My Special Dog: A Tale of Unwavering Loyalty and Adorable Willfulness
One of the many things I love about my dog is his unwavering loyalty. He reminds me of a steadfast friend who is always there when I need him. Whenever I need comfort, he is the first to offer his company, providing a warm cuddle that makes everything better. His energy and joy are infectious, making him the perfect companion for outdoor adventures.
A Scared but Special Addition
I had never taken on the responsibility of potty-training this particular dog before. All the best things I was offered by her didn’t come from any of the expensive training sessions either. She was adopted at around 3 months old after spending time in foster care and multiple adoptions before ultimately returning to the original shelter. I wasn’t fully informed about the rescue process.
The shelter delivered her to my door almost immediately after the interview, giving me little time to prepare. I placed the basket, filled with towels and my child's old clothes, to create a cozy space for her. She instinctively knew the basket was meant for her, even jumping into it instead of my bed or the couch. When I left her to settle, she only ignored me until she had explored her food and water and returned to her own sanctuary.
Building Trust and Comfort
Her fear of the outside world made it challenging to start training. She was trembling at the pet store, and the first walk was a push-and-pull dance. Once she had finished her pee and poo outside, she wanted to rush home. This behavior persisted for months, but it became clear that she was adapting more with each passing day.
A visit from a trusted dog trainer confirmed that her fear was due to missed socialization windows and a lack of maternal guidance. Despite these challenges, she never barked and never chewed anything that wasn't hers. Not needing any training for destructive behaviors indeed helped build a more peaceful home environment.
A Protective and Trustworthy Companion
She turned out to be a highly energetic working breed, yet she quickly adapted to my lifestyle, even when I was sick or depressed. Her loyalty and protectiveness were evident—she would herd and protect my child when she wasn't feeling well, correct disrespectful behavior, and even save him from dangerous situations.
She is also a guardian when it comes to my elderly mother. She acts as an attentive sentinel, reporting important matters and offering her support. She would sit with my mother when I was away and protect her when necessary. She even offered to notify me about my old mother's forgotten casserole and alerted me to my child's dangerous activities.
A Communicative and Intelligent Canine
Tricks and commands are not the only interactions she has with us. She demonstrates intuitive reactions and communication that are her own intelligence and personality. For example, she can sense my emotional states and respond appropriately. During my worst days, she would guide me like a guide dog, offering me wet kisses, hugs, and chin rests on my lap. She never lost her understanding of me, even when I was physically weak.
My special dog picked up her toys from the cupboards to invite me to play, showing her affection for her squeaky green pig toy. Even though I could still make a pullover for her out of my hoodie’s sleeve, she has grown more confident and trusting over the years. Her warm eyes still have the same intensity as before, but they now carry the weight of a more self-assured and proud dog.
Each story with this dog is a cherished memory, and this chapter in my life, where she made all the differences, is the one I would want to relive over and over again. While she can’t read, she has given me a lifetime of love, courage, and companionship that I wouldn’t trade for the world.