| Following my racing days, I was adopted by a family and returned
early in 1998. One day, this lady came in to look at dogs. She had just heard
about my breed, as she was looking for a dog to train as her service dog
for about 1-1/2 years. This was her first time to check us out. I didn't
see her when she first came in. However, I did see her on one of her several
subsequent visits. I just laid on a pillow next to the wall, and she would
come over and pet me. I didn't see her again until several visits later
when she came in to choose a dog. That important day had arrived when my
mom would come to take me home.
She was in the room when I was brought in with other dogs. I remembered
her from an earlier visit, and since I knew no one else in the room, I
immediately went up to her and nudged her hand. She took to me instantly,
I could tell. I saw her light up instantly. I watched this lady as she looked
at other dogs as well. I was excited but I just played it cool and calm.
I knew this lady wanted me badly, but she hemmed and hawed because of my
age. As it turned out, she wasn't as interested in the other dogs as she
was in me. Finally, the long wait was over. She chose me and I could feel
her confidence with her choice. After an uncertain trip to my new mom's home,
I proceeded to check everything out, sniffing the new smells. Mom had water
out for me as she knew I would be thirsty. She also had some floor pillows
out and I promptly made myself at home. At night, I immediately made it known
that I wanted to sleep next to her bed. After the third night, she decided
this would be a good time to start training me as to what I must do when
she gets out of bed, since I would jump up and stand next to the bed when
she moved to get up. |
|
When mom gets out of bed, I stand next to the bed very still while
she places her hand over my shoulders to help her balance as she gets up.
As soon as she removes her hand, I know I have finished that task and she
says "ok" so I romp out to the kitchen in hopes of eating breakfast. I love
to go walking with my mom. What I provide for her when walking is a "fixed
visual" which helps her to remain upright. I have encouraged my mom to do
more walking which strengthens her back and leg muscles, and makes her
fibromaylgia easier to tolerate. I have also helped my mom to feel better
about herself, as her attention on me takes some of her attention away from
her own pain and fatigue. I know my mom, she'll do anything for me.....almost.
Well, she won't let me have just anything I want to eat. She looks
out for my welfare to ensure I'll be around and happy for a very long time.
When I first came home, I didn't know how to sit or lay on command. My mom
taught me that first. She even taught me to shake. So when it's time for
a milk biscuit, I hurry to shake and lay down so I can have that yummy treat!
Sometimes I'm so much in a hurry to get the treat that I fall over in the
process of laying down. When my mom is having some very bad pain days, I
come up and snuggle my head in her lap. She laughs and thinks I'm funny,
but I can tell she loves me! I need my hugs and snuggles as well. Sometimes,
when I want something or just want to play, I goose her. She laughs. I love
my toys, I prefer soft stuffed toys. I like to throw them up in the air and
pounce down on them. Then I glance back at mom with this twinkle in my eye,
asking her to come play with me. As soon as she does, I drop my toys and
enjoy the attention she gives me. I love to have my belly rub and my ears
scratched. When we are taking our walks, I love to get attention from everyone
we meet. If I don't, I pretend to feel rejected but my mom sees through that.
All in all, I am one happy boy. Mom says I'm gonna live out my life in happiness.
I think that's what has happened to me. |
