Roughly three months ago I decided to get a dog. I had been contemplating it, and my sister-in-law's family had one that they were looking to find a new home for. She took me to see him, a lanky white and black puppy of a breed I had never known before, and I knew I had to have him. Little did I know how many awesome things I had gotten myself into, or the few that aren't so pleasant. His outdoorsy look and my hobbies led me to call him "Gunner" that couldn't have been more fitting. He often is rambunctious, full of energy and wanting to check out everything; very much a run 'n gun type attitude. The first few days I was thinking "what have I done?" and that has quickly changed to "what would I do without him?"
Here's a list of some of the very cool moments I have had with "Man's Best Friend" so far, and a few that taught me a few things.
Watching him grow and learn.
The first few days were so trying because he had no idea about what the rules were or what to do. This seems pretty obvious, as no dog does, but it is harder for us to handle than if a person were to move in. We can talk to another human, but dogs have to learn strictly from body language and the cues that we give them. This has been an extra challenge because the poor little guy is deaf. At first, he didn't know when I was around, didn't know where to go to the bathroom or what to play with. In just a couple months he has learned so much. He is nearly completely housebroken, he knows all of the basic commands to sit, eat, lay down, go to bed, etc. (except for when he is too excited to remember these) He also knows and comes to expect his very log walk every morning when I get up and when I get home from school. He sits and waits for his dinner when I don't remember and start eating mine first. These all are very simple, and their importance is minimal, but it is awesome to see a creature that is nearly impossible to communicate with take after what you do every day.
The growing part is pretty neat too. I always hear everyone that knows him say, "He's growing so fast!" I never really see it as, to me, he still is that little puppy I brought home. Little 30 pound Gunner is now 53 pounds and is only getting bigger by the day.
He has the worst timing.
Isn't this just how life works? As soon as I sit down to relax, he needs to pee. Right, when I am walking out the door in the morning he decides it is playtime. Don't forget the few times that I was a little late on the letting him out part and he relieved himself on my floor. As much as these stink, it makes me more patient and makes me realize that I cannot just focus on myself, but have to be mindful of those around me, even if he is just a dog.
He's always happy to see me.
We all have crappy days. I am thankful that I don't have many, but I have my normal share of stressful days that I can always count on him to be super excited to play with me and chill on the couch. He is always a great pick-me-up.
He's protective but still very calm and loving.
He's the first to know when a stranger is around. The hair on the back of his neck stands up and he hunkers down in front of me like he is about to save me from disaster. This is usually followed by whoever it may be that he is nervous of saying "aw, what's his name?'" and him proceeding to jump on them and beat them down with a million dog kisses (licks).
He relies on me.
All dogs do. They are pretty good at teaching us things we may not have seen before. It is on me to have his medicine, his food, his treats, his water, his kennel and everything else he needs. Just as some of the other points, this in itself is small but has helped me to be a little more appreciative or anyone that does the same for me, it's like my family has for 20 years now. It's easy to overlook simple things until you're the one doing it.
He's kind needy (but I'm learning to love it).
He likes to be all up in my business all the time. Whether he is napping on me at night or watching me make dinner intently with his head on my hip he never leaves my side. This was a tad annoying at first, but it is pretty awesome when I take a step back and take it in.
I like the grind.
I'm busy. Everyone says that — because we all are in some way. Class and work plus commuting and taking care of Gunner is a daily grind. Getting up at 6:45 a.m. and often not getting through with studying and school work until 11 p.m. can take it out of you, but it is giving me discipline. I like the work it takes.
Getting active.
I learned quickly that his breed, a Louisiana Catahoula, is extremely active and need extreme exercise every day. I already go tot the gym at least four days a week if not six to seven if I'm lucky, but just getting him worn out is another two workouts every day (he needs at least a couple miles every morning and night). This has caused me to be in the best shape of my life, even better than football days or any other sport. I have lost nearly 15 pounds since I got him, and I feel great.
None of the things I just said are momentous. There will be a million things that will be so much bigger in my life, like having a career and a family and all of the things that go with them, but I am so glad that I have Gunner to teach me the smaller things that I will eventually need to make it through life and make it the best I can. Thanks Gunner for being a good buddy and great dog.
