I was never a dog person. We never had more than goldfish and hamsters growing up so I never knew what it was like to have a dog. I was even a little afraid of them when I was younger. So if you told me I’d adopt a 55 pound bordier collier/berner mix at 24, I likely would have asked if you were high.
Wendell came to me in an unconventional way. Which turned out to be quite perfect since we’re both rather unconventional. I don’t think people that don’t own dogs understand – I know that I never did. I never understood how you could let your pup lick you with that drooly face, or shed all over your clothes, or lay all over your furniture. Or how people left parties early to let their dogs out, or attributed human qualities to them. Never in a million years did I think I’d become one of those people. Ever. Now? Well, now I’m obscenely obsessed with my rescue baby. As for kisses? Bring ’em on.
It’s a big job taking care of a pup. A huge job, actually. & in all honesty, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. But rescuing Wendell was the best decision I ever made. For about the first week I constantly felt nauseous. I’d wake up in the middle of the night just to make sure he was breathing. How many treats were too many? How long could he be at the dog park in the summer without overheating. In time, I stopped calling my mom every 12 minutes & now I can’t imagine my life without him. Has he pooped in the kitchen? Of course. Does he put his face one inch from mine & stare at me while I sleep? Obviously. Does he kiss me in the mouth while I’m trying to ask him about his day? All too often. & I love him for it. We just spent the last [very, very early] hours romping around in the snow since that’s this little fur nugget’s most favorite thing to do in the whole wide world. He runs through it like a baby deer, he flops around in it, & he chews it off the ground all the while this mama is laughing hysterically.
I adopted Wendell from the Richmond SPCA but there are tons of other babies waiting to be saved right here at the Washington Humane Society. If you party all night & travel consistently, I’d say this might not be the right time to rescue a fur nug of your own. But if this is something that you’ve been contemplating & you’re in the market for a new best friend, please consider adoption. I adopted Wendell as a full grown dog & while there are times I wished I could have known him as a puppy, I feel it’s less common for people to adopt older dogs & I’m so glad I did. Go get to know the grown dogs at your local shelter & see if your personalities match! Bonus: 90% of time they’re already trained :)
Photos by Yvonne Rock
Oh I love this! I’m a huge dog lover and I can’t wait to get my own soon.
Love this story. we never thought we would get a dog during this time in our life…but the adult dog needed us so the time was right. a dog is a huge commitment but it breaks my heart to see a pet in need! adopting is a wonderful thing.
You’re absolutely right no non-pet owner can possibly understand. I just brought home my newest rescue way sooner than I ever thought I would after Tabs died, and despite the fact he’s spent the last 12 hours hiding under things, I am in love. And all for adoption. I’m not going to spend money on overbred animals when so many nugs are waiting for a good home at shelters, rescues, and vets.
x0x0
This might be my fave thing you’ve ever posted on here. He is so adorable!
i adore this post. wendell looks like the sweetest fur babe ever. so glad you gave him a beautiful life. i’m all for adoption– let’s give those deserving rescue babies good homes!
xo n
YES to this post and yes to wendELL and yes to you Rescuing him and him rescuing you and yes to puppies and puppy kisses in general! You are so right. You just don’t get it until you get it as a dog owner. They add to our lives in immeasurable ways! Love this post!
Love this! I was never a dog person either…in fact, I was super afraid of them into my teenage years. I don’t know what changed, but I became one of those people who would ooo and ahhh over every dog on the street. As you know, we just adopted a pup of our own, and although it’s been tough in the early days (I feel you on the nausea), I know it will be worth it. xo
This is the best post you have ever written!
I love that you rescued him! And I bet he has such a wonderful life with you! We rescued our two dogs as well, and it’s the most heartwarming thing in the world to see them look at me with so much love. Dogs are the best!
Love this Post!! DOGS ARE SO AMAZING! XX
I love this post for so many reasons– first, because dogs are the best (even though I have a cat) but I love this story. MY parents have always rescued dogs and having them house-trained when you take them home is the BEST! I don’t think I will ever adopt a puppy now for that reason. Second, I love that you are in your sweats– totally real. I feel like there are always blog posts of people in their “sunday morning pjs” but they have perfect hair, makeup and lighting. Not that your photos aren’t perfect– but they are totally real and i love them. Anywho, this comment is far too long, but i love this post.
–Sara