Three Things I've Learned From Rescuing

When I rescued Sawyer in January of 2011, I had no idea how it would change my life. Stop right now- if you are considering rescuing, or even getting a puppy. It is a big deal. I think a lot of people get into it without fully grasping the responsibility involved with bringing a dog into your world. (stepping off my pedestal).  That being said, I thought long and hard before finally taking the plunge. I went to several rescue locations and met with several dogs. None of them felt right. None of them were "the one." I also waited until I was done with grad school and used to my full-time work schedule. It was also just me- no husband, and no kids to take care of. I felt it was the right time to adopt! That is when I found Sawyer and the rest is history! Because I did rescue, I'd like to share three things I've learned along the way. 

1.  Give Them a Chance

I will admit, I was a tad bit shell-shocked when I first brought Sawyer home. He was an 80-pound, humping (yep- that's right- a humper- more on that later) maniac. He was a lot of dog. He was smelly (they didn't bathe him before they neutered him) and he had a horrible case of kennel cough. Poor guy. On top of that, no one bothered to teach him any manners. Who could blame him? He didn't know how to walk on a leash and certainly didn't know how to sit, stay or come. It was not an immediate adjustment to my lifestyle. I was used to operating according to my schedule, and not having to worry about anyone else's. That sure changed. I needed to get up early to walk him, take time (a lot of time) to train him properly (on the leash, basic commands, house manners, etc..), get him socialized and get him healthy. I also didn't know his past history with other animals. He didn't seem like an aggressive dog, but these days, you never know.

Slowly, but surely, we both started to trust each other. We settled nicely into our new normal- our new schedule. Three and a half years later, I'm not sure where my uncertainty came from. I could never imagine him not walking properly on a leash. And I can certainly never imagine him being aggressive with another animal or human. What I'm trying to say, is sometimes you have to push through those initial hard times to uncover all those good times- that lie beneath. For those who have a new dog- just push through. It takes time to build that trust and confidence- just like any other relationship! There is light at the end of the tunnel. And as for the humping- sometimes you just have to accept- some things never change :)

2. They Can Get Away With Pretty Much Anything

Sawyer does tons of bad things. He is quite the feisty, master manipulator. He's got that sad-eyes thing down pat. We've played multiple "chase games" with my pairs of favorite running socks around my round (don't ever play the chase game around a round table) table. I can't leave a dish towel out because those are his favorite chew toys (I've had to pull some out of his butt because they get stuck coming back out. Not a proud life moment, folks). Trash cans and shoes are his fave. I take that back- funfetti birthday cakes are his fave. I spend a good majority of my time- chasing this manipulator  dog around the house. He has outsmarted both me and my roommate when it comes to cupcakes sitting out on the counter. I mean, clearly we left those out for him-right? But at the end of the day- who can resist that face?

Growing up, my family and I raised Guide Dogs for the Blind. These puppies require an extremely disciplined regimen- because they are working dogs. While it is encouraged to love on these dogs and form a bond with them, you can't treat them like you might a family pet. There is no allowing them on the couch, no extra treats, no human food.... you get the gist. They are working animals.

When I got Sawyer- clearly all my discipline went out the window. I am the one who needs to be trained. Today, I have an 80-pound lapdog, who thinks he is human.


3. They Are Velcro Dogs

So, I mentioned I have an 80-pound lapdog... Yep, that's my life. I can't shower, use the restroom, get ready for work, or even cook, without my little buddy following me around. I have my velcro dog attached to me about 24/7. He will just look at you with his big, brown eyes and not even care that he's invading your personal space! It's just something you have to get used to :)