On this day one year ago, I brought home an emaciated 8-month-old dog who had been dumped next to a highway. He wasn't the mastiff or dane mix I had been looking for. But after meeting him at the shelter, I knew I couldn't leave him behind. Despite all he had been through, he had the absolute sweetest and most gentle personality. He just lay his head in my lap at the shelter, looked at me and said, "Please, take me with you. I'm not what you want, but I'll do my best."
I was in heaven when I brought him home, and spent the few few hours together getting to know one another. Then he lifted his leg and peed all over my husband's X-Box.
Not the most auspicious beginning.
He had no house manners at all. He chewed on everything, destroyed many expensive items, galloped around the house, stole food off the counters and dug canyons in our yard. Every time we were sure he had figured out housebreaking, he peed on something. He dragged me around on the leash, and didn't even know how to sit. Because he had been chronically starved (or so our vet suspected), he was a horrible eater. We had to encourage him and praise him like crazy to make him eat more than a few bites.
Training was difficult. He had absolutely no food drive, probably because of his background. Just teaching him to sit was a trial for both of us. He didn't know what I wanted, and without a food lure, I couldn't figure out how to teach him.
Through all these trials and tribulations, I did a lot fumbling. Sometimes I dind't know what to do, other times the things I tried had no effect. But he still remained so sweet and gentle, and put up with all the indignities I put him through. During it all, he would still do his best to do absolutely anything I wanted.
Slowly, things began to come together. The chewing and destruction stopped. Our counters were safe, and the pet stain/odor remover was banished to the far corner of the pantry. He figured out how to learn obedience. More importantly, I figured out how to teach him.
Now he's an unbelieveable dog. I'm so thrilled with him. He is a model house dog, and I can trust him alone indoors without a second thought. Despite being a breed that is not known for obedience, he is outstanding. Heeling, sitting, staying, obeying commands at a distance. It's wonderful.
He's the envy of our neighbors and friends. They all praise his gentle behavior and willingness, and wish they had a dog just like him. I'm quick to tell them that he wasn't always so good. He had it in him, as do all dogs, but it took a lot of work to bring it out.
And most importantly, we can't imagine life without him. He has wedged himself firmly into our lives, and we welcome the intrusion.
Happy adoption day, Zeus! It's amazing to think back and realize how far you've come in the last year. I hope we have many more years together.
I was in heaven when I brought him home, and spent the few few hours together getting to know one another. Then he lifted his leg and peed all over my husband's X-Box.
Not the most auspicious beginning.He had no house manners at all. He chewed on everything, destroyed many expensive items, galloped around the house, stole food off the counters and dug canyons in our yard. Every time we were sure he had figured out housebreaking, he peed on something. He dragged me around on the leash, and didn't even know how to sit. Because he had been chronically starved (or so our vet suspected), he was a horrible eater. We had to encourage him and praise him like crazy to make him eat more than a few bites.
Training was difficult. He had absolutely no food drive, probably because of his background. Just teaching him to sit was a trial for both of us. He didn't know what I wanted, and without a food lure, I couldn't figure out how to teach him.
Through all these trials and tribulations, I did a lot fumbling. Sometimes I dind't know what to do, other times the things I tried had no effect. But he still remained so sweet and gentle, and put up with all the indignities I put him through. During it all, he would still do his best to do absolutely anything I wanted.
Slowly, things began to come together. The chewing and destruction stopped. Our counters were safe, and the pet stain/odor remover was banished to the far corner of the pantry. He figured out how to learn obedience. More importantly, I figured out how to teach him.
Now he's an unbelieveable dog. I'm so thrilled with him. He is a model house dog, and I can trust him alone indoors without a second thought. Despite being a breed that is not known for obedience, he is outstanding. Heeling, sitting, staying, obeying commands at a distance. It's wonderful.
He's the envy of our neighbors and friends. They all praise his gentle behavior and willingness, and wish they had a dog just like him. I'm quick to tell them that he wasn't always so good. He had it in him, as do all dogs, but it took a lot of work to bring it out.
And most importantly, we can't imagine life without him. He has wedged himself firmly into our lives, and we welcome the intrusion.
Happy adoption day, Zeus! It's amazing to think back and realize how far you've come in the last year. I hope we have many more years together.
