If you have ever adopted or rescued a dog that needed you, you know how special they are. These kinds of dogs have a way of making their way into your heart and making it bigger and bigger every day. Knowing what your dog has been through and being witness to their innocence, selflessness, and devotion is one of the most moving things a dog owner can witness. Here are a few things my dog does that cause me to stop and think about one of my favorite phrases that sum up rescuing a dog, "Who saved who?"
1. When she sleeps in my bed
It makes me happy to know that she can sleep peacefully when she is wrapped up in my arms. Being able to have her close to me throughout the night is rewarding because I know that if it wasn't for me she wouldn't be as comfortable and happy as she is.
2. When she gets along with my other dogs
She was once a dog that was afraid of humans and dogs alike. I love that, not only does she have us to make her feel safe, but she has companions that she can relate to. I hate to think of her feeling lonely after finally finding people that love her, so it's good that she isn't alone when my family is gone for the day.
3. When she is relaxed
This poor dog has gone through so much abuse and neglect in her life. I can't imagine how anxious and scared she must have been before she was in our hands. In fact, I hate to even think of it. Seeing her look content and without fear fills me with pride.
4. When she lets me show her affection
She has every reason in the world to hate people, but she still lets me give her kisses and lay on her and wrap my arms around her. She no longer pulls away in fear that I may be going to hit her when I'm actually going in for a hug. Every day she lets me hug her longer.
5. When she puts up with me
Like every dog owner, I love to make my dog seem as human as possible. Luckily, my dog is just too sweet to pull away or get annoyed. As long as I'm spending time with her and showing her how much I love her, she could care less what kinds of ridiculous things I make her do.
6. When she's clearly part of the family
She starts each day with us and ends it with us, too. She's there when we have dinner and she's there when we open presents on Christmas morning. She's a part of our lazy days and she's a part of our busy days.
7. When she's comfortable
After all the discomfort she's been through, between being kicked, being left to sleep outside in the rain, and having skin infections and matted skin, my dog deserves to sleep on a cloud every night. While I can't give her that, I'd do anything to give her the next best thing.
8. When I can't read her expression
I'll never know exactly what this dog is thinking. I know her mind must be running at a million miles a minute. Sometimes she looks scared and happy at the same time. The thing about rescue dogs is that their emotions are all over the place. That's exactly what makes them so special.
If you have rescues or adopted a dog, I applaud you. It's not always an easy job and you won't always have that ideal connection with your dog that you see in the movies- because your connection will be so, so much deeper. Knowing that you can give your dog a great life, even after they've been so poorly treated, is a feeling that's indescribable. Every time I think about her previous owners, I can't help but become absolutely furious. How someone could ever hurt her is beyond me.
Make a dog's life. Adopt, don't buy... you'll be asking yourself, "who saved who?"
