“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more
than he loves himself.” ― Josh Billings
The year 2020 did not start out very well. My best furry friend, Odin J. transitioned to
the rainbow bridge. Now we are in a crazy pandemic. I would like a do-over
please!
Missing my Odin J. now at the rainbow bridge |
I am so so thankful to Alexis, director at Muskegon
Humane. At the end of February, she connected me with a sweet boy to foster. Fostering, led to adopting. I could not even fathom
another dog after losing my soul dog. One
day someone told me this and it stuck in my mind; you can love two siblings and
love both and not feel guilty. It helped me to cope and look at things
differently. I hope it may help others
that are struggling.
Olaf, my new adopted dog, is not a replacement. However,
I have so much love to give this sweet rescue who is being treated for heart
worm. He has given me so much love and consoling in return! He is definitely lived
up to his proper name, Odin J.’s Heavenly Sent Heart “Olaf A. Snowman.” Kitty Raven
instantly fell in love with him, after she bat him in the face, and he fell on
his back all 4 feet up in the air. They became fast friends!
Olaf was transferred and saved, from a shelter in
Louisiana. Muskegon Humane went to help St. Landry Parish, the
poorest in Louisiana because they are in the Bissell Pet foundation network.
They have an extraordinarily high intake and no funding for adoption
preparation. The animals that enter that shelter only have a chance if they are
transferred out.
Olaf’s shelter mate was also rescued and pregnant. After the puppies were born my friend and partner, Paula, took them in to foster and help them start them out right. Some people think they should wait until a puppy is through its whole set of vaccines before exposing your puppy to anything. We believe that is too long to wait to have a well-rounded, fear free happy life. When a puppy is young, they should be curious about anything new. If you present it in a positive way, it will just seem normal. We dressed up in big bulky clothing, sunglasses, hats and backpacks and picked up the puppies. We exposed them to things such as under the car dollies and rolling chairs. We showed them ceiling fans moving. These things can be very scary for a puppy if introduced too late in life.
During this pandemic meeting other people is quite
difficult. Paula and I met outside at her house, social distanced and worked
with the puppies. I brought my vaccinated dog so that they could get used to
other dogs. Paula introduced her dog Pepper. It is so important to introduce puppies
to adult dogs, children, and NEW people, so they do not become fearful. The puppy’s
mother and you are not enough. Understandably, it is hard right now with social
distancing, but you can find ways. You could put your puppy on a very long
leash. You can meet a friend in their back yard that is fenced. Paula went
above and beyond and showed the puppies cows, pigs, goats and horses. They had
multiple surfaces to walk on and interactive toys to explore. If you go to our
Facebook Dog Blessed LLC. there is a lot of videos and puppy how to’s. I really
want to commend Paula for everything she has done for these puppies to start
them out right. I am thankful I had the opportunity to help.
I encourage you if you adopt a puppy to make this your
number one priority. Waiting until they're six months old it is too late.
Remember a dog will love your unconditionally. Give
them what they need, they pay you back tenfold. Also
try to remember everyone is dealing with this pandemic in a different way. I
believe we all must try to think like a dog and just be understanding. We all
need to strive to be more like the animals that don't judge. (myself included) They
live in the moment. I believe we all need to listen to the animals and
nature.
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