world can be a pretty tough place, but people like you can make our world wonderful. Remember, we live in the moment, and while some of us might have issues, with love and patience we can become your best friend, and a joy to the family.

I was lucky. I had two owners, my breeder, then a second owner who decided I was too much trouble. But three's a charm, so they say. And for me it was true. I came home when I was almost six months, and have been here, making people laugh, getting cuddled, and usually having a ball for almost six whole years. I had been donated to a service organization's pet store. I made some friends at the store, but really wanted a home. I might have been one of those fancy and proud show dogs, except I was born odd-eyed. My left eye is blue, and my right eye is brown. And that's the thing that my people found most appealing! Isn't it funny. One mans odd-eyed dog is another's best friend in the whole wide world. In fact, they knew my name from the second they saw me. I knew if was going to happen the minute I heard them call to me.

There's other stuff that makes me not quite up to breed standard. My ears aren't quite long enough, and I'm sort of on the small side. So really, that's not much at all, in fact, I'm in great shape! But it was all just a matter of being not quite right for the community to which I was born. And you know what? I'm a dog! I'm not really all that impressed with the perfect pooch, or stuff like that. In fact, most of us aren't, even the perfect show pooches. Because when you get right down to it, we all just want a warm dog bed, a nice bowl of kibble, a couple of squeaky toys to while away the hours, a good romp through the park, cuddles and belly rubs. Let's see, anything else? Nope.

Of course we're all really different, some of us come from some very old sporting or working lines, some of us are born to herd cattle or sheep, and others to guard the house or people, and still others to hunt or fetch. So it's good to know what kind of dog you're dealing with before you make a decision. Will he need lots of exercise, or will your dog prefer to lie about most of the day? Will you mind brushing and maintaining a long hair breed, or cleaning up the shedding of a short hair? Are there human children in the house? What kind of dog will be best suited to your family dynamic? If you're thinking about a purebred, a great place to start is the American Kennel Club dog breed selector. There are also many terrific breed websites out there by dog enthusiasts and dog breeders. There are all good resources, and I've included some links here to get you started. It's not a decision to be entered into lightly; we dogs have needs and issues, and puppies especially require extra effort at the start. Make sure you talk it over with the family, and maybe visit some friends who already have a dog or two. Spend some time in the environment so you can get a clear picture of what to expect.

And please, don't forget your local shelter. I've met those dogs they call 'mutts' (I really prefer the more genteel term, mixed breed) and those guys are so smart, they've practically got drivers licenses. (Except they can't pass the test because they keep hanging their heads out the window.) Mixed breeds come in all shapes and sizes, but like all of us, they come with plenty of room in their hearts for their people.

There are so many of us still out there. Sure, some of us haven't had the best time of it, and we've got issues. But we can get past it, if you've got the heart to help us.

So check out my resources. And I hope you find the right dog, and the right dog finds you.

Dog

Resources

"I'm not stupid, I'm just big-boned."

- Wild Eye James, Basset Hound