On this day in 2013, we took Ray home with us. As many of you know, he was very different from the dog that I envisaged having as my first dog! In fact the only criteria he met was that he was a “good size dog”! It is all now history, but the question often comes up “Did you adopt Ray, or did he adopt you?”
I had been meeting Ray on a daily basis as I tried to make up my mind whether he was a dog that I wanted in my life. It was quite a complex process for many reasons however, one day, while in a fenced-in area at our local Humane Society, Ray did take charge.
The following is an extract from my book about him (click book cover over to right for more information), and is how I imagined he would tell the story of how we got “attached”!
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He was talking to me a little, while gently stroking me, and then I wandered off as I normally did. When I was across the other side of the tiny field from Colin, I looked across at him. He was squatting on the ground with his back against the fence just watching me in a very friendly way so I decided that this was the time. Our head heights would now be about the same which was important to me.
I started slowly and very deliberately walking towards him and, while I did sense some concern on his part, this was my big chance. I walked right up to him and, after looking at him straight in the eyes for a few moments, I gently touched his nose with mine. What clearer message could I send?
Obviously something didn’t go as planned because he didn’t react at all! I expected him to be really happy and maybe show a little excitement, and perhaps even stroke my ears gently or give my back a good rub. What was his problem? Perhaps he didn’t want me as a friend, but then why would he keep coming back to take me out? Humans are very odd!
The next day, he was much friendlier. Whatever changed him was fine with me because I could sense that he was so much more relaxed and seemed really happy to see me again. Of course I just wagged my tail! Perhaps he has never known a dog before? Who cares? We could be friends now!
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If you would like to read my side of how it all came together, then you will have to read the book! There are five “5-Star” reviews at amazon.com and two “4-Star” reviews at GoodReads.com. The link below takes you to the Friesen Press bookstore:
Happy (albeit belated) Gotcha Day, Ray proving once again some dogs really do have good luck!
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He’s a happy “boy”! Not only do we take good care of him, but he is quite well known (and spoiled) both in our immediate neighborhood as well as downtown! 🙂
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Obviously! The two of you are a good team. 🙂
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We think so… although there are often “debates” as to who is “running the show” around here! 🙂
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👍🏻 I need to come over and get a signed copy from you. Including a wet kiss + paws 🐾🐾 from the fourlegged chef. 💕😊
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Hi Dina. A signed copy can be arranged. Email me if interested. 🙂
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Have ordered the book and am waiting for it to arrive.
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Thank you so much Rae. If you enjoy reading it, please consider doing a review as reviews apparently really do sell books! 🙂
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I would be HONORED to and will place it on both blogs. It may be a while though, for my TBR stack is large and includes two library books which take top priority.
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Just take your time. It will be ready when you are! 🙂
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You, like My Better Half, are a patient man! TY
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It’s “the only way to travel”! The alternative is frustrating, stressful, and not conducive to a long life! 🙂
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True!
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🙂
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I enjoyed reading about your connection. 🙂
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Thank you Lynette. It ‘s always nice to hear that a Post was enjoyed. 🙂
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Happy Gotcha Day, buddy! No matter who adopted who(m?), you landed is the exact right spot.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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You’re right Cupcake, and I’m not moving! BOL! Ray
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Enjoyed reading that tender moment again of where Ray chose you. What a good judge of character HE was. 🙂
May you keep enjoying moments with HIM for a long time!
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Thank you and I have every intention of enjoying our time together, especially as he could well already be half way through his lifespan!
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I have a feeling if we could hear what our canine friends thought, we’d feel even more loved. The felines, though….I think I’d rather not know (I’d like to keep believing that Samantha loves me very very much….and not just because I give her treats)! 😄
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Belief is a wonderful thing and, until someone can prove to the contrary, just believe that Samantha loves you unconditionally. 🙂
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😊 😊 😊
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A sweet anniversary. Hope you both get to celebrate your union !!
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We celebrate every day! 🙂
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I can understand your reaction. One chomp and you wouldn’t have a nose.
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I recall very well my feelings as I watched him quite deliberately coming directly towards me. My only rationale for not moving was that I was not aware that I had done anything to warrant aggression. 🙂
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I wish we could hear what Dogs are thinking. Or, sometimes it might be better if we didn’t.
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Interesting? Absolutely… but that could well be the proverbial double-edged sword! 🙂
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Beautiful moments!
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At the time, his action was a little unnerving. Later… yes (when I understood them), beautiful moments. 🙂
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We need to learn the common language, body or sound, once we both realise we are not threatening each other humans and dogs do just fine!
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Sadly, both us and dogs develop perspectives based on prior experiences so, while I maybe very comfortable being close to a dog I do not know, that dog’s background may dictate a total distrust of me. That was Ray! He used aggression to resolve his fear of people (and dogs) in close proximity.
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So sad that he had too, but all is good now
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All is certainly good now! 🙂
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