Frasier, all cleaned up
London, Ontario, March 2007
Barely 24 hours into our grand canine adventure (please click here if you're just joining us), much has changed for our newest addition. He had a peaceful night's sleep in our room and woke up just before 6. After my wife concluded that he wanted to go for a walk, I threw on my early morning walking clothes and took him out into the damp darkness. (Yes, I've learned to despise this newly extended Daylight Saving Time, but enough about me.)
He had a quiet day at home, complete with much walking, playing and hugging. He's quite huggable, and the kids seem all too willing to wrap their arms around him whenever the urge strikes. Works for me.
We took him to the groomer tonight. He was so matted that he needed to be shaved almost down to his skin in some places. The groomer was the sweetest, kindest lady you'd ever hope to meet, and she worked over him for two hours to get every last knot out of his fur. What emerged was a beautiful gray and white dog who looked light years removed from the scraggly black-tinged thing we welcomed home last night. For fun, take a look at yesterday's entry again. Then look at this one. It's almost like we brought home a different dog.
I can't understand how someone can bring home a beautiful purebred dog and then not care for him for months on end. Part of me wants to be upset at the lack of care and attention he seems to have had in his previous life. Then again, I know nothing about these people's situation. Maybe they wanted to, but couldn't for whatever reason. Life isn't always as simple as a game of chess, and decisions aren't always binary, logical, or contained within a 64-square grid. Either way, it's not my place to judge.
My only accountability is to ensure this dog is cared for, is loved, and becomes an integral part of our family. I'm sure we'll muck up here and there: this is, after all, the first dog I've ever owned.
But we'll try. A face like his deserves no less. Our kids deserve no less as well.
Your turn: The life of a dog. Please share a thought on what that phrase means to you.
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29 comments:
Awww...he's cute in both pictures.
Life as a dog ~ in our house we always say that if we believed in reincarnation we'd want to come back as a family dog. They are so spoiled in our house....and I wouldn't have it any other way.
He's so cute! I missed getting here last night so this is the first I'm seeing of him. Congrats!
Sometimes I miss having a dog. Mostly I want one to take walks with, which isn't a good reason to get one. What I really need is a neighbor who needs someone to walk their dog... Or a cat who wouldn't freak on a leash ;)
Whoah! Dog Breath.....
Our dog (now 10 years old) was our first dog, and a rescued dog.
There is something so very special about a first dog.
The life of a dog.....becomes very much a part of the story of your life.
Enjoy!
Wow, I'm so impressed by your refusal to judge. That says a lot...
Getting our dog was one of the best things we did for our family. I'm sure everyone will pull together to take care of that adorable new guy.
Simple, all needs met, all that is required is love in return.
Oops, forgot to say how adorable he looks now that he had his spa treatment.
You know, I have had only one dog in my entire life and she is still with me - Maggie. Hmph, you know, I don't know what I will do when she passes...I have only at the most 4 years left with her as big dogs do not live as long...but Maggie is the dog every kid should have had.
Good for you that you finally adopted one...and such a cute mug too! What kind is she...a terrier?
Doesn't he look smart? This is only the second period in my life that I've been dogless and i really miss having one. In a kind home, there can't be a life much better than a dog's life. If a dog falls amongst unkind people then there can't be much worse.
My mom has 2 English Cocker Spaniels who she thinks the world of, they were acquired after my sis & I moved out. At times my sister & I wonder if she loves them more than us. We have joked that we would give our left arm for the life of her dogs - they go to a "Doggy Dude Ranch" & eat only the finest RAW diet, nothing is too good for Henry or Quid!!!
we have our first dog (a year last january) and it's been an incredible year. she was ten months when we adopted her from our local shelter, she's a mixed breed. she needed to be trained (we took her to school) and within a few months she found her spot in our home. she has been an incredible dog. i never had a dog growing up, it's been a huge learning experience for me as well. we also bought that "dummies for dog owners" book, tons of information in there as well. i'm off to read your other entry, congrats and good luck!
HOW CUTE! My kids are now jealous...thanks Carmi!
