Some Dogs are One Person Dogs

Rescue Dogs

All dogs are different. They have different personalities. How they were raised can tell you a lot about a dog. Also watch their body language, they will let you know when they feel uncomfortable. Not every dog wants attention all the time. Some dogs like their space. Especially rescue dogs. What their lives were like before being saved is most times a mystery.  Many have been abused, neglected, and treated poorly. No wonder they come with issues.

Ernie

Ernie is a dog we rescued. He has his issues. Responding to him with a soft voice and praise goes a long way. He was constantly screamed at at his prior home. He does not respond to loud voices or sudden movements. Ernie is not a dog who wants to be pampered all the time. We give him his space. We let him come to us. Gary has a hard time with that sometimes. He cannot believe every dog on this planet doesn’t love him. Ernie loves Gary in his own way. Most of the time I tell Gary to just ignore Ernie. Gary has a hard time doing that. So, Ernie in return will growl at him. Ernie is trying to tell him to leave him alone by his growls. Gary takes it personally, he shouldn’t. Gary’s entire life dogs have always loved him. He struggles with Ernie. Ernie loves Gary, Gary just doesn’t know it yet. He needs to accept Ernie as he is. Ernie is twelve years old and most of his life was not a bowl of cherries. He’s been through a lot, so I think he deserves to have a little attitude. When we brought Ernie home, he chose to bond with me. He didn’t have much choice as Gary had Sally to contend with. Sally is 17 and also a one-person dog. Gary is her person. I have no trouble accepting that. She has growled at me more than once and has also tried to bite me a few times. So, I respectfully keep my distance. It doesn’t bother me that she loves Gary over me. It is what it is. It was Gary and Sally for a few years alone together before I entered the picture. So, they had already formed a bond. 

Don't Get Jealous

Dogs also get jealous. Jealousy causes friction and friction causes fights. So, paying enough attention to both dogs is what Gary and I strive for. Peace and harmony in our home. No dog fights allowed.

Let It Go Gary

Gary needs to accept Ernie the way he is. Gary thinks Ernie shouldn’t growl at him because he lives here. So do I, but Sally has growled at me plenty of times. Like I said earlier, I don’t take it personally. I do believe Gary does. It hurts his feelings, and he doesn’t understand why. He thinks Ernie should always be happy to see him. Normally Ernie is. But once in a while he just wants to be left alone. I get it. I feel the same. Ernie and I are a lot alike. Maybe that is why we have such a strong bond. Gary will always have Sally, and Sally will always have Gary. A truer statement has never been said.

Rescue Love

Rescue dogs are a special breed. They take extra work, extra care, and extra love. They may never completely get over all their issues. Accepting Ernie for who he is, is what Gary and I both need to do.

Let's Sniff

 Training him is part of our walks. The sniffing technique is my favorite. Ernie loves it too. He loves to sniff. What dog doesn’t. When I take Ernie for his morning walks he sniffs to his heart's content. I always tell him this is his time. So, enjoy it. He does. We normally walk for an hour. He gets plenty of sniffing done in that time period. Giving a dog time and space to explore and sniff is very important. Walking them daily is very beneficial, and a plus for them and you. 

Respect Them

Some dogs love everyone, some are more particular who they love. No two dogs are the same. They are no different than people. All with their own personalities and preferences. We need to respect their space and give them space when they need it. If they put their don’t bother me face on, then don’t bother them. Simple as that. We can learn a lot from dogs.

God's Gift

Dogs, God's gift to the human race. We don’t deserve them. Dogs love unconditionally, people love with limits. People fall out of love. Dogs do not. 

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We can all learn a thing or two from dogs.

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Side note: when I woke up this morning, I couldn’t see Ernie. I looked over by Gary and Ernie was snuggled right up to him. Ernie cannot speak to Gary and tell him he loves him, but he can show him.

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