So I Have This Dog…
I can’t count the number of times when I’ve called my husband sobbing because Rosy has a) torn a hole in the bottom of the mattress, b) pooped in the crate and rolled around in it, c) snuck through the back fence and I had to chase her (remember I’m largely pregnant) through the wooded easement, d) bitten me and drawn blood (thank heavens she’s out of that phase). His answer was always the same, “What do you want me to do about it?” He knew that no matter how far Rosy pushed me, I couldn’t give her up.
Here’s why: The Red Fern Grows. If you’ve read it, you’ll understand. No matter what mischief Old Dan and Little Ann get into, Billy loves them. The dogs return that love ten-fold. Sure, I’m a natural animal lover and a masochist (what writer isn’t?), but a book taught me at a very young age not to give up on a dog. So I haven’t.
Despite all Rosy’s evil-ness (my friends call her Red Dawn and Devil Dog), she has become a member of the family. She sleeps, eats, and plays with us. She takes us on walks and goes to T-Ball games.
Go and work hard at something you love. It may be daunting, you may want to quit, but if you keep at it, something wonderful just might happen. Good luck!
30 Comments
Barbara Kloss
Oh dogs! I so enjoyed reading this…I’m also fellow animal lover. I must say, our pup wasn’t as destructive as yours. Actually, my only “irritating” memory was when he was a baby. We were trying to take his photo and were so excited at our “brilliant” puppy for holding still. And then he hopped away, revealing the puddle of pee.
Lindsay N. Currie
Wow, you’re right. She’s little Ann. I love that book so much:)
Norma Beishir
Have you seen/read Marley and Me? Rosy sounds like a female Marley!
Becky Wallace
@Norma: I haven’t seen or read it because I heard that Marley dies at the end. Human death I can handle, but animal death…for some reason it’s much harder to me. And children…ugh!
Red Boot Pearl
My daughter calls my parent’s puppy Swiper (from Dora)… the dog always snags a toy and proceeds to rip it to shreds, I hope that phase doesn’t last long. I don’t think I could handle having a dog right now, glad we can visit one at Grandma’s.
E.J. Wesley
Becky, I literally had PTSD-like flashbacks when you mentioned “rolling in poo in the crate.” Our Beagle-mix did that for the first 6 weeks we had her … the people who say, “dogs won’t poop where they sleep” are out of their damned minds. I digress …
What I’m really writing to say is take heart. I thought our little Beagle was an untrainable nightmare at first, but we were diligent in trying to shape her into being a ‘good’ dog. About 8 months in it all clicked. (Literally almost overnight.) She’s now about 5 years old and is probably the best dog I’ve ever had. If you’re consistent about reenforcing the behaviors you want, she’ll eventually figure it out. (Or at least most of them.) Then you’ll have people saying, “oh, she is so well-behaved! What a great dog!” and only you’ll know the hell you had to go through to get her to that point. 🙂
I’m so with you on the animal death thing as well. People can die in all kinds of horrible ways in fiction and movies and it won’t bother me, but you kill off someone’s dog and I’ll cry for days. Probably says something unflattering about my mind/psyche, but I can live with that. lol
Becky Wallace
@EJ: Thanks for the reassurance! I keep hoping that one day I’ll wake up with the same realization you had with your dog. And honestly, she is the most cuddly, giant lap dog you can imagine. It’s her saving grace.
I’m so glad I’m not the only person who gets so torn up over animal death! My mom saw Water for Elephants last night, and told me I couldn’t go until I was “un-pregnant.” She said I wouldn’t be able to stomach that they’re mean to the elephant.
SpadesHigh
i dont know where else to comment so here it is *shurgs*
Thanks for the comment on my blog. isnt it!? i love the name Ace. His name is short for Aeson. and thank you for liking my background. that’s basically me, but instead of papers, it’s books that are strewn around. Oh, and minus the pipe =D
Carrie
Dogs are amazing. My mom is training a Leader Dog puppy and I’m pretty sure she thinks this one is the most challenging. Glad to hear you aren’t giving up on your dog. She’ll turn out ok.
Shari
Awwwww. Look at that face! How could anyone give up on that face?!
Trisha
Heh, I could never have a dog, no matter how cute their face – this puppy IS very cute. But I understand what it’s like to have a pet you will stick with no matter how naughty they are 😀
Mflick1
I have to tell you your post about Rosy brought tears to my eyes. My collie – Lady Fergilious has terrible OCD tendencies but is fiercely protective of me and the best companion someone could as for (when i first got her, EVERY TIME she went into her crate she pooped and walked it all around the crate) then there is Miss Mia my italian mastiff who got arthritis at 9 months (:( ) who is the biggest baby you have ever met and repeatedly knocks me off the couch when we are cuddling.
Your dog is beautiful!
Julie Musil
Awww, I love those pictures. Especially with the dog in bed with your child. Isn’t that the best? My husband brought home a stray, and now he sleeps with my son. Our other shelter dog sleeps with our other son. There’s nothing like a sweet doggie cuddled next to you.
Susanna Leonard Hill
I am a fellow dog lover, and have gone through more than my share of similar situations (’nuff said!) But Rosy is SO CUTE and I bet she’s going to grow up to be a good dog 🙂
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