BTW, I was able to post this morning. I figured out that it was an issue with the browser.
A day can really make a difference. I am catching up on your posts. Congratulations on Frazier he looks like a great addition to the family. He is one lucky dog!
I am sure he is thinking "thanks for caring". I can just see that in his eyes. Along of course with that "ok, what can I get into next" thought.
I do love the look of a miniature schnauzer, they look like old men from the day they're born!
The life of a dog - a warm home to lay your head, something in a bowl always ready to be eaten, people to call your own, lots of love and affection.
Frasier was cute before, but now this cut makes him ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!!!
And why is it that the US changed the rules about DST and Canada got affected by it? Never did understand that.
Great shot.Beautiful dog.I like the composition and light.
Ohhh, what a handsome face he has! Our dogs sleep not just in our room, but on our bed - and they steal the covers - but we wouldn't have it any other way.
(Fortunately, they're small).
Having a dog just makes a home feel more complete, I think.
They say dogs require almost as much care as babies. This dog looks like a perfect addition! And "Camera friendly"!!
He has eyes! How cute he looks now too, from yesterday. It's good you didn't judge because dogs are... well... dogs. And they do get dirty and matted quickly even in the most pristine lawns. Some need their hair "done" more often than others too. If you saw my Ginger right now, you'd want to call the SPCA on me, lol!
By coincidence, my post today is sort of akin to your question :)
Carmi
What a pampered pooch. He looks much better, more like the show dogs you see. Poor little thing.
I don't have dogs but as you know I have horses and this little dog's dilemma is the same as many many horses have in the US. There is so much abuse of horses not only by people who are ignorant of what it takes to care for a horse, but by people who show and breed horses too in some cases. This is the sole reason I have so many horses, because I refuse to send them to a horse sale and have them end up on a diner table somewhere in Europe or in a dog food can. Horse prices are so low at the moment. So I try to advertise them myself and sell them to people who I think will make good owners. I do everything I can to educate them on the care of the animal and keep in touch with as many as I can so that I am reassured that they are well and healthy. I could go on forever on this subject, but I think that it sort of answers your question of how I feel about the care of animals even if my case is not pooches LOL.
I am so glad that you found each other.
Lori
Oh, what an adorable face!
nice job
Wow, what a difference! I'm sure he feels SO much better now that he is clean and has a nice, neat coat! Poor thing, a severely matted coat can be quite painful.
Hey, our most recent newsletter had a great article on raising kids and dogs together, check it out: http://indy.50megs.com/eNewsletter/Issue%204.html
Best of luck with your new family member! I'm so happy for all of you!
The life of a loved dog is a sublime one. The life of one no so lucky is horribly heart renching because all they seek to do is love back.
My dogs have it made, they are loved and appreciated. Life without them in our lives is unthinkable. They are family. One of them was rescuded from the spca..after being dropped off there by TWO diff families. She has thrived with us. The other we bought but turned out to be epileptic...they wanted us to exchange her for another , we refused knowing they wanted to uthinize her....she is fine with her meds, and the best little dog in the world lol.
He looks very different.
It sounds like you all have the perfect home for a dog. I would say your home and a dog's life are synonymous now. :)
~S
Michele sent me Carmi...I missed the NEW ADDITION to your sweet family...A Great Beauty, especially after his groomer took such wonderful carew of him...!
You are going to have such a great time with him---well, you already are! (lol)
nice looking dog--my dog has gotten so afraid of lightning (and thunder) and equates the camera to a flash that I find it impossible to take his picture. I'm not sure I know the meaning of "the life of a dog," but I recommend the Swedish film, "My Life as a Dog"
First my friend Wayne in Belfast NI, then my friend Jeff in Greenville, SC and now you. I'm jealous!
See my post http://brian223.wordpress.com/2007/03/14/bark-bark-woof-bark/
He's really gorgeous, Carmi. He really resembles my Duncan a lot. Duncan is a Scottish Terrier. Here's wishing your entire family many years of love and devotion with your new pup. He sure is sweet!
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