That One Special Dog

Para Darkwater · May 2012

Ok so this is kind of an on going thread, wasn't sure if it should be posted here, in general discussion, or games but here it is... Do you have one dog that has stood out in your life? If so share a story/ tell us why and picture if you like I'll kick this off with Slade my little Boston Terrier who passed away a few years ago. <img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/76569_173569836003610_100000517855691_540219_1185378_n.jpg"; alt="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/76569_173569836003610_100000517855691_540219_1185378_n.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> This little guy was the last Christmas gift my dad gave me before he passed away. He was with me through a lot of hard times and was my little buddy. When he passed away he left a huge empty place in my heart that can never be filled. I have 3 dogs now and yet Slade will always be that one special dog that forever holds a special place in my heart.

Troglin · May 2012

Aw, Slade was a pretty boy. Such big ears!

Bostons always seem to be happy dogs too. I love the way they wiggle their bottoms. X3 My special dog has always been and will always be my American Eskimo Dog, Einstein. She was the first dog I'd ever had. My father brought her home as a surprise gift for my mom, back in December 2001. She was such a tiny, fluffy two month old furball. My parents thought the breeder made a mistake on her gender, so they changed her name from 'Fluffy' to Einstein. When a vet confirmed that she was indeed female, my parents changed her papers to 'Alberta Einstein'. How adults could confuse a female puppy for a male puppy is still beyond me. Her upbringing wasn't anywhere near ideal (abused by my dad, neglected health care wise, lived outside ever since, never socialized, etc.), but her and I have always been inseperable. Even though I was too young to know how to raise a dog, she made me realize I was a 'natural' dog trainer. After a few months of playing around with her (as a puppy), I'd taught her how to do loads of tricks, commands, and trained her to jump over five foot obstacles. Despite the fact she's going to be eleven this year, she still has a never-ending supply of energy, and still psychotically bounds about the yard in her frantic puppy zoomie states. She's the reason I had the drive to stick with American Eskimos and Miniature Eskimos in the game for six years. She's also the reason I first dreamt of becoming a professional dog trainer. I'll probably never own another American Eskimo, but I know because of her I will never forget the breed. <img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/AkuKazi/mi2.jpg"; alt="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/AkuKazi/mi2.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> * Ignore her terrible hair cut.. That was one of the first times I'd tried shaving her fur. XD

Para Darkwater · May 2012

Aww such a pretty girl! Thanks for sharing your story about her. I hope to one day have another Boston, maybe a little brown one this time :] There's always that one dog that seems to stand out above the rest though you love each new one.

