I am a dog fanatic! I can't get enough of my dog, watching other people's dogs, and watching tear jerkers about heroic and sweet dogs! I personally don't feel that my house is a home without a dog in it.
My new girl, Roxie!
I recently adopted Roxie from a local rescue, and could not be happier with the addition to my family. She is incredibly energetic (understatement of epic proportions!), and smart, and oh-so cuddly. And, she has mended my broken heart.
Missing Traveler and Gabriel...
I lost my two dogs, Gabriel and Traveler, in the past year. Both had cancer. Traveler had lymphoma, which was not curable, but with treatment was able to live happily and comfortably for an additional year to the age of 11. Gabriel had cancer also, but after treatment was cured. He eventually became too pain-ridden with arthritis to live comfortably, and at 12 years old, I decided to let him go. Both of their deaths were traumatic beyond belief, and I still mourn them and miss them incredibly.
When I heard that Roxie was available for adoption, I was skeptical. First, I wasn't sure that my heart was ready for a new dog. The pain of losing Traveler and Gabriel seemed too fresh, too raw. And secondly, I wasn't sure that I could handle an energetic pup. To me, adopting a dog means that you are willing to do any and everything you can to ensure that they have the happiest, healthiest life possible. I knew I could provide for her, and love her, but I asked myself if I could give her the kind of exercise she needs. And finally, I wasn't sure that I could emotionally handle the eventual loss of another beloved family member.
After much deliberating, I decided that the pros outweighed the cons, and I welcomed Roxie into my family on 7/20/10. She was just over a year old, had been very well-loved in her previous home, and showed all the signs of being a great dog.
Photo courtesy Sue Rakes Photography!
She has not disappointed! She is all that I had hoped for and more! She has made lots of dog and human friends in the past couple months.
She has regular play dates with dogs she has met. It is such a sight to see the pure joy of dogs playing and just being dogs! Their rituals, their games, and their energy fascinate me.
She has also enjoyed making new human friends. Some of my friends who are runners have generously taken her on as a running buddy. She runs with them 4 or 5 times a week. They report that she is quite the athlete, and as is typical of her breed, she runs with determination!
But, my favorite time with her is when she settles in at night and cuddles. That's when I know my heart is no longer broken. Just having her with me, knowing she trusts me, loves me, and depends on me, has given me new energy for both my personal and professional real estate life.
I know that I'm not alone in my passion for dogs - there are lots of us out there. And, that's a good thing!
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