Heart Like a Dog

The Good, the Bad, and the Oh My God of living with dogs!

Happy Gotcha Day Delilah!

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It was Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and exactly five years ago today, when you joined our family.  Quite honestly I had no idea what we were in for.

We had agreed to a two-week foster-to-adopt contract, just to make sure you were the right fit for our family.

That first day was horrific, you were wild, crazy and out of control.  I cried on and off the entire day, and was fairly certain you weren’t the right dog for us.

What we wanted was a companion for Sampson, someone to keep him company and play with him while we were at work.  But most of that first day Sampson wanted nothing to do with you, which made me cry harder.  Of course when you two finally started to play, you guessed it.  I cried some more.

That first day I don’t think I really liked you.  In fact, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to keep you.  But after dinner you sat in the kitchen and your eyes would close, but you wouldn’t give in to sleep.  It was almost as if you felt like if you fell asleep you would wake up and it would all be a dream.   It was at that moment my heart melted.

I felt so bad for you.  I looked at the harsh scars on your feet and wondered how many humans had failed you already in your short life and vowed then and there that I wouldn’t be another one.  I called you to me and coaxed you to lie down and finally you slept.

You’ve given me a run for my money these past five years,  but along the way I’ve learned a lot from you.

I’ve learned that giving up is not an option.

There is more than one way to get what you want.

Embrace life, live it to the fullest and do it with enthusiasm and joy.

Meet your challenges head on, no shying away.

If you have a bad day it’s OK, tomorrow is a new day, you can start it with a clean slate.

I’ve learned that even if you are afraid, come out fighting.  If you look and act like the biggest and baddest most everyone believes you are.

Almost every problem can be solved with a piece of dried liver.

We’ve been through a lot these past five years, sometimes when I think about how far you’ve come, I’m overwhelmed with your progress.  You really are pretty amazing and I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world.

Happy Gotcha Day Delilah, I’m sure glad we did.

You and me on your first day. Notice my red rimmed eyes.

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  1. What a wonderful reason to celebrate! Five Years!
    Congratulations on finding each other and I wish you MANY more years of growing and learning and loving together…

    • I believe the universe gives you want you need, you may not always know THAT’S what you need though! LOL Thank you Nancy and Hero.

  6. After reading how Delilah came to be in your life, I reckon you three were meant to be together – after a rocky start, she fitted in perfectly. I know you have had your ups and downs with her, but it’s all a learning lesson for you and for her, and you have come out on the other side, both wiser and bonded even stronger.
    Happy Gotcha Day Delilah – you found the perfect family!

  8. While I was reading this I’m pretty sure someone was chopping some damn onion in my room, great post.
    “That first day I don’t think I really liked you. In fact, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to keep you. But after dinner you sat in the kitchen and your eyes would close, but you wouldn’t give in to sleep. It was almost as if you felt like if you fell asleep you would wake up and it would all be a dream. It was at that moment my heart melted.
    I felt so bad for you. I looked at the harsh scars on your feet and wondered how many humans had failed you already in your short life and vowed then and there that I wouldn’t be another one. I called you to me and coaxed you to lie down and finally you slept.”

    • Because we are human we tend to consider the negative, like always focusing on where she needs to be, but it is so important to look back and see where she was! Thank you Anna.

  15. Oh what a wonderful post, my you made me tear up with your beautiful words. You are such a kind, loving soul. I am very glad you and Delilah found each other and it is just as it should be.

  16. Hey Sampson, Hey Delilah, Jet here. Hi Miss Jodi.

    Happy Gotcha Day Delilah, you landed in the perfect forever home for you… Hope you celebrate with your favorite activities, treats and lovies…

  20. What a lovely tribute to a very special, very memorable girl. Happy belated Gotcha Day to Delilah! I am so glad you have her in your life. 🙂

  22. I read this the other day from my cell phone as I commuted home on the bus — and started crying and could not have cared less who saw me. This is the sweetest, sweetest, most heartwarming post. The universe does indeed give us exactly what we need and it is quiet alright if we don’t realize that fact in real time 🙂 Give Delilah a hug from me.

  24. I’m so sorry I’m late Delilah! A belated Happy Gotcha Day! And Jodi, the right dog always comes our way, even though we often don’t realize at first how right it is. 🙂

  25. Rereading this one again… it speaks to me on a whole new level now, as I’m sure you can imagine. (Still raining on my face…)

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