For The New Owner

Dear New Dog Owner,
    I don't know you. I don't know if you're twelve, like I was when I first met my Lucky, or 112, like I hope to be when I finally kick the bucket. How amazing would it be to have 100 years of dogs? I think it would be pretty incredible. I don't know if your dog is a tiny puppy just starting his story, or a grown up with a history you'll never know. What I do know is that there are so many things to say in this letter that I will probably forget most of them.

Doom, when he was eight weeks old, and I was 16.

  First, in this world, there are judgmental assholes who will tell you that getting a dog from a breeder is wrong. There are also judgmental assholes that will tell you that getting a rescue was stupid - the fact of the matter is that it doesn't matter where your dog comes from. What matters is that your new dog, young or old, mutt or pedigreed champion in the making, fits your family, that you can give him unconditional love, because that is all he or she will ever ask of you. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, except the dog. The dog might one day tell you that he REALLY would like some bacon.

Lucky, always hoping for that piece of bacon, and Bear behind him.

   Second, learn from your dog. While you are training him, let him train you. No, not to get him a treat each time he gives you his hungry face, or to simper at him during every vet trip, but simply to enjoy life unconditionally. To love your family and friends, forgive even the gravest of errors... and to hell with it - snatch that last cookie when nobody is looking if you REALLY want it. Learn from him to share your toys, smile often hike your leg on the things that bother you and can't be changed. Your new dog is smarter than you will give him credit for, and wiser than you'll ever be, so while you teach him to sit, learn from him not to sweat the small stuff.

Ted, our Chinese Crested.

   You should already know that there is a good chance you will out live your dog. Be prepared for this, but do not dread it. Live, even with a terminal diagnosis, like you will never stop throwing the ball. Remember that when he destroys your favorite boots because you left them where his newly budding teeth could find them... They aren't forever, and they don't understand anger.

Doom, Bobsie and Booger int he background, greeting me when I came home on leave from the Army.

   Your dog will get into shenanigans aplenty. He may tangle himself in your bra, like Bobsie did one day while I was at work. He may get his head stuck digging into his Christmas stocking, like Percy did this last Christmas. He may even swallow something that has to be surgically removed. Remember again that dogs don't understand what "mad" means. Bail him out with a smile when shenanigans blossom in your home. One day, you will look back and laugh.

She was so embarrassed. LOL

   Savor the slimy tennis balls, muddy paw prints on your floor, and nose smudged windows. I bitch about them, but there is a part of me that will miss them if, gods forbid, one day they are all gone.

Doom and Booger chillin' with me on the couch. I was 17.

   Find a vet that you love and trust, and for whom your dog wags his tail. If you doctor made you want to rip his balls off, you wouldn't want to see him either. Don't make your dog see someone for his medical issues and yearly checkups that he's not comfortable with. Build a relationship with your vet. You will never regret it.

Doom in his favorite place - all up in my face.

   Don't hold grudges when he does something you don't like. Hours later, he won't understand why he is a "bad dog" and you won't love hon him. Pet him and tell him that he is a good dog as often as you can. When he's gone, you'll wish you'd done it more often.

Post bath playing in the dirt, and damn proud of it.

   When the time comes, it won't hurt to feed him a whole bag of his favorite treats before you see the vet that last time. Don't hesitate to hold him and tell him how much you love him - it's not ridiculous. He loves you too. Be there for him, the way he was for you when the relationship you thought was forever fell apart, when your grandmother died, when your best friend moved away. Hold him to his very last breath, and smile remembering every moment the two of you shared, big or small. He would want you to remember the good - never the bad.

She always was a bossy thing.

   The biggest thing I want to say to you, the new owner, is congratulations. You have just found a piece of your heart that you didn't even know was missing, and the greatest adventure of your life is about to begin. You're lucky to have each other. Don't ever forget it.

Percy, pinning my husband down, and completely unsorry about it.

All My Paws,

Annie