It was Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and exactly five years ago today, when you joined our family. Quite honestly I had no idea what we were in for.
We had agreed to a two-week foster-to-adopt contract, just to make sure you were the right fit for our family.
That first day was horrific, you were wild, crazy and out of control. I cried on and off the entire day, and was fairly certain you weren’t the right dog for us.
What we wanted was a companion for Sampson, someone to keep him company and play with him while we were at work. But most of that first day Sampson wanted nothing to do with you, which made me cry harder. Of course when you two finally started to play, you guessed it. I cried some more.
That first day I don’t think I really liked you. In fact, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to keep you. But after dinner you sat in the kitchen and your eyes would close, but you wouldn’t give in to sleep. It was almost as if you felt like if you fell asleep you would wake up and it would all be a dream. It was at that moment my heart melted.
I felt so bad for you. I looked at the harsh scars on your feet and wondered how many humans had failed you already in your short life and vowed then and there that I wouldn’t be another one. I called you to me and coaxed you to lie down and finally you slept.
You’ve given me a run for my money these past five years, but along the way I’ve learned a lot from you.
I’ve learned that giving up is not an option.
There is more than one way to get what you want.
Embrace life, live it to the fullest and do it with enthusiasm and joy.
Meet your challenges head on, no shying away.
If you have a bad day it’s OK, tomorrow is a new day, you can start it with a clean slate.
I’ve learned that even if you are afraid, come out fighting. If you look and act like the biggest and baddest most everyone believes you are.
Almost every problem can be solved with a piece of dried liver.
We’ve been through a lot these past five years, sometimes when I think about how far you’ve come, I’m overwhelmed with your progress. You really are pretty amazing and I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world.
Happy Gotcha Day Delilah, I’m sure glad we did.
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