The past few posts I have written have been about others and their success stories, how to care for a rescue or how great it is to have a pup. This time I’d like to get more personal about my connection to rescue dogs. They have had a great impact on my life- I shared the story of my first dog, Chuckie, and how he came into my life. Now, I would like to share with you how my current doggie, Daisy has changed me and my families lives for the better.
In 2009 my mom came home with a medium sized dog crate and no explanation or dog. My siblings and I assumed we were getting a puppy and could not control our excitement. My mom and step father told us they visited a shelter and found the perfect dog name Roxy. They told us her breed is not known but they came to an assumption she is a grey hound mix or a whippet. We would be getting Daisy the next day as she was getting checked out for shots and vaccines before her official departure from Cumberland County Shelter. The night went by so slow but it was finally morning and time to get Roxy. The shelter named her Roxy but my mom re named her Daisy because she was as sweet as one.
Leaving the shelter, Daisy was very excited and started running as much as she could on a leash. Then we had to get into the car which did not go over well. Daisy was so scared she thought she was in trouble and put her little half cut tail in her legs. When we finally got home we were able to see how Daisy’s life before us greatly impacted her life.
The shelter told us that Daisy was in Georgia. She was on death row. Wherever she was and whoever was responsible for her did not do their job. Her tail was cut to what we assumed was half. Daisy was transported in a huge van with a bunch of other dogs in crates. We believed this stemmed her fear of being in the car. She started to hyperventilate and drool, it is really so sad. Daisy has a lot tendencies that we did not understand at first. My brother and I would argue a bunch and if we raised our voices Daisy would crouch down and run away. Don’t even get me started on thunderstorms, fireworks or loud noises that put so much fear in her eyes. Coming into the house with plastic bags from ShopRite is apparently very scary stuff. As a family we changed to not scare our new member.
As time went on, Daisy started to get better but her cautiousness was always there. At first, we did not appreciate it and started to get irritated at her pickiness. Years later I realized I was so wrong and Daisy was not picky. My scared girl did not choose the horrible life she was given as a puppy. She didn’t choose for her tail to be cut or to be with people who did not love her. But we chose Daisy and gave her everything she was neglected. Daisy’s story makes me think of all the dogs that need a happy home. But I cannot save them all, so I ask, if you are looking for a pet, please rescue them because they need you and will ALWAYS love you unconditionally.