Meet Annie. She likes to chase squirrels in the backyard, licking the neighbor’s toes through the fence, and is very suspicious of vacuums. She has big eyes, brown spots on her ears, and thinks a computer cord is a tasty snack if allowed access. She’s our pet dog and we’re happy to have her.
Annie is a one-year-old Terrier mix (best guess).
Somehow, in just two months, I’ve changed from feeling ambivalent towards dogs to being obsessed in the best kind of way. I now research the best dog collars, play fetch constantly, and even occasionally use the high-pitched doggy voice I used to hate.
To be honest, I often wonder who’s training who? Sure, we humans have the dole out the food, shelter, and toys…but this lovable pup knows very well that if she holds her ball in her mouth and looks up at me with LITERAL PUPPY EYES it’s an offer I cannot refuse. I tell myself I’m the one who’s actively choosing to give her healthy exercise.
I rest my case…
Here are some things Annie-Dog (as my 2-yr-old niece calls her) has been teaching me lately:
1. ALWAYS HAVE A SAFE SPOT
It’s important to have a safe spot to retreat from the scary things in life. For weeks, Annie was terrified of practically everything in our house. Loud noises? Yep. The guitar? Yes. Sudden movement? Oh yeah. Doors? Why not. She would frequently run into her crate and look up at us as if we were two ferocious giants instead of the treat dispensers we really were/are. Thankfully, she doesn’t use it as often now, but she knows it’s there.
2. Get Excited about your people!
Don’t ever take the people you love for granted. Annie loses her freaking mind when one of us gets home. I know my husband home before I hear the keys in the door because Annie starts wagging her tail so hard her whole body wiggles around. She’ll jump from couch to couch and lick your face as if you’ve been exploring the amazon jungles for months instead of returning from a quick grocery store trip.
HUMANS ARE BAAAAACK
3. EMBRACE YOUR QUIRKS
Sometimes your personal quirks are the best parts of who you are. Annie thinks stealing underwear and putting it in the backyard is a fun game. She tries to eat the grass outside and backward sneezes sometimes. She’ll fall asleep with her head hanging off the couch. The more she makes me laugh and shake my head in confusion, the more endearing she is.
DEEEERRRRPPPPP
4. NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR GOALS
Don’t be afraid to chase after your dreams. Red ball is life. Nothing else matters when red ball is in her sights. In fact, Annie might even forget to sleep, drink water, or go to the bathroom when the red ball is in her possession. Us owners have to hide it occasionally so she gets a break. Never have I seen so much perseverance and tenacity in a 20 pound fur-ball. As I type this, the red ball is at my feet and she’s just staring at me, like, “LET’S GO!”
Why are these humans so obsessed with me?
5.THE SIMPLEst THINGS ARE OFTENTIMES THE BEST THINGS
Be grateful for the things you have. If Annie gets fed, plays a game of fetch, and gets attention from hoomans, life is excellent in her book. She’s content with the simple things in life. It’s truly been a delight to see a frightened pup transform into a happy doggy who explores our house with a smile on her face.
Life is good, folks!
I look forward to sprinkling in more Annie stories in blogs to come. Stay healthy and grounded during these uncertain times, folks 🙂
If you have a four-legged friend, what have they “taught” you?
Aren’t dogs just the BEST?! Thanks for the post. For me, I learned about God’s unconditional love from my dog. I was vacationing at my friends house, when Tucker peed on my friend’s porch. I scolded him. He cowered. And yet…the next day he did it again. I scolded him; he cowered. Afterwards, I still loved him and wanted him to come sit on my lap. But he was ashamed and stayed away in fear. I realized the only thing I really wanted was relationship. No matter how many times he messed up, I loved him and wanted him to be close. It dawned on me that must be how God feels when we mess up, too.
Yes, they’re lots of fun (how did I not know this before??). I’m glad that Tucker has helped remind you of God’s unconditional love.
Hi Katrina, I have a two-year old labradoodle and he has thought me to trust God when I feel afraid. For example, he used to get scared of car rides to a point his whole body would shake but when I spoke to him in a firm but reassuring manner, I could see him change his mind about being frightened and became at ease. Now he loves going on car rides — he even sticks his nose out the window and tries to “eat” the air/breeze as the car moves. It’s the funniest thing! 😊 Like you say, dogs really have a way of reminding us to appreciate the little things. I’m happy I have a furry friend at my side so I’m never alone.
That’s encouraging to hear! Annie is still terrified of the car, so I’m hopeful if we keep working with her she won’t see it as being a scary thing anymore. Your dog sounds so fun and cute!