Rescued Dog Gives Thanks Mends Hearts
Labels: Adoption, Dogs, Pets, Rescue
It was a cold, rainy evening when the young man walking down a country road heard the pleading cries of a soaking wet seven week old puppy abandoned in a ditch, trapped in a cardboard box. Living restrictions prevented the kind-hearted fellow from keeping the four and half pound lab mix so he gave the puppy to his Beloved Empress. It took less than a minute for the tiny ball of fur to fill the void in her heart left by the deaths of two Imperial Hounds earlier that year. The newest addition to the Royal Family was appropriately named Dozer for his tendency to go through instead of around obstacles in addition to being able to fall asleep the moment he closes his eyes.
To say that the Empress fell in love with her new pet would be an understatement. As Dozer grew he began to exhibit traits reminiscent of his predecessors, so much so that The Empress started to wonder if he weren't somehow a composite reincarnated, sent to bring back the sun and to chase away the dark clouds of depression that had loomed over the Palace for some time. Nearly a year later this 5lb puppy has become a 90lb lap dog who never forgets to show his gratitude or his love for the family. His most common method of displaying affection is the sleeve pull. This is accomplished by firmly gripping one's sleeve with his tiny yet razor sharp front teeth. If he is really feeling the love he will give you what we like to call Dozer hickeys. These are created when those little teeth grab more than sleeve leaving small bruises on the flesh. Another favorite display of his involves encouraging you to get off your butt and have an arm workout via a game we usually call tug-o-fetch.
Tug-o-fetch involves throwing a toy - after successfully prying it from Dozer's jaws. He will give it up freely on command but so enjoys the tugging part that we usually play it his way until he decides to add 'keep-a-way' to the table. This is the game where he drops the toy a few feet out of reach in hopes of enticing you to make a grab for it. Any attempt to do so results in Dozer pouncing on the item, snatching it away before you can claim possession of it. Clearly demonstrating his love by helping us hone our reflexes. After several trips up and down the back yard's embankment, when Dozer feels he has sufficiently exercised your arm, rest periods are at last given. Just don't get too comfortable because it is almost time to go feed the horses, check the perimeter and make certain that the farm is secure. Affectionately referred to as Sgt Dozer, once the rounds have been made, he takes up his watch position at one of the various vantage points available. Sometimes sitting and watching for hours. This is Dozer's home and he makes sure that nothing moves out there without his ok.
A lot of people of have pets. A lot of people take them for granted. Still others out there are like us. They see their pet as a member of the family with all the rights and privileges therein. In my opinion no one should ever have a pet if they cannot say with conviction that animal is as special to them as any other member of the family. Especially considering you will never get the unconditional love from any other human like you will from a domestic pet. Dozer thanks us every day with his wagging tail, his soulful eyes, his playfulness, his protectiveness, and his clear adoration of not just his humans but of our other pets as well - often showing his love by either wiping his mouth on their heads or by standing over them when they try make potty. Of course they all cuddle together on the couch, just don't let the 10lb grouchy old lady see you looking or she will get up and move. The 9lb old man is less subtle, choosing to force Dozer into submission and off his couch. Truly a sight to behold. As much as it may seem that Dozer owes us his life, when you consider all the joy he has brought us, I think it is safer to say that we are the ones who owe him. This dog even remembers the young man who saved him, greeting the man with giddy thankful affection whenever he comes to visit.
Animals are extremely forgiving. Watch any episode of a show about rescuing abused animals to see a starved beaten dog wag his tail at the sight of his saviors. Sgt Dozer holds no grudge against those who abandoned him, in fact he would like to thank the thoughtless uncaring so called human that left him in that ditch to die almost a year ago. As traumatic as it was for him to endure, cold and alone, he knows that it was meant to be. His life with someone that was capable of such disregard would surely have been miserable assuming he survived. Here at the Palace he has a never ending bowl of kibble, fresh water, his own creek, regular veterinary visits, free use of all the furniture and doting parents who find his every action wildly amusing. Dozer was meant to be a part of our family and he deserves to be treated like royalty - as does every domestic pet out there.
Thank You For Reading!! ~99
If you would like more information about adopting an animal in need or assisting the fight against cruelty and abuse, check out the Oregon Humane Society's web page at Oregon Humane Society
