For many years, my husband campaigned to get a dog. I resisted, claiming that the dog would be too much trouble and that we worked too many hours. In addition, I am allergic to furry animals and developed asthma when we had a cat as a pet.
One of the unspoken reasons I had for resisting acquiring a dog was that I was nervous around them. From the time I was quite young, I was afraid of being bitten by dogs and was convinced that they somehow were unfriendly and would attack unprovoked. This view may have been the result my experiences with a dog we had when I was quite young. My parents acquired an Irish Setter–a big goofy puppy. Like all puppies, he was playful. I can still remember being knocked down by this dog, and having the big sash on the back of my dress torn off. ( For some reason , I refused to wear pants to play in and insisted on wearing only dresses!) Needless to say, this dog eventually went to “live on a farm.”In fact, I was so nervous about dogs, that I would walk blocks out of my way to avoid encountering them as a kid.
I worked very hard to make sure that my daughter would not share my fear of canines. My husband’s family were doggie-types, so she had many opportunities to interact with dogs . I would put on a brave face and let my husband take the lead in interacting with these animals.
I resisted dog ownership successfully for many, many years. My ace card was my allergies. After all, was it fair to expect me to sacrifice my health for a pet?
Then my husband was diagnosed with cancer, and his recovery was difficult. The hospital he was treated at had a pet visitation program. Whenever we went to appointments on Tuesdays, the therapy dogs would be there. He would interact with the dogs happily while I watched form a safe distance.
He began to plead for a dog to keep him company. I bought cute little mechanical dogs, stuffed dogs and books about dogs. Finally he told me that they were no substitute for the real thing¾and that he didn’t want any more pretend dogs. He even stopped visiting the therapy dogs because it made him feel too depressed.
One day, after a particularly bad patch during his recovery, I talked him into visiting the therapy dogs. He cuddled a French poodle . I looked at him and saw a transformed person sitting there¾one who was delighted and alive.
I knew that we had to get a dog. I really felt that perhaps my husband’s total recovery was dependent on it.
Shortly after that, our friends adopted two adorable little Yorkie-poodle mix puppies. They were delightful. And it appeared that I wasn’t allergic to them.
So about a month later, we welcomed Sparkle into our home. She is a little charmer. To say the least, she has brought hours of love and fun into our lives. We delight in her antics and enjoy petting her and playing with her. She can be quite energetic and, needless to say, she holds sway over the household.
Her love is unconditional and she rewards us with her “kisses.” I enjoy cuddling her in bed ( yes, she sleeps with us!) and find that petting Sparkle helps to relieve my anxiety.
Sparkle gets my husband out and walking everyday. He has met several other people who walk dogs and often has a gossipy tid-bit to share when he gets home.
Whenever one of us is sick, Sparkle is there, right by our side, keeping us company. She welcomes us home wagging her tail happily. She even cries when we are sad!
I never expected to fall head-over-heels in love with a dog. The day we picked her up, my husband held her gently in his arms as I drove home. He looked like he was in heaven. I, however, was filled with trepidation. Less than 24 hours later
Sparkle
, I was smitten.
I knew that our family was richer with Sparkle.
So now I know what it is to experience puppy-love!
Love it. Now you know what everyone with a dog or cat new for a long time .
PETS ARE BETTER THEN KIDS. LOL
I’ve thought that a few times, too!!–Just kidding , Brenda!!
Bob and I both grew up with dogs in the household, so as soon as we purchased our first home, we adopted a part collie, part receiver puppy. Her name was Belle, named after the hurricane that “hit” N.J. immediately after her birth.
Belle became our child- starting out in the basement and ending up in our bedroom. Our parents (both sets) thought that this would be their grandchild, since we were just starting our teaching careers and enjoying traveling by van on all vacations! (with Belle, of course!)
Three years later, our son, Rob, was born. Belle never resented her new sibling, but accompanied us on our walks- staying next to the carriage as we walked… not requiring a leash! When we visited Grandpa, she jumped into his built-in pool and swam next to the babyfloat. What a pleasure she was and continued to be, even after Becky joined the family!
When Belle was no longer with us, the kids were both in high school and we decided that now was the time to replace carpet, get some new furniture, and start a new phase in our lives.
One summer, after returning from college tours, we received a call asking if we would mind watching a two year old pedigree Maltese. The “watching” turned into another eleven years with a yippy, but lovable dog; Korbel was with us until we moved to Florida! Bob and I have often thought about rescuing a dog, but talk each other out of it. As much as we still love dogs, we’ll enjoy playing with relative’s and neighbors’ pets.
Sorry for getting wordy- I really enjoy your entries!
Oops- I just reread my comment and realized that I wrote “part receiver” instead of “RETRIEVER”! Guess I had football on my mind…
Thanks for sharing your memories and experiences, Bonny.
I once read somewhere that dogs are descendents of immature wolves and that they get along so well with people because that immaturity allows us to still be children and to have fun, which is their mission in life. I want to know if Sparkle gets to sit in Big Blue with you.
Yes, she does. She gets on all of the furniture and the bed, too!! I planned that she would only be allowed on the floor and maybe one designated chair. Oh well…
Very nice! Like you, I never expected to be so smitten with a little animal, but as you know I totally adore both of my “kids”! The love I feel for and from Marco and Mandy is almost unspeakable!
I often call Sparkle my furry little baby…
You amaze me, my friend. I know how hard it was to yield to the desire of your husband after all these years. In the end you received the reward of a “sparkle” in your heart.
I agree she is a cutie. I am so happy she brings so much happiness into your lives.
Mel
I never imagined that Sparkle would mean this much to me!!
So delighted that you included a photo of Sparkle.
Our daughter Ann has a dachshund so I speak to her in German.
“Kommst du Heirein,” and she comes.
I get a charge out of her name which means “Warrior Princess.”
I think she believes that she is Athena in disguise.
What’s in a dog’s name.
In your case Sparkle certainly brightened your days.
Blessings,
Bobbi Mastrangelo
Thanks–that sounds jjust like you, Bobbi. Funny how much dogs can learn–just like kids.