This pic with Santa was taken a few years ago and, at that time, both Ray and Santa agreed on an “arms length” relationship. A wise decision because Ray was still a little uncertain about people and would make his discomfort clearly known.
Now here we are, a few years later, and Ray is Mr. Sociable! Clearly he wasn’t always like that, and the first 18 months (after he adopted himself out of our local shelter and into our home) were roller coaster rides of emotional events which eventually triggered the book “Who Said I was up for Adoption? (A story about one calculating dog… and one unsuspecting human).”
What better Christmas gift than a true and “feel-good” story about a dog who is not only still alive at the end of the book, but is still alive today! It is available direct from Friesen Press, as well as all the usual on-line book retailers.
I love how you were able to get a great photo, and yet still respect Ray’s boundaries! (Sometimes parents of human children should do the same thing. I hate those photos of kids crying on Santa’s lap!)
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We try hard to see things from his perspective. Not only do we prefer him to be happy…. but he has a large mouth with big teeth! 🙂
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Yep, those are two good reasons to make sure you see things from his point of view! But seriously, thank you for giving Ray a chance and taking the time and effort to provide him with a good home. Dogs like him are a true gift, but sadly, they are all too often a gift that remains unopened. I am in awe of you and your wife for giving him a chance!
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Thank you Ann, and I appreciate your sentiments. Ray certainly knew what he was doing when he adopted me as his friend, but the pleasure of having him in our family is really priceless. Yes, we did have to do a lot of work, and had to be patient, and was constantly “picking the brains” of trainers and the shelter staff …… but the rewards are (to me, being a first time dog owner) incredibly huge! As I have said many times, Ray’s original owners have no idea what they missed out on.
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What a cute reindeer he makes! 🙂
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Sadly he would devour all the edible Christmas gifts before leaving the North Pole! 🙂
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Lol… 😂
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🙂
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An excellent choice of a gift – and I love that picture!
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Thank you Sarah. 🙂
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Laughing at this one. I couldn’t even get my kids near Santa…something about the creepy old guy, with a “suit of many smells”.
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🙂
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And it’s a brilliant book! Loved it!
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Thank you Paul for that endorsement. 🙂
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Sam views Santa’s like they’re carnival clowns…c-r-e-e-p-y. Ironic since he loves everyone. Looks like you need to cruise a mall or event for a new Santa pic with Mr. Sociable.
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Our Malls do not allow dogs in, but there are a few “animal stores” that will have Santa drop by periodically!
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Oops, having a therapy dog I tend to forget those kinds of rules. Hopefully you can find a cooperative Santa.
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🙂
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You need a new picture with Santa with both of them smiling!
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We recently missed a Santa pic opportunity…but who knows? 🙂
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