Everyone who knows me knows that I have two adorable dogs, Berkeley and Elvis. I just adore them! What people might not know is that I haven't always liked dogs. In fact I actually used to dread going to Eric's house because his parents had two dogs and they used to jump on me and get my pants dirty. And Eric would give them so much attention that I'd actually get jealous. Man, I can't believe I was dumb enough to be jealous of dogs, but I was! And then he'd let them "kiss" him, ie. lick his lips! Ewwww! I'd get so grossed out and run in the opposite direction. Oh and I also had to wash my hands constantly when I was around them, especially after I had pet them. We never really had a dog when I was younger... we had one when I was really little (named Buddha) but I don't remember it much, and then we had one for like a week that peed on my friend in eighth grade so he didn't last too long (I don't even remember his name).
So when Eric told me while we were dating that he just HAD to have a dog at all times, I definitely hesitated. I couldn't believe that having a dog would mean that much to him! But of course, being blindly in love, I said "sure, absolutely, we can always have a dog!" After we got married we lived in an apartment for 2 years, so no dogs allowed. But the very minute that we found out we were going to buy a house, Eric was searching on the internet 24-7 for the perfect dog! He even had this "Dogs of the World" book from when he was younger that he actually filled with post-it notes, marking which breeds he liked the best! We ended up deciding on a Rhodesian Ridgeback, which are known for their intelligence. I liked this particular type of dog because I thought that it didn't shed, since it had really short hair. I couldn't stand the thought of dog hair all over my clothes and furniture.
Anyways, to make a long story short, we got Berkeley. The stories that I have from when he was a puppy could fill an entire blog all by themselves! Basically I had to figure out how to take care of a dog quickly and painfully because Eric was unexpectedly away from home for the first few months that we had him. And then just when things were starting to quiet down, for some strange reason, we decided to get another dog. I think it was even my idea! So we got Elvis, a weimaraner. I thought he didn't shed either... and I was wrong about both of them!
Now I can proudly say that I love dogs. I can fully understand why Eric felt they were so necessary to a happy life. They offer constant affection that is hard to find from humans. They don't have bad moods, bad days or bad attitudes. They're always willing to kiss, cuddle, snuggle or run and play. And I love doing all these things with them.... even the kissing! I never wash my hands these days and when my pants get dirty, I carelessly throw them in the wash. It's a small price to pay for unconditional love!
1 comment:
Shannon-
I can so relate to your first paragraph. I think I am still that way. I don't like when dogs jump up on me or when I feel obligated to pet someone else's dog because then my hands are dirty and I feel I must wash them before I can continue with whatever I was there for in the first place (which definitely wasn't to visit dogs). I even have felt the jealousy too, when TJ's parents had a dog and I would think why does the dumb dog have to get so much attention? We're the people. But I am really glad to read of your change of heart. It gives me hope for myself one day because TJ does really like dogs. I don't think he's as crazy about them as Eric. But one day we'll probably have a dog, especially since Bauer will probably enjoy that too, and when that happens, I hope I handle the transition as well as you have.
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