When I first decided I wanted a dog, my boyfriend thought it was a faze. Once a few months passed and I was still really it, he warmed up to the idea too. That's what began our journey to meet our perfect little Lasagna. She's a spunky girl with an attitude and doe-eyes that melt your heart.
Armed with a dog bed, a couple toys, and off-brand dog food, we were ready to bring our Basenji/Corgi home with us. We made the two-hour trek to Ravenna, Ohio where Penalope Animal Rescue, a very caring and devoted group, makes their mark. The first night, she slept in our bed and snored in my ear while smashing me. We had to make quite a few adjustments to get used to each other, but every second was a new learning experience for us all. Our girl has quite a few quirks, including stick legs and large, child-birthing hips-
But every time I come home, I fall in love with her again when she runs laps and squeaks with contentment. The highlight of every one of her days is us. They say that dogs have separation anxiety because they have no confidence without their owner; her identity leaves with us every morning. We are an odd mix of many different species under one roof, but everyone plays a critical role in our little family. She is my motivation to go jogging, my over-sized lap-dog when I'm feeling lonely, my guard dog while I sleep, and our companion. She fills so many roles in my life I didn't know I needed.
I had no idea all that my life would become with a mutt by my side. She brings me back to reality when I lose who I am. She could melt any cold heart, and the fears that bog me down scatter for shelter when we play. In her eyes, I see years of confusion and pain that hide just under the surface; not only has she lead me down a more positive path, but I like to believe we taught her a few things, too. The tail that used to always be tucked never stops wagging with joy now that she learned to trust humans. Our girl has been hurt in the past, but she's strong enough to offer our species another chance. This time, she won't be let down.
If you want to experience the beautiful bond between man and dog, then please check your local shelters. There are millions of other dogs who need a hero to save them. Saving a shelter dog means sparing their life one more second of lonliness. If you're willing to put the effort in, then you will see that they just want to be loved. Just as you and I, they entered the world scared and fragile. They have been abandoned, starved, neglected, and unloved for too long. You will not regret the decision to rescue one of these damaged babies, because those who hurt the strongest love the longest.
