What We Have Learned From Our Rescue Dog In One Year

  “Be the person your dog thinks you are.”  ~ J.W. Stephens

This year Super Sunday marks the one year anniversary of our dog Dan’s adoption. It seems fitting because he is a pretty super dog. He has endured the worst, he has surmounted every barrier, he has overcome every obstacle and he has triumphed in a way few of us could. He is not unscathed but he is certainly a testament to resilience and forgiveness. He shows us every day what it truly means to love unconditionally

For many years Dan and a number of other dogs lived in horrific conditions. They were abused, neglected, kept in cages in a filthy basement and used for breeding. Dan lived this life for probably about seven years until he was finally rescued. He was seized from his owners along with seven other dogs. They were sick, malnourished and infested with fleas. Dan’s poorly cropped ears were severely infected and untreated. He was clearly in agony.

He spent several months in the city pound where he was treated for his ailments and brought up to date on his vaccinations. His ear infections were recurrent but he gained weight and his fur grew back. He watched as one by one, all of his siblings/friends were adopted and he was passed over time and again. When we learned his story we decided to foster him so he would at least know what it was like to have a loving home and a better life.

We thought it was only temporary but Dan had other ideas. 

From the first day he decided he was right where he wanted to be. He quickly made friends with our other two dogs and tried his best to ingratiate himself with us. He didn’t have to try too hard or for too long because we fell in love with him almost immediately. After three months we made it official.

What is most amazing to us is how loving and trusting he is despite the treatment he endured at the hands of his prior owners.

As I look back on the past year I realize that there are many lessons to be learned from Dan. Here are just a few:

 - Forgive those who have caused you harm. Life is too short to hold grudges.

 - Don’t let the past define you. Embrace new opportunities and make the most of them.

 - Be tolerant of your friends and family. They may be annoying at times but know and appreciate that they love you.
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 - No matter how badly you have been treated or how much you have been hurt, keep an open heart and let others love           you…..then love them back.

 - When you are given a second chance, make the most of it.
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 - Never lose hope. Wake up each morning with a positive outlook – today might be the day your life will change forever.

Thank you Dan for all you have taught us and all you continue to teach us.

​We love you!!