Poop scooping, barking, shedding and walks. Chores I never felt a yearning for while raising my children.
Though there are similarities.
But now my daughters are married and in college and my boys are in high school and quite independent.
Maybe it’s early onset of “Empty Nest Syndrome.” But all of a sudden a dog seems palatable.
This was HUGE news to my family. They have wanted a dog for years — but not me. I blame bad pet owners for this.
We are bombarded with news stories about irresponsible pet owners whose dogs kill and maim neighbors and pets. Our local streets are filled with dogs running loose. I have neighbors who allow their dogs to bark, and bark and bark — 365 days a year —oblivious to the fact that there are families trying to live right next door. I never once have seen them take their dogs for a walk. I never hear them playing with the animals in their yard. They seem neglected and lonely and it leaves me to wonder.. “Why do people have dogs if they don’t bother with them?”
Not wanting to be that person, I made a point of not entertaining the idea of getting a pet until I knew I could care for it and give it the attention it so rightfully deserved.
So the years of my children begging and pleading for a dog, and their patience with my, “No’s” have finally paid off.
Mom is ready to take on a Fido.
First stop, checking out local no-kill shelters.
I logged onto Petfinder.com and while there was no “Love at first sight,” my heart did melt a little when I saw a few at <a href=” “>Wee Bar None Ranch, in Apple Valley.
The one I was willing to give my heart to, wasn’t “potty trained”.. So alas it wasn’t meant to be. Then I came across “Dax” at the <a href=”“>Great Pyrenees Rescue in Devore.
Dax is a four year-old <a href=”“>Wheaten Terrier/Chow mix.
I called Dottie, the owner, who invited us to come out and meet him. Me and Joe packed up the kids and we went to visit Dax… And just like that, we had a new member of the family.
Well.. not JUST like that. There’s this whole application process. Then he had to get groomed. Then he had to visit his Vet. And we had to go spend hundreds of dollars on food, a crate, toys, shampoo, leashes, pillows, doggy bowls and “How to” books.
We will pick him up this week, our own personal sweet, quiet, potty trained ball of fur.
Now I’m curious to hear from you with your pet stories. Are you a pet lover with advice? Are you an annoyed neighbor who has had it with barking? Maybe you have a great story about your pet you want to share?
Bring it on. I feel like I am one of you.. and want to know all about this world.
But by one of you.. I mean the one’s who truly love their pets.. not the one’s who view their pets as disposable members of the family and don’t give them the love, affection, attention and care they long for.
I want to hear from those who spoil and love and walk their pets. The one’s who know what food is best and shampoo is less irritating and can tell me where their dogs favorite place to get petted is. This is the pet owner I hope to be.
And as soon as I can figure out how to post a photo of Dax, I will. In the meantime, you can go to The Daily Press and post a photo of YOUR furry family member under “Publish your stuff.”
P.S.
Cat lovers, you can too!
