It’s been nearly a year since we adopted Faith, our newest furry family member.
It all began with grief. As soon as we lost Crunch Tator, my trusty old Wheaton Terrier, I started hanging out at the Town Lake Animal Center, our local animal shelter. I would highly recommend this type of therapy to anyone suffering from the loss of a furry family member except for one thing: it is impossible to do so without becoming fixated on adopting another dog. My own fixation was on Millie, a 40 pound Collie/Basset Hound mix with terrible manners and a clear tendency towards ADHD. Mainly because she had a big nose. My husband was opposed to getting a dog while I was in the throes of fixation, so we compromised on getting the dog of his choice, who happened to be Faith, an 80 pound German Shepherd/Chow Chow mix.
Faith was well mannered, but aloof. I didn’t immediately take to her. While she, also, has a big nose, she did not present it for kisses; in fact, she showed no interest in me at all. And yet, I consented to her adoption. I suppose out of Hope. And maybe a little Charity.
We’ll skip the part where we brought her home and I immediately told David we’d made a mistake because I was terrified of her, and we’ll move right along to the commitment I made to her the next morning: “I will not allow my fear of you to define our relationship.”
This seemed to work quite well. I read some Ceasar Milan books. I started walking her twice a day, every day. The walks were long and controlled – short leash, no stopping unless I said so, sit at every curb, etc. I even used a doggy backpack, which was handy for carrying water. Faith became somewhat affectionate towards me and I gained a lot of confidence in myself. I grew to look forward to our long walks, and I decided we’d picked the right dog for us after all the first time she sat down next to me and I was able to throw my arm around her big, round haunches as if she was a human being. Or maybe it was the first time she laid her head on my lap and looked up at me with her big, brown eyes. Actually, I think it was the first time I laid down next to her on the floor and laid my head on her side. Big dogs rock for comfort and snuggling, let me tell you.
Popularity: 1%