Zagari Wolf · May 2012

A lot of you probably already know this story. I'll tell it again anyway. My special dog was called Scarlett. She was a shelter dog and not actually mine. I only knew her for about a month but it was the most amazing month I could have asked for. I had only been working at the shelter for three months when we got the call about Scarlett the first time. The caller described a thin pit bull that had recently had puppies that was running around down by the covered bridge. We are not animal control and cannot pick up animals. We could only tell the caller to call them to pick her up. Three weeks pass. People kept calling and we kept telling them to call animal control. Obviously A/C was not doing their job, like usual. They must have gotten tired of calls because they finally brought her in. It was an instant connection. I had never felt that way about any animal and haven't since her. I cannot even describe it. Scarlett had almost no hair on her body when she came in. On a consistant diet and some meds, it grew back quickly. I soon realized that she was brindle! It seemed that none of my coworkers like Scarlett. Why? Not necessarily because she was a pit bull (although the shelter was never very pit bull friendly), but because she displayed typical pit bull behavior. She was dog aggressive. She barked and lunged at the other dogs. They resorted to spraying her with the water hose to get her to stop barking. That usually didn't work. It made me so mad! I ended up taking Scarlett home for a weekend. That just solidified our bond. She was a hard worker. She did anything I asked. She was my dream dog. She was a total different dog at home than she was at the shelter. She didn't bark and she didn't even go after my dog, although the same cannot be said for Em. She wanted to eat Scarlett for dinner. She was curious about my chickens but again didn't go after them. I wanted to keep her more than anything. Like I said, she was my dream dog. I knew I couldn't. It wasn't the right time and I knew I couldn't give her the life she deserved. When I drove her back to the shelter on Monday morning, it's like she knew. As soon as we hit the driveway, she changed. She started pacing and doing circles in my truck. I felt so bad for her. At the shelter, Scarlett went kennel crazy. No one but me would take her out and when someone else did, no one could really manage her. She really enjoyed tugging on her leash. She was pretty intense about it and would jump up to get near the handle. She missed a few times and nipped skin. She didn't do it on purpose. No one liked her so they told the director that she bit them multiple times. Automatic death sentence. Everyone knew that Scarlett was MY dog. Yet I had to hear second hand that she was getting euthanized. I was told that it's going to be Monday. It didn't happen. It's going to happen Tuesday. It didn't happen. I finally asked the director if she was going to euthanize MY dog. She said yes and when I asked why I wasn't told, she had no answer. I said I wanted to be there no matter when it was. She was MY dog. I came in on Wednesday. It was my day off but I didn't care. Scarlett and I spent a long time together. I made sure she got in a lot of leash tugging time and lots of treats. I wanted to be strong. I did not want to cry, especially not around my coworkers. Well, I cried. I cried like a baby and couldn't stop. I had the option to take her body home. I wish I would have now but I didn't. I have her collar on a shelf above my bed with my other two dogs who have passed. Scarlett was the first shelter dog I let myself get attached to. She was also the last. In the two years I worked there, I never felt the same way for a dog like the way I felt for Scarlett. I haven't even felt that way about any of my own animals. I love them, don't get me wrong. There just isn't a deep connection like Scarlett and I had. Here are some photos of her from the weekend she spent with me. I miss her so much and when I really think about her, I still cry. <img src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/ZagariPitBullLover/HSPC/IMG_5160.jpg"; alt="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/ZagariPitBullLover/HSPC/IMG_5160.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> She was a determined weight pull dog. There were only a couple rocks in the wagon but she acted like it was heavy. lol She didn't really mind though. <img src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/ZagariPitBullLover/HSPC/IMG_5142.jpg"; alt="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/ZagariPitBullLover/HSPC/IMG_5142.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> She rocked the spring pole! The ultimate tug!! <img src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/ZagariPitBullLover/HSPC/IMG_5116.jpg"; alt="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/ZagariPitBullLover/HSPC/IMG_5116.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> She was wiped out after the flirt pole! <img src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/ZagariPitBullLover/HSPC/IMG_5202.jpg"; alt="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/ZagariPitBullLover/HSPC/IMG_5202.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> Here's a pretty image that our own Mossflower made of my girl. <img src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/ZagariPitBullLover/Other/Scarlett.png"; alt="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h239/ZagariPitBullLover/Other/Scarlett.png"; class="bb-image" />

Para Darkwater · May 2012

Wow zagari that story both touched and broke my heart. Even though slade my Boston was my special dog I have a very special place in my heart for pit bull, I believe we have talked about this a bit. They are such wonderful dogs yet get such horrible treatment, abuse, neglect, fear, and hatred. My first pit bull also holds a very special place in my heart and i miss him dearly. Here's a little about him Bowser <img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/76569_173569842670276_100000517855691_540221_1417489_n.jpg"; alt="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/76569_173569842670276_100000517855691_540221_1417489_n.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> Bowser was a great dog, we got him as a puppy and sadly had to rehome him when he was 9 months old because of a change in our living situation that wouldn't allow us to move and keep him. It was such a hard decision but we were very strict about who his new owners were and he went to a great family with experience with pit bulls. Bowser is what sparked my passion for pit bulls, after we got him I did tons and tons of research on them and even joined and became a admin on a positive pit bull website. I've written articles about them and always try to educate people about pit bulls and responsible dog ownership. Bowser is the reason for all of this. He was so sweet and loving, a all round great dog.

Zagari Wolf · May 2012

Bowser is a good looking guy! We never forget our first pit bull. Though I remember meeting my first pit bull when I was about 5 years old and I've had interest in them ever since, Emily is really the one who got me involved with the breed. She's NOT what a pit bull should be but I love her none the less.

