We adopted Nena from a local shelter in May 2007.
Before kids, before marriage, before we were even engaged.
She was a two year old beagle-mixed mutt, an owner surrender of a soldier who was PCS-ing.
She'd been in the shelter, which happened to be a kill shelter, for two weeks when we saw her picture on Petfinder.com and decided she was the dog for us.
She was two years old, house-trained, spayed, had her shots updated.
She had--still does--puppy energy and she's so small that she's forever a puppy.
She had a few bad habits; eating paper (to include bills), chewing up clothes (but only select items, like a Victoria's Secret bra and a pair of maternity pants), peeing whenever she got excited or whenever you'd tell her to calm down. And once she ate half a plate of chocolate chip cookies she snuck off the table.
She'd also run off if she could get out the door or off the leash and lead us on never-ending goose chases down the road, into neighbors' yards and even their houses.
She's grown out of most her bad habits, mellowing out in her middle age.
She's been through all six moves with us.
All three kids.
She's had her tail and ears pulled.
Been chases around by remote control cars and screaming toddlers.
She's been on road trip after road trip and gets excited when she sees suitcases being packed.
A devoted guard dog, she's let us know any time anyone is close to the house.
I've always felt safer with her in the house.
She's slept at my feet, curled up next to me on the couch.
She sheds everywhere, sneaks food from the highchair and kids and the occasional drink from the toilet.
Never the most obedient dog, she pulls on the leash till she gags herself, whines when she sees another animal.
But she's the best dog. Part of our family.
I'm thankful we found her, that she's a part of our family. That she protects us.
No comments:
Post a Comment