We eventually moved away. The whole drive north I remember the dog patiently sleeping on the floor of the car while I explained to him what was happening, why we were leaving, how things were going to be great in our new city, how he would love the parks. I took him to get his new tags, got the vet to give him anti-anxiety medication so he wouldn’t freak out in our new apartment and get us kicked out. I felt like a good dog owner.
But when we arrived it started to sink in: This dog is mine and mine alone. I need to train him not to bark, how to behave off-leash at the dog park, how to walk by my side instead of pulling me the whole way. When I started dating someone new, it became obvious that I needed to do something about the dog sleeping on the bed. Somehow having someone in my life again highlighted that this dog really did need some training. I was self conscious and wanting to demonstrate how in control and responsible I was. The dog wasn’t a huge help during this transition: He was reluctant. He was jealous. He guarded me fiercely. He was only slightly interested in the $250 dog bed that was more stylish than my own. I took the initiative and signed up for a class at the SPCA. Shockingly, we excelled. The basis for training was food, which I’ve learned is the way to this dog’s heart.
Food has also been a huge threat. In our time together my dog has had his stomach pumped and cut open. He has swallowed a plastic ball and nearly choked to death. Each one of these episodes was extremely traumatic and reiterated just how attached I had become. Just how painful his suffering was to me. Just how responsible I felt for saving him.
Now, almost three years after that fateful drop off, I can officially say I love this dog like I never thought I would. Walking him no longer seems like a chore and sometimes is my favorite time of day. I am still fascinated that his tail wags uncontrollably every single time I utter the words “wanna go for a walk?” and that he leaps off his leash with equal excitement every day at the park. I love that he kisses some, but not too much and not every time I ask.
