Seven years ago today, at 9:00 am on a Saturday morning, Lynn (my daughter) and I stood in a commuter parking lot along with fifty or so other people, waiting for a transport truck. It was almost 9:00 on the dot when the truck pulled into the lot and started the precious process of uniting abandoned and neglected dogs with their new owners.
When I saw the size of the trailer and realized how many dogs were on there, I finagled my way to the front of the line and handed over my paper work and leash.
“Ginny” they called out and a minute later I held her leash in my hand. Little did I know, just how much our lives were going to change.
The collar she was wearing when she got off the truck.
I didn’t know I wouldn’t fall in love with her on sight, or that she’d be a wild, unmanageable mess, or that I would cry almost the entire first day.
I didn’t know that when she and Sampson finally connected that first day, I would once again be moved to tears, but these would be tears of happiness.
A sight for sore eyes.
I didn’t know Delilah (as she was now called) would challenge me with almost every training situation we faced or that finding the right training technique for her would lead me to some amazing, positive trainers.
I didn’t know the challenges we would face with leash reactivity, or just how motivated one dog could be by food.
I didn’t know just how many times in a day a person could say, “Damn it, Delilah!”
In fact, that first day, I did not know until I actually watched her struggle to stay awake whether I would even keep her.
We were both exhausted that first day.
I didn’t know just how much I needed her.
She makes me mad, she makes me cry, she makes me laugh and she makes me so damn proud. But mostly, she just makes me so glad I wiggled my way to the front of that line 7 years ago.
Happy 7th Gotcha Day Delilah, I love you to the moon and back.
<3 <3
Happy gotcha day Delilah!
Happy 7th Gotcha Day, Delilah!
Happy Gotcha Day!! It’s amazing how they find us isn’t it?!?!!
Happy gotcha day!
Lots of Woofs from Earl and I at Earl’s World!
We know you wouldn’t change a thing. Happy Gotcha Day. Have a great memorial day and a marvellous Monday.
Best wishes Molly
Awwww… We love your gotcha story, S. Meant to be is meant to be. Sometimes, even when you don’t seem perfect, you are! Absolutely perfect. Happy Gotcha Day! xoxoxo
Love and licks,
Cupcake
What a great story! Happy Gotcha Day, Delilah! Everything happens for a reason and she is perfect for you! Celebrate the day!
Happy Gotcha Day Delilah!
Happy Gotcha Day, Delilah!! What a wonderful story…it’s not always easy, but it ends up being worth it.
That was sweet and I had tears in my eyes. Happy Gotcha day! Have a great Memorial Day.
Oh Happy Gotcha Day!!!!!!!
That was absolutely beautiful!!!! Thank you for sharing that story.
It can be super hard at times for sure. Especially at first. But so well worth it when the bond forms between all of the family members.
Beautiful post!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Happy Gotcha day Delilah, that’s so awesome!
What a sweet story. Some things in the universe are just meant to be.
Happy Gotcha Day! I’m glad you kept her 😉
Happy Anniversary Delilah! The day we picked you up was one of the happiest and most emotional days of my life!
Ohhhhhhh, Jodi. Thank you. I decided to visit just one favorite blog before I shut the computer down at the marina. I’m so glad I picked yours.
Happy Gotcha Day!
What a brilliant story, bless her. Sending a hug to you both!!
Happy Gotcha day Delilah – I hope there was cake and a pawty, if not let me know and I will have words with your mum!!
Happy Gottcha Day Delilah!
Belated Gotcha Day greetings to Delilah! Such a lovely post 🙂
What a lovely post!! Happy (belated) Gotcha Day – to both of you!