March, like birthdays, seems to be coming around faster and faster. A few years ago, in March, we adopted Ray. Here we are, six years later, wondering where the time went. To be more accurate, Ray adopted me, but the time perspective doesn’t change.
Ray was estimated at two years old (based primarily on his teeth) when picked up by our local Humane Society. He showed no physical signs of abuse, but there were so many other indicators such as disliking humans (especially men) and other dogs. He responded aggressively to “stick like” objects such as brooms, spades and shovels. We quickly learned that he had no canine social skills (usually attributed to being taken away from “Mom” much too early), and a few other conditions to make life interesting … such as startle response.
So (again) here we are six years later (and after many chats with trainers and a dog psychologist), with a dog that generally goes out of his way to meet people (greeting people often = treats); he is generally happy to greet other dogs (greeting dogs correctly = friendlier dogs … and often = treats). We consciously avoid startling him, which is for as much our benefit as it is for his. Having almost 80lbs of startled Shepherd/Rotti react (= aggressive/defense response) is not a pleasant experience!
Ray has responded extremely well to a secure home; to being loved and fed on a regular basis, and (most important) to positive reinforcement training. Perfect right?
Well … not exactly perfect, because he is now so attached to us that we do not have any life without him! Dog sitter? Getting a dog sitter is a perfect solution however, to safely “sit” a Ray, he must love the sitter enough that he/she is an acceptable alternative to us! The only “Ray sitter” we have is a trainer from our local Humane Society! He loves her!
So for six years, we have only been able to go out to dinner regularly in the Summer, because we have a local pub that allows dogs on their outdoor patio. It is legislated here that only service dogs are allowed in restaurants. For six years, we have only been able to go out on our own when it is mutually convenient with Ray’s “sitter”.
However, for six years we have shared our lives with a wonderful dog. He is so affectionate with us (when it suits him!); is constantly entertaining, and keeps our minds busy trying to figure out why he does certain things. He is the best security device one could possibly get, and the cost is …. well perhaps a conventional security system would be a lower cost!
All in all, there are no regrets. Ray is my first dog, and all I can compare him with are cats and rabbits … and he wins.
Note: The first 18 months of us living together are detailed in a book “Who Said I was up for Adoption?” Link to Friesen Press Bookstore below (reviews on amazon.com):
The furry ones we let into our lives change us forever – far more often for the good. It does become a very fine line between who has rescued who 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cannot argue with that logic. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You seem to be doing a wonderful job with Ray and the love you have for him is really felt through your words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s a lovely “boy”, and seeing him adapt to a happier and carefree lifestyle has been so rewarding. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ray sounds awesome, what an amazing turnaround! Mine are pound pups too, now 7 and 8 years old. I’ve been retired for the last four, so they’ve grown attached to having me around all the time. I can go out to eat or to the gym or a movie without unduly distressing them, but being kenneled or dog-sat for a vacation is out of the question. We bought an RV; wherever we go, they go. Give Ray a big sloppy b-day kiss for me. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
We’ve contemplated the camper route but are undecided at the moment. Will give Ray a big hug! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We used the camper a lot for vacations when I was growing up. Our dogs loved it! So many new scents to explore in the woods. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like your dog has found a little patch of heaven on earth. He’s very fortunate to have a master like you, who hires a babysitter when you go out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup … we pay a trainer so that Ray can go to sleep!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Knowing about Ray’s story it feels like it was simply meant to be that you found each other.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have often thought the same Erika. Perhaps I had no choice! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
As we said some months ago, some things will happen at one point in our lives – no matter what decisions we make, we will arrive at some specific points either way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Life is fun isn’t it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much fun indeed! And so much to discover about it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did a double take when I saw your title. January flew by but if its March already, than February disappeared in a blink of an eye, apparently when I was sleeping.
Happy Anniversary to Ray on finding his forever home! He did indeed make the right choice when he chose to adopt you! He is so smart and you can’t beat his charm. A conventional security system may indeed be cheaper BUT not nearly as rewarding! 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
The reference to March was simply perspective. Given the speed the years now go by, we should be in March in a few minutes! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
True, then June could be here in just a few hours. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great! Spring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And with Spring comes Wonderful things! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are you sure? Or have you dug yourself into a hole, also?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am sure. It was New Year’s Eve only a short time ago!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You must have a very small calendar.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope! Standard size ………. just fast! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a watch that runs a little fast. But I’ve never heard of a calendar that does that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ever heard of a piece of paper that tells the time?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Anything is possible!
LikeLike
It’s not working for me. Your youtube seems to be broken.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Try this one :
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay, I see. Your calendar tells the time, because it’s written on a piece of paper.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Obvious eh! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are you still working on separation anxiety training? Other than making vacations more difficult you are not missing much!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Kate. We constantly revisit separation training but, just as we start making progress, something interrupts the program and he is right back to the beginning again. As much as he ties us down, things could be so much worse, so we are not complaining. Living with Ray offers so much pleasure that the trade-off in personal freedom is workable. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having had special needs cats that required medications at specific times which could not be administered by anyone but (or if boarded), I understand the restrictions and I never once regretted it. If I wanted the life of carefree traveler I would not have had pets. Instead I prefer the life of a solidly based pet lover with all the benefits that brings. Give Ray a hug for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You said it so well Kate. Life is choices, and if I wanted a life of travel and independence, I would have chosen not to have a pet! I believe us pet lovers tend to live longer than those free and independent spirits …so bonus! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ray sure has come a long way. Come to think of it, so have you…and what a ride!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a ride indeed. Totally life changing! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person