Eight years ago today I stood in a commuter parking lot along with about 50 other people, an empty leash in my hands, waiting for the dog that would inevitably change my life forever.
It was a rough first day, noticed the red-rimmed eyes.
If you want more in-depth about that first day, you can read all about it, HERE.
I’ve had a rescue intake coordinator tell me she’s a poster dog for rescue, but that wasn’t always the case. We had a rough and bumpy road in the beginning.
The dog that came off that transport truck wasn’t afraid of people, but she was aloof, almost as if she didn’t have much use for people, or hadn’t learned how to bond with them.
She sometimes listened (some things never change) and could follow basic obedience commands, but she didn’t much care for petting and being loved. It took us some time to figure out that she liked her chest rubbed, she was good about letting you clip her nails, but didn’t like her ears touched and definitely don’t move your feet near hers, especially when she’s sleeping!
Today she actively seeks out affection and has gotten better with allowing people other than my husband or I to love on her. She loves to climb up in my husband’s lap and has even done that with both of my sisters as well.
I told you’d I’d fit.
She mimics Sampson by lying on her back and wiggling around waiting for belly rubs when we come home from work.
Nothing makes me smile more than when I rub her ears and she takes in a deep breath and lets it out with a big sigh.
Or when she rushes to greet me, voicing her joy at my return home.
Or when I climb into bed and she looks back, then leans into me, waiting for me to rub her to sleep.
Or when she stuffs her head between my legs, demanding attention and sitting while I give it.
Yes, right there, that’s the spot.
Delilah, you’ve taught me patience. You’ve brought me joy. You’ve made me laugh when I thought there was nothing to laugh about. You’ve comforted me when I’ve been sad and hugged me when I cried. You’ve challenged me to be a better person and I sure hope I’ve risen to the challenge.
Yes, it’s been a bumpy road, but I wouldn’t trade one second of it.
Thank you for eight amazing years Delilah Rose, it’s true what they say. One woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure and you surely are a treasure to me.
Happy Gotcha day my love.
Happy Gotcha Day, Delilah! <3
what a simply beautiful post! She certainly has come a long way. Happy Happy Gotcha Day Sweet Delilah!!
I know there are days when she might try your patience. But, you know it is true love, when you love her all the more. Its tough to get mad when you know how much she loves you…., and from whence she came to now.
Well written, lovely, warm post.
Gus’ Mom
Very beautiful and heart felt post x Happy Gotcha Day <3
Happy Gotcha Day, D. You did a great job rescuing your mom and your family. They did a pretty good job rescuing you, too. xoxo
Love and licks,
Cupcake
You couldn’t have gotten a more patient or loving mommy Delilah! Anybody else would have lost their patience and given up on you by now and your life would have been very different my friend! You are very blessed my furry friend! Happy gotcha day!
Such a lucky dog
Beautiful post. I can feel the love. Happy Gotcha Day, Delilah!
Happy gotcha day sweetie and many more to come. Jodi have a safe trip to blog paws.
Happy Gotcha Day!!!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Awww, Happy Gotcha day to both of you.
What a a beautiful tribute! Happy Gotcha Day Delilah!
Aw, what a sweet tribute to Miss D! And I know exactly what you mean about it having been “a bumpy road but…”! That’s exactly how I feel about Ducky.
Oops, I hit the send button too soon and didn’t cancel it fast enough.
Aw, what a sweet tribute to Miss D! And I know exactly what you mean about it having been “a bumpy road but…”! That’s exactly how I feel about Ducky. And to Delilah Rose I say “Happy Gotcha Day and Many More!!”
You got me teared up here … What a nice story.
What a very touching Gotcha Day post. She is very special
Happy Rescued Day, D-dog! Here’s to 8 more years of ‘helping’ your mom in the bathroom and making her smile. 😉
It sounds like Delilah ended up right where she was supposed to be! What a beautiful post!
Happy Gotcha Day, Delilah! You definitely brought some life into your new home!
Happy Gotcha Day, Delilah – You have your human well trained. Congrats.
Happy Gotcha Day! I can totally relate to the part about not moving your feet when she’s sleeping. I think Haley believes we have moles under the covers of our bed and she’s hates moles, lol!
Happy (belated) Gotcha Day, Delilah!! You were so lucky to find each other! Lovely post. We so hear you – Rita was also just trash, but she’s our treasure!
Aw, what a sweet tribute to your girl. Funny how they worm their way right into your heart. Happy Gotcha Day Delilah.
Happy Gotcha Day Delilah!
What a beautiful tribute to Delilah! She must really know how much she’s loved. Happy Belated Gotcha Day!