Thoughts from a Dumped Dog Part 2

A lot has changed in my life since I was dumped by my previous owners in August of 2009.

For starters, I grew up. When my new Mom found me I was a scrawny 26 pound puppy of unknown lineage. I have developed into a burly 75 pound bruiser and, thanks to a DNA test, know that I am part Rhodesian Ridgeback and part Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Mom and Dad were a bit surprised by my growth but have handled my sizable addition to the family nicely. I outgrew my hand-me down collar and now have my very own extra large collar complete with tags.

My Mom followed through on her threat and had my “Romeo parts” removed. I can’t say I was happy with this development but I have adjusted. I am pleased to say my bark is still quite deep and scary. She also had me implanted with a microchip. If I ever get lost the microchip will help people get me home safely.

I am still very afraid of riding inside of a car. I can’t help it; my legs quiver and my stomach heaves. I believe I am suffering from PTSD from being dumped. Mom and Dad have taught me how to ride in the back of the truck with my sister Bella. I LOVE to feel the wind in my face and let my ears fly!!

I suffer from anxiety if left alone for very long. I get nervous and start chewing and digging. Lots of drip line and sprinkler parts have fallen victim to my anxiety attacks. Mom and Dad think this is another symptom of my PTSD. I also have a big problem with loud noises. Death to all vacuums, chainsaws, lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, and tractors. Seriously, how can humans stand to be around this racket?  
I have become a very accomplished ball player and swimmer. I can spend hours chasing the ball and swimming in the pool. But my all-time favorite activity is snuggling on the couch with Mom and Dad. They tell me I snore like a sailor and fart like crazy but I think those qualities simply add to my overall charm.
Last September Mom brought home 2 little girl kitties who had been abandoned at a house nearby. Bella and I discussed this situation and agreed that neither one of us was very happy. The girls were kept in the laundry room the first few days but then Mom and Dad let them have the run of the house. They were given names, Blanca and Peezer. Well, they just took over like they OWNED the place. Lying on My couch, drinking out of MY water bowl, sleeping on MY bed, snuggling with MY Mom. The nerve of these cats!! But, the girls turned out to be pretty cool. They love to lick my face and ears and the fluffy one makes a great pillow. Like the saying goes, “If you can’t beat em, join em.”
All in all, I know I am one lucky mutt with more blessings than I can count on all four paws. I’ve mentioned this to Blanca and Peezer and they feel the same. The only way I can repay Mom and Dad is to show them every minute of every day how much I love them and to guard them with my life against all evil. I hope that, despite our happy ending, people who are having trouble keeping their pets will consider shelters or foster homes instead of abandonment. I mean, we could have been hit by a car or eaten by a coyote before our new Mom found us. We are the lucky ones. Lots of animals who are abandoned don’t get so lucky. Please, please, please, don’t ever abandon your animals.