A Little off Wag this Morning

I'VE HAD IT!
I am reminded of a frazzled lady that came to shop with her 5 month old Boxer six years ago. Those were her exact words; she left the dog for a bath and never came back. There sat a beautiful, brindle Boxer, covered in urine and poop, aggressive, and now homeless. Yes, I had those demons whispering in my ear this week. I read online of a van going around stealing dogs to take to the dog fighting pits, I felt the need to find that van and make a Boston Terrier sized deposit as I turned over the cushion of my leather couch that is now not even repairable. Thanks, Pre. That's how I have felt that last two days. My back is killing me, my feet are cramping, and now I'm not sleeping well. Why? I have lost my favorite pair of work shoes. How does one fairly responsible adult 'loose' a pair of shoes? One word: PUPPY.
This morning I played CSI. I got out my husband's fancy little CSI flashlight, I crawled around the entire house looking under couches, chairs, and tables. I went outside, we have a doggie door, so the back yard is even fair game for this Boston Terrier-Hide-A-Shoe Game. I did find my shoes, they were chewed on the back but they are still wearable. Thanks, Pre. We brought Pre home in October. My son's dog had just passed away and none of us were taking to well. I really wanted to get a rescue dog but there were no good candidates and patience is not a virtue we are gifted with, so we decided on this little Boston Terrier from Kentucky. I would estimate that I have picked up nearly 50 rolls of shredded toilet paper since then. When I say shredded toilet paper, I mean SHREDDED! There are thousands of little pieces all over the floor, sometimes it looks as though it has snowed inside. Thanks, Pre.
I know there are ways to deal with this situation, the best being a crate. Crate training Pre became a game of Survivor: Outlast, Outwit, Outplay. Pre will not stop barking if put in a crate. Seriously, I have video of it; a hard strong constant bark. Unfortunately my husband could not Outlast the barking because he works the night shift and sleeps during the day. We also could not Outwit Pre. No matter how quiet my husband was, tip toeing in the house, at some point the water had to turn on for a bath and then it was Game On. Once Pre knew there was a human in the house the non-stop barking would begin again. My hubby would let him out of his crate, he joyfully ran through the house in a triumphant, victorious prance because he knew he had Outplayed my husband.
Why do we put with this puppy? There are two main reasons. The first is that I know it will end. Remember that Boxer? I still have her, she never left after that day. She had many issues. She shredded toys, she hated men, she hated the crate, she had separation anxiety and she even ate a couch. After a lot of love, exercise and maturity she is the perfect dog and a wonderful addition to our family. She is my only co-worker and comes to work with me everyday ready to greet my clients with a wagging nub.
The second reason can only be explained by something that happened yesterday. The shop was slow due to weather so I took the day off. I was a little frustrated and laid down on the couch. Soon after the monster came over and jumped on me. He slurped up my face and then curled up in a little ball beside me with my arm wrapped around him. If you have never cuddled with a pup I feel sorry for you. The warmth, and love of a dog that has chosen you a snuggle bunny is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Every frustration melted away, I soon forgot about the toilet paper incident from ten minutes before, and I felt so relaxed that I was soon sound asleep. Me, taking a nap in the middle of the day with the demon dog. It was a perfect hour. Thanks, Pre.
I hope everyone heeds this warning. Spring is right around the corner, puppy fever is going to be in the air this disease is very contagious. You have to ask yourself if you are ready for this? Are you ready to sit down at the potty, do your business only to realize the toilet paper has been stolen? Are you ready for the sleepless nights of crate training? Worst of all, are you ready for potty training? Don't flatter yourselves and think you will be able to train a puppy any better than me. You are just as much a softie as me. Resist the urge. There are too many perfectly good dogs up for rescue just like my Boxer. Think about it hard before you bring home that little furry bundle of joy. If you resist, remember Pre every time your toilet paper is secure on the roll. Remember Pre every time your already potty trained rescue dog does his business outside. Most importantly every time those sweet black eyes look up at you in love and appreciation and melt your heart whisper to yourself...Thanks, Pre.