Para Darkwater · May 2012

My first experience with a pit bull wasn't a good one but unlike most I didn't place blame on the dog but on the owner. I had a family member that was living/renting our house and they were suppose to be watching my little Boston Terrier. Well they left him chained up outside and let their daughter get a pit bull that they knew hated cats and was from people who fought them *makes me sick to think people do this* Well the pit bull gets lose, kills 5 cats and attacks my Boston. Slade had to have surgery and I had to work with him to get him over his new fear/aggression towards larger dogs. Despite all that I never blamed the dog or the breed and never held a grudge and went on to get Bowser and fostered 2 other pit bulls and now have Koopa our curent pit bull.

Cherokeezbaby · May 2012

KittKattize · May 2012

First off... I apologize for the pictures. xD Of course all of the dogs I have owned and do own have a special place in my heart and each deserve recognition here. Though as I'll explain down below, they all lead down to one very special dog: Cheyenne. <img src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/216111_19717656184_505986184_291079_8489_n.jpg"; alt="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/216111_19717656184_505986184_291079_8489_n.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> Cheyenne was part wolf/part GSD. We got her at 4 weeks old as the person who had the puppies gave two options: Take em or I'm releasing them into the forest. And that is how she came into our lives and began my love of dogs. Though she was my mom's dog, she was there through the worst times in my life and will forever be my little sister. She was there for the passing of my grandfather, my cousin and my great-grandmother. If it wasn't for her, I don't think I would have made it through that stage of my life whole. She kept me grounded, helped me sleep at night and showed me what unconditional love is. She was 14 when she passed and in those 14 years I have some of the best memories because of her. She was always there to greet us at the door, though she had really bad manners xD. Always there to sleep at the edge of your bed or curl up at your feet while you read a book. The only regret I have was that I was not living at home when the decision had been made for her to be put down. I did not get to say goodbye and still have a hard time dealing with her death even if it had been 6 years ago. My uncle had her brother, Tundra. He passed the same day she did. Never separated at birth, not alone as they made their way to doggy heaven. <img src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/65837_453032161184_505986184_5343889_1862194_n.jpg"; alt="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/65837_453032161184_505986184_5343889_1862194_n.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> <img src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/65837_453032191184_505986184_5343895_3385319_n.jpg"; alt="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/65837_453032191184_505986184_5343895_3385319_n.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> <img src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/65837_453032256184_505986184_5343908_4916789_n.jpg"; alt="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/65837_453032256184_505986184_5343908_4916789_n.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> <img src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294693_10150322355131185_505986184_8115440_1753745181_n.jpg"; alt="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294693_10150322355131185_505986184_8115440_1753745181_n.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> Clover... My baby girl and my inspiration for my PB, The Labsky. We were lucky to get her, hence the name. My mother-in-law specifically said, "No dogs. No cats. No animals period." Since it was her apartment we were living in we didn't exactly have much of a choice. The night I first saw her, the elevator door opened and there she was along with her 5 brothers and sisters. I begged and pleaded with her and eventually got her to agree to see them. I knew she wouldn't say no then and July 1st, 2010 Clover came home. When naming her, I told my husband (fiancee at the time.) "No 'C' names, she's not a replacement dog." As I was still dealing with Cheyenne's death. Of course, we all know how that ended. Ironic also was that Cheyenne's birthday was St. Patrick's Day and I have a four leaf clover tattooed in her memory. It was also hard choosing the puppy. All were so alike and adorable, but as soon as we picked her up we knew. She was so calm, did not shake or whine and gave each of us a lick. We were sold. She has been the most intelligent, graceful and delightful dog I have owned... Though she was the first dog that I could actually call mine. She helped me with my struggle of weight loss, though I guess you could call it "getting me off my butt and outside." She has made my life happier and healthier. She just turned 2 years old on May 19th and almost everyone in my family says that she reminds them of Cheyenne so much. It's odd how things work out because I see it too, yet I also see the dog that she is and how she is also different. Though it was a new beginning, but it also feels like a continuation as if some part of Cheyenne has attached itself to her. Call me crazy, but if humans can reincarnate, why can't animals? If this doesn't freak you out enough... <img src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/562090_10150849871046185_505986184_9809142_1255817903_n.jpg"; alt="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/562090_10150849871046185_505986184_9809142_1255817903_n.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> <img src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/577138_10150849871196185_77530861_n.jpg"; alt="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/577138_10150849871196185_77530861_n.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> Whiskey I got when I was in a depression. Though some would say that it is a mistake to get any animal when in emotional distress, I believe it has cemented our bond together. He never leaves my side and is my big protector, even if he is the sweetest and goofiest dog ever. What is scariest is that people say he reminds them of Tundra, Cheyenne's sister. I feel like I was meant to have them both, that they were meant to be together and though I try not to think about it, the day that both of them are gone will be the saddest day in my life. He is just a dopey goofball of a dog, good for a laugh and yet great to cuddle with when you feel lonely or sad. He gives great hugs and the best slobbery kisses. With tons of puppy energy he is the light of the room and yet also the mischievous one. His nose mainly getting him into trouble most of the time. His tail never stops wagging... Ever. I could say I have the two best dogs in the world, though I know I would be lying and I am slightly biased as well. I will say that I have the perfect dogs for me.

