Love is the Key

This season of my life has been hard. I lost my best pup the beginning of November and then came to the close of semester as I wrapped up caring for our youngest grand daughter.

I was grieving. Big time. I had cared for our granddaughters for the most of the last five years of my life. I knew I wouldn’t do it forever but I had no idea how it would impact me.

I am relieved in many ways since I am a Grandma and not of childbearing age. But the loss was great to me. I actually fell onto a bit of depression and anxiety.

It would come and go and I would cry out to my God to take this from me.

Well, after a few days of intense cold and ice outside that caused us to stay indoors for the most part, I was a mess. Crying and sadness were overcoming me. I cried out to God again and the very day – yesterday – the sun (or shall I say Son ) shined bright in my heart.

We adopted a puppy. Whoever thinks animal therapy is nonsense is very wrong. It may not be for everyone but it is for me!

A friend of mine had an unexpected guest show up at her house in the fall. A pregnant dog who appeared to have had some abuse. Naturally she took her in and cared for her. The sweetest terrier mix with a great personality. She birthed the pups of many colors and I considered taking one when they were of the proper age.

Well, the sweet momma went and got ran over. So sad. She left about six or so pups orphaned but fortunately, they were eating puppy mash at that time.

Because of their orphan state I decided we would take one in a few weeks. I picked the one I wanted. I was still apprehensive until I received a text yesterday saying that there was concern about them being left alone all day in their ever energetic state of puppyhood. Can I take him now?

Of course! I jumped into action. Cleaned the crate and mopped the floors and sent the hubby to the store for puppy chow and replacement milk.

Funny thing is……… all my anxiety symptoms vanished. I came home yesterday evening with a sweet bundle of fur and puppy breath. He needed me.

But more than him needing me….. I needed him. My prayers were answered. Never underestimate the power of prayer. The answers come in many shapes and sizes. Mine came in a bundle of furry mutt that looks like he rolled in a few colors of paint.

I am so thankful. And now, without further adieu…… meet Teddy Roosevelt, the new brother of George Bailey……. Enjoy!

Cate B

Doggie Parks

This is day #20 in the NaBloPoMo thirty day blog challenge.

http://www.blogher.com/nablopomo
http://www.blogher.com/nablopomo

Almost there.  I have a hard time following the prompts they suggest, but some are pretty good.

But today I am doing my own thing, again.  The subject of Dog Parks popped into my head.  I have never taken my dogs to a dog park.  It’s hard enough walking them through a people park when we run into other dogs.  They want to play and they want to play bad!  The thought of letting them go to romp and play with other dogs frightens me.  I just may be more afraid of that than standing on the rim of a very high cliff, or the wing of an airplane!  I’ve been to Pet Smart when the Doggie Daycare is in full swing play mode.  I stood at that window watching all the drooling dogs of various breeds and sizes and saw the look on the playground monitor’s face.  Fighting?  Bullies?  Yes.  I just can’t see letting my precious doggies loose to fend for themselves.  They both just want to play.  But these are dogs.  Dogs are territorial and I’ve experienced lovely tail wagging dogs turn against each other in an instant.  Am I overly protective of my pups?  Are these free-for-all pup parks a breeding ground for disaster or future therapy sessions for our doggies?

see!
see!

I also worry about me!  What if these oh-so-playful pups who “never would bite anyone” decide I look edible?  Scares me big time.  I never tell ANYONE that my dogs are friendly and would never bite you.  Dogs can be a bit unpredictable sometimes, especially if they sense your fear or dislike of dogs.

yup
yup

So help me out.  Tell me your experiences of Dog Parks.  I truly want to relieve my fears and take my pups – maybe.  Wait.  I think it’s me that may need the therapy for that fear.

Enjoy!

cate b

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