WSET.com - ABC13Life with a Dog by Noreen Turyn

Well I've gone and done it.  After years of saying how much I wanted a dog, I went to the Humane Society and did it.  I always said if I did get one, it would come from the Humane Society.  But I ALSO always said if I did get one, he'd be a little older, and trained.  One out of two occurred here.

I wasn't even planning to GET a dog the day I went to the shelter.  Just window shopping really.  But when I saw little Cadbury, I just knew he was the one.  They guessed he was about 8 months old, and  claim he's a collie/shepherd mix.   It's really hard to say.  I see golden retriever in his face.  He acts a bit like a border collie.  Others have said they see several OTHER kinds of dogs in him.  But everyone agrees, he's a cutie!

But back to the "one that's already trained" part.  I wasn't going to be able to pick up Cadbury for about 4 days after I picked him out, so my boyfriend tried very hard to lay out all the challenges ahead.  He wasn't necessarily trying to talk me out of it, but he did want to make sure I fully understood that this was going to take work.  I understood, or so I thought.  I went back and forth during those days-- can I can't I can I can't I?  I decided I could.

Keep in mind, I've never had a dog in my life.  I've pet quite a few in my day, but never owned one.  In fact, I was afraid of them for most of my childhood, after getting attacked by a dog when I was about 6 years old.  So the work that goes into a dog is a brand new experience for me.  I've always just been on the petting end of the deal.  Sort of like grandparents who get to play with their grand kids, but don't have to deal with the rest.

But with the help of an expert who gave me a two hour session, I've been able to train Cadbury very well.  He's smart, obedient, and learned the basics very quickly.  I'm using the Victoria Stillwell principals, and he responds well to that.   He has never messed in the house, and he has never even put his mouth on my furniture.  He knows what's allowed and what isn't.  And I've only had him for a month.  I'm proud of that.

The challenge is making sure he gets enough exercise.  He's in the crate during the day, but he gets an hour and a half outside in the morning, a half hour of play time at lunch, and then all the exercise I can physically do in the evenings.  I have lost about 6 pounds since I got him.  Not a bad side effect.  But the boy's got energy, much more than I have, so I'm trying to be creative on how to get him out.   He has had a play date with Len's dog, Scooby, and that went well, so I'm trying to do more of that.

Bottom line here-- do I have regrets?  Sometimes.  My life has become DRASTICALLY changed as a result of Cadbury.  Where I was able to go and do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted before he arrived, I can no longer just be flexible.  And yet it has drastically changed for the better as well- when that sweet little face looks to you for love, and gives you all the love back you could imagine. 

But my advice to all you future dog rescuers- DO make sure you are fully ready to take on the responsibility.  It's a big one!