Quote:
Originally Posted by rockhead
I'm subscribed to this thread that I started way back when, and it's been a long time since I or anyone else posted to it. I suppose that's a good thing. I want to share something that caught my attention last night.
My wife got annoyed at Rookie when he lunged in front of her as she opened the slider onto the deck. "Why does he have to do that?", she asked. I immediately replied, "Would you rather have a dog that is food and toy aggressive, a submissive urinator, shreds his bedding, and eats the moldings off the walls?"
Yes, I bashed Eich mercilessly.  But I called it like I saw it. Eich was a beautiful, loyal dog who impressed everyone with his attentiveness and obedience, but he had his quirks.
Rookie is a total goofball who listens most of the time  , but is otherwise calm, totally trustworthy with food and toys, and really just an overall pleasure to have around.
I felt a little pang of guilt after I realized what I said, but it wasn't like it wasn't the truth. We talked about Eich for a minute or so afterwards and it was the first time in nearly two years we have been able to do so without one of us tearing up. I'd still give anything to have had him longer, but I think at this point I can call myself recovered.
I think I'm going to take a long break from this thread and pay more attention to the things that make the process worth repeating. |
What a cool post! I was so incredibly devastated last year at the loss of my Jasmine, and in all honesty, my husband and I adopted another dog too soon -- Two months later we adopted an Aussie mix with disabilities and in some ways I felt more of a hole in my heart because he was/is so un-German shepherd like
A year after Jasmine's death, the puppy bug hit me by surprise, and we rescued a girl puppy (GSD) a few weeks ago. I was amazed at how in love with her I immediately felt. I forgot, it seems, that I was able to do this. I have "admitted" that she is the easiest puppy I have ever had. I love her temperament and she's smart as a whip. I am amazed by her. And that's ok. I also realize that my other dogs have all paved the way for me to be a better dog parent, and that things only get better.
Meanwhile, the Aussie mix is in totally smitten with the puppy (she is more mature than he is -- he is the one who cries at night now!) and has taken on the role of "clown big brother," showing his real sweetheart side, while Scout, WGSD with his own crazy issues, is the gentle grandfather who allows her to step on his nose, but who will gently place a paw on her back when he needs to say, "Enough, now."