We will call my pit bull baby girl, Petunia. I have a small lapdog (fourteen years old), Paco, and vowed to not have another dog or pet. Just wanting some time off without the responsibility, extra guilt, fear of losing him, being a single mom living away from my family (that is another story) and enough said there. Short version is that I took a pit bull puppy in recovery of a delicate surgery as a foster. She had surgery, screws inserted in her leg, and a long process of recovery along with a long list of don’ts. My daughter fell in love and I was forced to acknowledge that I would miss her terribly so guess? Yes, we kept her. I know what you are thinking and you are right. Of course it was an impossible—set myself up for that one situation.
Here is a list of important lessons or reminders from my pretty Petunia:
Be present. She enjoys the moment to the fullest. No worry about the past or future. My life is awake when I stay in the moment. Enjoy breakfast with my daughter instead of worry about the “to do list” for the day.
Value the pack. Petunia is the most loyal living being ever. My family is her pack and she lives the pack. Not in isolation, not I only care about me. I appreciate my family and will offer them my all without conditions, no matter what. My goal is to always be dedicated to community work also, as an extension of this lesson. Our lives are intertwined. My daughter’s life will be affected by how other children are living. Every child is our child.
The power of unconditional love. Petunia will love the pack always. Old, young, big, small, sick, well, sad, in a bad mood ... without fail, she will love everyone in the pack. This is true endless love. Dog owners know how great it feels to be loved without conditions, no matter what. Since my daughter was born, I told her that I would love her always and forever, no matter what. She keeps coming to me with “what if” situations. “Mama, if I broke the TV,” I said, “I would be upset and there are consequences but my love will not change.” “There is nothing you can do to change my love for you.”
Trust your instincts. Petunia will read someone’s energy and stay away from what she may perceive as negative energy. We all have the ability to feel if someone has negative or toxic energy. There should be no problem for us to stay away from them. To surround ourselves with positive people who bring joy and growth to our life. My mom would say that it is better to be alone than in bad company. I knew she meant toxic people, it was clear to me from an early age.
Judged by your heart. Petunia will not judge you by how much money you have, your house, car, job, clothes, or last name. She will not consider your physical appearance, race, or sexual orientation. Only your energy. Do you have a good heart? What a lesson! Bye-bye prejudices and stereotypes?
Forgiving. Petunia is very forgiving. No resentment. A dog tried to bite her, was corrected, behaved better, and she played with them a second later as if nothing happened. I do not have the capacity for resentment; it is not wired in me. This one was always easy for me. It is easy for me to forgive, maybe too easy. It does not mean I will trust again but I do not even know how to hold a grudge.
Pride and confidence to prejudice. Petunia walks with pride and confidence regardless of persons who run across the street to give us a dirty look. Another work in progress for me. I ignore them, keep walking with pride and confidence when they give me the dirty look but deep inside it does bother me. More scared than bothered to face prejudice in my neighborhood. People influenced by the media and myths do not accept pit bulls. Any dog can be aggressive. There are pit bulls who are not aggressive and there are labradors who are aggressive. Just like people. Every race has a little of everything. It depends on many factors but mostly on the owners. I understand that some are not educated about dogs and may fear pit bulls but cannot understand the need to give us dirty looks. As part of a minority group, I have lived prejudice and discrimination (yet another story). However, if I saw on TV a white person discriminating against a minority group and/or had the experience myself; it does not mean I will go out and give dirty looks to all white persons.
Have fun. Okay, I am still working on this one and it is very hard for me. As a single mom with my family away, having fun is not easy to remember. I schedule new fun in my calendar (out of my routine fun with the dogs, my daughter, talking to my friends) trying to expand my experiences since routine is my comfort zone.
As you may see, Petunia was a beautiful surprise for us. Thank you Pretty Petunia, I love you no matter what!
