It was a wet, rainy day in June of 1984 that I first met him. He had come into the world just two short months before on a farm in Northern California.
His first and only airplane ride must have been a terrifying experience, for he arrived at the Calgary airport afraid, tired and hungry.
I remember so well the look in his eyes as he appeared to look not at me, but through me, and in that first glance I just knew he was special. He somehow seemed to know that even though there were numerous people crowded into the room, that it was me that had come to meet him for as he took those first wobbly steps out of his travelling compartment he proceeded directly to me.
The bond of a lifelong friendship had commenced.
I remember so well, his first year with me, and how stubborn he could be at times when I would spend hours, days, or even weeks, patiently teaching him new things that he obviously thought were foolish, if not absolutely useless. I could not see it at the time, but while I was acting the teacher, I was also being taught.
We had only eight short years together, however they were years that left me with many fond memories. There were times during those eight years that were extremely difficult for me, yet I cannot recall even one time when his trust, friendship or loyalty waivered for even an instant.
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- Delay testing until the dog has been at the shelter a few days
- Rely on your first impression
- Check out all dogs. Some shelters put there most adoptable dogs further back to give the less adoptable dogs a better chance
- Determine if the dog is friendly. Put your hand out to see if the dog will sniff or lick it. Social dogs will respond quickly by coming to you
- Meet with the dog in a quiet environment. Spend a few minutes ignoring him or her. A social dog will try to solicit your attention
...read more tips here!
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Words Of Wisdom
Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still
A dog won't forsake his master because of his poverty; a son never deserts his mother for her homely appearance.
Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness
Crows everywhere are equally black
Learning the value of silence, is learning to listen to, rather than scream at reality.
Know your energy - it comes in many forms, positive, negative, fearful, confident, pain, sorrow, love, peace, happiness & joy.
Everything radiates energy
Everything IS energy.
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