Charlie's a rescue dog ... from a house with six dogs who received very little human attention, and who consequently ended up roaming the neighborhood a fair amount. He was the Omega dog in the group, and after leaving that setting he was absolutely terrified of life without his "pack" -- for the first couple months I couldn't take him anywhere without him freaking out, either running away in terror or responding with aggression when he felt cornered. But lots of socialization and attention have really brought him out of his shell ... he's turned into the biggest sweetheart ever, and loves going adventuring with me. (He even gets to go to work with me!) He's a testament to what love can do, and we're both lucky to have found each other. :)
He's a testament to what love -- plus understanding what he needed to get better -- can do. I know plenty of well-meaning families who wouldn't have any idea what to do with such a dog and it would have been a disaster. He is fortunate. How long have you had him?
So often, the people who get dogs are exactly the sort of people who shouldn't have them, and it breaks my heart. (The same is true for people who have human kids, as well ... although for some reason, I find that annoying rather than heartbreaking.)
Charlie came into my life last October -- hard to believe it's already been that long!
With kids, it can be heartbreaking or annoying. I knew some kids who were raised about like Charlie was and they were nice kids. I think it's the parents who give too much "love" and not enough boundaries that create the annoying kids (and dogs!). And of course, the kids from the unfortunate backgrounds are expected to rise up as adults, but the annoying spoiled kids aren't expected to stop being annoying, self-centered adults....sigh.
At a high-end electronics shop today, I overheard an earnest young salesman explaining all about computers to a new customer: "You can use three different operating systems on a computer -- Apple, HP, and Google."
So for those of you who haven't heard, the engine on my poor old Toyota finally gave up the ghost last week. This is the car I got to replace it -- a new Subaru XV Crosstrek. And of course I had to get it in orange. :)
Like!
ReplyDeleteHow could anyone not? :)
ReplyDeleteSo true....
ReplyDeleteAww, Charlie's the happiest dog around now.
ReplyDeleteHe absolutely is, Inge! And he definitely knows how lucky he is.
ReplyDeleteDoes Charlie have a sad story?
ReplyDeleteCharlie's a rescue dog ... from a house with six dogs who received very little human attention, and who consequently ended up roaming the neighborhood a fair amount. He was the Omega dog in the group, and after leaving that setting he was absolutely terrified of life without his "pack" -- for the first couple months I couldn't take him anywhere without him freaking out, either running away in terror or responding with aggression when he felt cornered. But lots of socialization and attention have really brought him out of his shell ... he's turned into the biggest sweetheart ever, and loves going adventuring with me. (He even gets to go to work with me!) He's a testament to what love can do, and we're both lucky to have found each other. :)
ReplyDeleteHe's a testament to what love -- plus understanding what he needed to get better -- can do. I know plenty of well-meaning families who wouldn't have any idea what to do with such a dog and it would have been a disaster. He is fortunate. How long have you had him?
ReplyDeleteSo often, the people who get dogs are exactly the sort of people who shouldn't have them, and it breaks my heart. (The same is true for people who have human kids, as well ... although for some reason, I find that annoying rather than heartbreaking.)
ReplyDeleteCharlie came into my life last October -- hard to believe it's already been that long!
Indeed, love can really turn them around, and it's such a gratifying thing to see. What a great thing for you and Charlie. It makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteWith kids, it can be heartbreaking or annoying. I knew some kids who were raised about like Charlie was and they were nice kids. I think it's the parents who give too much "love" and not enough boundaries that create the annoying kids (and dogs!). And of course, the kids from the unfortunate backgrounds are expected to rise up as adults, but the annoying spoiled kids aren't expected to stop being annoying, self-centered adults....sigh.
ReplyDelete