SC`s Stars II · May 2012

Although my dogs are very special to me, one dog at work (I work at a humane society), touched my heart like no other dog ever has. Lexus was brought to us because her owner was moving and couldn't take her with them. We quickly discovered that she was extremely protective towards women and toys. She was flagged as 'potentially dangerous' when he almost bit a man who put his hand on her kennel (which the man wasn't supposed to be doing anyways). I spent HOURS with her. Talking to her whenever I walked by, crouching down by her kennel, and I eventually learned that she was trained VERY well when I was working with a dog next to her. After a few weeks she became very protective of me. I would be in her kennel with her and whenever someone walked by she would sit on my lap and tense up. I worked with her for about 3 months and she became a very sweet, playful dog. After about 3 months and 2 weeks of her being there, I came into work to find that she was gone. She had been adopted but I was both happy and upset. IU had never gotten to say goodbye. About a month or so later I came into work, did some laundry and was walking back to the linen closet. I glanced down the isle and heard a whine. It was the whine that only she would make. And there she was, hiding in the corner with her eyes glued to me. I literally dropped the laundry and threw open her kennel door. She immediately curled up on my lap and licked my face. My boss came back in the kennel run and saw me with her. He told me that someone had brought a cat into the home she was adopted to and she got a hold of it and ended up killing it. The family returned her and wanted her killed. Being a humane society, we do not kill unless it is DESPERATELY needed or to put a dying animal out of their misery. There wasn't a real reason to put her down, she just needed a home without other animals or small children. She stayed again for about another 7 months and was adopted out. I was there the day her adopters saw her and I made sure that these people were responsible, knew about the breed, and would take good care of her. I spent the rest of the week just sitting in her kennel with her, going for walks, playing fetch, and just cuddling. She holds a very special place in my heart. She has now been adopted for about a year and the family gives us updates on a regular basis. She is doing great and is very happy. <img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc69/Quiggles_101/001-Copy5.jpg"; alt="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc69/Quiggles_101/001-Copy5.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> <img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc69/Quiggles_101/007-Copy3.jpg"; alt="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc69/Quiggles_101/007-Copy3.jpg"; class="bb-image" />

Cherokeezbaby · May 2012

CoasterCannons wrote:

