When we think of the words "For better, for worse," we usually think of marriage. We say our vows on our wedding day proclaiming that we will never leave our spouse, no matter what happens.
But sometimes we don't follow through with those vows. Sometimes, our spouse is abusive or falls out of love with us or...vice versa. Those words ring in our ears -- for better, for worse -- but......it may be out of our control.
When we acquire a pet, how often don't we promise to take care of that pet, for better - for worse?
We fall in love with that puppy and look forward to many years of joy with him. BUT sometimes....
He has genetic problems and requires special care, which can be very expensive.
But sometimes we don't follow through with those vows. Sometimes, our spouse is abusive or falls out of love with us or...vice versa. Those words ring in our ears -- for better, for worse -- but......it may be out of our control.
When we acquire a pet, how often don't we promise to take care of that pet, for better - for worse?
We fall in love with that puppy and look forward to many years of joy with him. BUT sometimes....
He has genetic problems and requires special care, which can be very expensive.
He will NOT stop barking.
He bites people.
He poops in the house.
He pees in the house.
He is left alone all day and then goes crazy when his owner comes home and becomes a pest, trying to gain full-on attention.
He isn't as cute as when he was a puppy.
He has a serious accident and requires special care for the rest of his life.
He won't behave properly so he is beaten and kicked or worse.
He is destructive when left alone.
Sometimes, rather than spend the time needed to restore the relationship, we give up.....and give that dog away.
This is where a dog rescuer comes in. We have rescued over 30 dogs the past few years who have been abandoned, beaten, or ignored. EVERY SINGLE one of them has been a total blessing in our home. Every one of them had special needs which required a lot of attention. And every single one of them has been the best dog....EVER.
Don't kid yourself -- rescue dogs know they have been rescued. They will do anything and everything to please you. All they ask for in return is to be loved. Just loved. When given the love and attention they need, many of their previous bad habits disappear.
All they want.....is to be heard - and loved. They will never break their promise to you.
We adopted our Oscar from the Humane Society. He had been returned TWICE. He had separation anxiety, destroyed our bathroom and ate....everything. Like a goat. And he's still here, and will be here until his end. He is OURS....problems and all.
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhh such trauma for your little guy. Have you written his story? I would love to read it. I have written so many stories about our little rescues.
DeleteHi Carol,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. It warms my heart to think of that kind of love.
It is a commitment.
Blog on!
The return on our 'investment' is a million-fold. It is paid in love.
DeleteWe don't deserve dogs... seriously, they are some of the best people I know. Our pack is with us for life, and while it's not always fun, great-smelling, or affordable, it's a privilege to cherish such kind souls to the very end.
ReplyDeleteGOSH - I loved the way you stated this. I would love to use it on one of my posts LOL. You are a true dog advocate.
ReplyDeleteIt's always a "for better, for worse" commitment when we adopt a dog, that's for sure, Carol. I've certainly had my share of loving and lovable canines over the years, and am thankful for each one.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!