When we decided to get a dog back in the summer of 2014, I was completely on board. I wasn’t so sure about the puppy part but someone in this house at the time wanted THIS kind of dog for a long time, so we decided the best route to go was to get a full bred dog that was well, a puppy.
There were times he felt like a fourth baby, waking us up in the middle of the night to go “potty” and whining like babies cry. I also tended to carry him around the house cradled in my arms that way because he was so small, soft and sweet when first got him.
Nothing much has changed with Oliver except yes, his size. Oh and he doesn’t get up EVERY night to go potty…
What is most amazing to me is the true phenomenon that I had yet to experience until now – the unconditional love that is given by a pet (especially a dog). This dog is by my side no matter what. He loves me because I feed him and pet him and walk him and let him sleep with me (that last part is a major bonus). His entire body lights up when I return to the house or enter a room. Sometimes he snuggles up to me like a cat. Just petting him calms us both down.
He is such a happy guy, I cannot help but let that seep into my own being. He has no reason not to be happy though, since the kids and I are always fawning over him and giving him treats.
In all honesty, I never thought I could love a non-speaking creature THIS much. Because I light up when I see him too and he makes such a wonderful companion when the kids are not here. He’s always up for a walk, which is good for both of us and he’s so, so loyal. I know he has aided in my (emotional) recovery since last Fall and I am so thankful to him for that. I tell him what a good boy he is all the time. It’s really too bad he does not know what I am saying. He understands though. He knows how much I love him.