Although my dogs are very special to me, one dog at work (I work at a humane society), touched my heart like no other dog ever has. Lexus was brought to us because her owner was moving and couldn't take her with them. We quickly discovered that she was extremely protective towards women and toys. She was flagged as 'potentially dangerous' when he almost bit a man who put his hand on her kennel (which the man wasn't supposed to be doing anyways). I spent HOURS with her. Talking to her whenever I walked by, crouching down by her kennel, and I eventually learned that she was trained VERY well when I was working with a dog next to her. After a few weeks she became very protective of me. I would be in her kennel with her and whenever someone walked by she would sit on my lap and tense up. I worked with her for about 3 months and she became a very sweet, playful dog. After about 3 months and 2 weeks of her being there, I came into work to find that she was gone. She had been adopted but I was both happy and upset. IU had never gotten to say goodbye. About a month or so later I came into work, did some laundry and was walking back to the linen closet. I glanced down the isle and heard a whine. It was the whine that only she would make. And there she was, hiding in the corner with her eyes glued to me. I literally dropped the laundry and threw open her kennel door. She immediately curled up on my lap and licked my face. My boss came back in the kennel run and saw me with her. He told me that someone had brought a cat into the home she was adopted to and she got a hold of it and ended up killing it. The family returned her and wanted her killed. Being a humane society, we do not kill unless it is DESPERATELY needed or to put a dying animal out of their misery. There wasn't a real reason to put her down, she just needed a home without other animals or small children. She stayed again for about another 7 months and was adopted out. I was there the day her adopters saw her and I made sure that these people were responsible, knew about the breed, and would take good care of her. I spent the rest of the week just sitting in her kennel with her, going for walks, playing fetch, and just cuddling. She holds a very special place in my heart. She has now been adopted for about a year and the family gives us updates on a regular basis. She is doing great and is very happy. <img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc69/Quiggles_101/001-Copy5.jpg"; alt="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc69/Quiggles_101/001-Copy5.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> <img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc69/Quiggles_101/007-Copy3.jpg"; alt="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc69/Quiggles_101/007-Copy3.jpg"; class="bb-image" />

She is very pretty! I love her eyes.

Para Darkwater · May 2012

These are all great stories and wonderful looking pups!

FlyTM · May 2012

I'm not great at writing long text, but Spot a pit bull at a shelter I was working at, I was told he had just been left in a room with no food or water, he came in at the age of about 4 months, hes a fella I worked with a lot and would like to talk, super easy to train dog, I always able to teach him to sit wait fetch and shake hands, I would also get told he would mop around than when I turned up he would jump up, super happy little fella, but he has a home now, I hope its a good one, never met the people xD. <img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/gypsy_flys/SANY9847.jpg"; alt="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/gypsy_flys/SANY9847.jpg"; class="bb-image" /> A vid, though yes my voice is super high.. only when playing with the dogs erm "baby talk".. <a href="http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/gypsy_flys/?action=view¤t=SANY9861.mp4"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/ ... NY9861.mp4</a>

Para Darkwater · May 2012

@ tbone Spot is a very hansom boy! His expression in the picture reminds me of Bowser I'm loving all the special pit bull stories since I'm very passionate about the breed. Of course I'm also loving all the other breeds too! All dogs can find a place in my heart and arms

KittKattize · May 2012

Paranormal Wolf wrote:

@ tbone Spot is a very hansom boy! His expression in the picture reminds me of Bowser I'm loving all the special pit bull stories since I'm very passionate about the breed. Of course I'm also loving all the other breeds too! All dogs can find a place in my heart and arms

Same here. Some day I will rescue one, I know I will. There are so many over here, but as there is a ban against them any rescued must wear a muzzle when in public, are not allowed off leash even in their own yard etc... Hopefully that changes soon, though if the ban lifts the amount of backyard breeders is going to rise.

Zagari Wolf · May 2012

Spot is a stunning boy!!

Para Darkwater · May 2012

KittKattize wrote:

 Same here. Some day I will rescue one, I know I will. There are so many over here, but as there is a ban against them any rescued must wear a muzzle when in public, are not allowed off leash even in their own yard etc... Hopefully that changes soon, though if the ban lifts the amount of backyard breeders is going to rise.

Luckily were I live there are no restrictions on pit bulls but with the amount of breed specific legislation (bsl) that is passed almost daily that could change. I know there are responsible owners out there fighting to stop breed discrimination and advocate responsible ownership and breeding but it is a hard battle. Like you said I too hope some laws get changed and sadly you are most likely right about the increase in backyard breeding.The popular breeds are prime targets for puppy mills, its a sad vicious cycle. I know rescues are overflowing with dogs and a lot come from poor breeding and irresponsible owners who treat dogs as toys and not living things.

FlyTM · May 2012

Thanks Paranormal and Zag, The laws here in NZ as far as I know, we are a loud to own them but not take them out or bring them into NZ, I do know some places here have things such as they must fixed in that town and such, but we are lucky to not have a full country ban, seeing how small NZ is if there was a ban it would be the whole country, thoughI know a fair number of people where I live do love the breed and do a lot for their dogs.

Howdy, Stranger!

That One Special Dog

Comments