A Nurse with a Gun

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Best Friends

Vivi came to our home under tragic circumstances as a rescue dog. Her only owner of three years could no longer keep her due to an unexpected diagnosis of terminal illness. Little Vivi was taken from her owner and kenneled at the veterinarian, where she remained for two and a half months. Unwanted, she was scheduled for euthanasia when she came to us.

Initially we were concerned that Vivi would have problems accepting her place in our pack. She had always been an only dog, and a pampered one at that. She and Ilsa made instant friends though. It seems Ilsa believes she had a puppy through immaculate conception. Maybe Ilsa thinks her mommy and daddy went to the vet to get her a little sister. I don't know what's in her head, but she has claimed the three year old Vivi as a litter mate. Ilsa chews on her head, and Vivi gnaws on Ilsa's ankles. Vivi is definitely the instigator, and Ilsa strives mightily to keep the short legged scamp's record clean. They are constant companions, sharing the sofa with daddy and curling up together at night to go to sleep.

Vivi has been attending Beginner 1 obedience class with Little Darling. Little Darling worked independently in the class with Vivi. She learned about dog training, canine motivation, and a little about herself. They graduated on Thursday, and I'm proud of them both. That's what this post is really about.

The bond between humans and dogs is an ancient one, it's origins lost in the shroud of time. Whether it was a cave dweller who found a litter of wolves, or a wolf who approached the fire in search for food, the symbiotic relationship between man and dog perhaps changed history. The dog provided an alarm and protection against predators, and greatly assisted in the hunt, allowing man to survive. Man gave the dog the protection from the elements and a sense of greater purpose. Without the other, both dog and man are lessened. There is a lot to which man gives the dog, but it is repaid in triplicate immediately and without hesitation.

Properly trained, a man can be dog's best friend. ~Corey Ford

Labels:

3 Comments:

Blogger The Big Guy said...

Reminds me of the old Groucho Marx line:
Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.

tbg

8:56 PM  
Blogger Eric said...

I love that first picture - nothing like Evil Dog look that only a flash can bring out!

11:11 PM  
Blogger phlegmfatale said...

Love the photos!
Have had my new puppy for 10 days, and we already are bonded and working on improving OUR behaviours. I think we're making progress, and I have to say I'm just as distressed by separation from her as she is. We're going to be friends a long time, and she's already improved my life. I endeavour to be worthy of her.

12:04 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home