Does anybody actually know what they're getting into when they get a dog? From my experience, you can think you know what you are getting into, but the reality is- you don't. Two years ago, my family adopted a Shephard mix puppy. We named her Darby, and throughout the years, we have learned a whole heck of a lot! For example, we learned that the term "Shephard Mix" is a bit of a stretch considering she resembles more of a lioness… and we've learned that it is possible for dogs to flunk out of training class. Our "little beast", as we call her, and is a constant reminder that you have to expect the unexpected and teaches us something new each day.
Here are the top three lessons that we have learned from our furriest family member.
Lesson 1: Always carry two bags
Last summer, my boyfriend and I took Darby for her nightly walk. As always, we carried a bag for her business and halfway through the walk, it was full. I know… so gross!!!! But as far as we were concerned, it was mission accomplished! On our way back home, Darby stopped in someone's yard to sniff around. We thought nothing about it until we realized too late that she was about to conduct another round of business in the lawn. As my boyfriend and I discussed how we were going to sneak away, a disembodied voice from inside the house shouted "Hey! You're going to pick that up right?"
Naturally, we acted like we didn't hear her and started to casually walk away. But before we could take no more than three steps, she shouted again "Don't pretend you can't hear me!" Now feeling completely shamed, we turned around and said we did not have an extra bag, but would come back to retrieve Darby's deposit. My boyfriend, who had recently purchased a new car, was opposed of me bringing Darby's "air freshener" into his car. So, we drove home with what looked like a bag of smooshed brownies hanging out the window.
Lesson 2: Even the most domesticated of dogs have a wild side
All dogs throughout history can trace their lineage back to wolves. Although, when I look at my neighbor's dog, it looks like it descended less from a wolf and more from a small sack of dirty socks. Darby, on the other hand, seems like she is part of a pack. Like wolves, Darby has a prey drive and when she is outside she is constantly on the trail of other animals. Recently, she declared war on the neighborhood rabbits. Ironically, no one bothered to mention this to the rabbits. The other day, Darby and I were on a walk with my dad, when she spotted her long-eared adversary across the yard. Immediately, the fur on her back began to stick straight up like a porcupine, and she froze, eyes locked on the small creature.
My dad and I decided to take her off the leash and let her chase the bunny, even though we knew there was no way that she was going to get it. As Darby sprinted around the house, the bunny hid in the bushes and scurried away when Darby wasn't looking. Unfortunately, this experience did not teach Darby anything, and she still believes that being a bunny hunter is her true purpose in life.
Lesson 3: Dogs are manipulative with their emotions
If you didn't know better, you would think Darby is a finicky eater. Often, she will look at her food in the bowl and turn away, using dramatic facial expressions to make the family believe that she needs to have rotisserie chickens and treats added into her food in order for her to eat.
Picture this… Darby walks up to her food bowl, sniffs, and thinks to herself "these chumps forgot to put my shredded chicken breast and beef lung into my kibble. Unacceptable!!". Then, she cues her sappy emotions and dramatic wimper and BOOM - here comes the chicken and beef lung. Eventually, my dad and I began to figure out her tricks and stopped giving her treats in her food bowl. My mom, however, still gets roped into Darby's game at mealtime. All Darby has to do is look at her with those puppy dog eyes and without hesitation, my mom will add more treats into her bowl. Sometimes, if Darby is feeling extra-dramatic, she will refuse to eat even with her treats in her bowl, and my mom will hand-feed her.
Moral of the story is if you're going to get a dog, prepare for the unexpected. However, what you can expect a loyal and loving companion who truly becomes a member of your family.
