Rookies no more

I held another one of "puppy walks" yesterday, a chance for any of my owners who are available to come out with their dogs and enjoy a nice, safe, off-leash walk around the perimeter of our 80 acres. It makes me so proud to see how the kids have grown, how beautiful and healthy they all are, and how dedicated their owners are. One thing that is so obvious each time we walk ... We have a lot of gorgeous red dogs here at Casselcreek.

One little fella, Rookie, is from the Hannah x Quake litter, so has just turned nine months old. A sibling to our Bridger, he also has some size to him. Beautiful deep rich red coat with contrasting brilliant white. He's a very handsome dog!

His owner, Renea, and myself have had lots of conversations about Rookie, and I always appreciate Renea coming to me for advice and support on one thing or another. Rookie is very fortunate to be another one of our raw-fed kids, and it shows in his coat and teeth. Rookie is a very fast, very athletic Aussie, bringing through the speed genes from Grampa Walker and the drive from Gramma Niki. Renea tells me "parenting" an Aussie has been a fun and rewarding experience but Rookie definitely has the devil in him. He also has a very strong work ethic and when training is always determined to "get it right", whether it is agility or obedience.

Renea tells me, "the most amazing thing about Rookie is his magical relationship with our four-year-old son, Owen, who was diagnosed with autism earlier this year. Rookie instinctively knows to be extra patient, extra gentle, and extra tolerant of Owen. He seems to sense that Owen is somehow unique compared to the other humans in his life. Rookie and Owen often play hide and go seek. Owen hides while Rookie patiently waits in the sit/stay Owen put him into and then when Owen calls “ok” Rookie frantically runs around until he finds him. We also find Owen and Rookie having a parade around the kitchen island. Owen marches around the island and Rookie proudly walks behind as if he really is in a parade. They wrestle together, play fetch, tug, and sometimes Rookie is the "patient" in a game of veterinarian (thankfully, Dr. Owen has never seen our real vet take Rookie’s temperature!). The best is when you see the two of them cuddled up together in a chair or on the floor. I truly believe Rookie was given to us for a reason – we didn’t know of Owen’s diagnosis until just a few weeks before bringing Rookie home but it was obviously a match made long before that."

"Plans for Rookie are to continue nurturing his relationship with Owen as it seems to do wonders for both of them and to continue on with teaching Rookie the ropes for living in our house and being part of our lives. We are hoping Rookie will be our “go everywhere, do anything” dog. He is so easygoing and is always up for whatever we ask of him".

Thanks, Renea. You've made this Granny so proud all over again.

Happy Trails ... Theresa

Gracin, ever the intellectual, was quite busy in his corner of the kitchen last night, scribbling away on a scrap of paper. Later, this is what I found ... a thoughtful poem no doubt reflecting the feelings of all Casselcreek doggies.

Here in this house ... I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs "out there". I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed. I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat. I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat. I will feel the sun's heat, and the rain's coolness, and be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose. My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.

Here in this house ... There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level. I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words. I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many. My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!

Here in this house ... I will never be a substitute for anything I am not. I will never be used to improve peoples' images of themselves. I will be loved because I am who I am, not someone's idea of who I should be. I will never suffer for someone's anger, impatience, or stupidity. I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all. If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher for blame.

Here in this house ... I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch ... knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me. If I am ill, I will be doctored. If scared, I will be calmed. If sad, I will be cheered. No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and known to be of value. I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, too unruly, or not cute enough. My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought. I will learn that humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs.

Here in this house ... I belong. I will be home. I will be loved.

(Okay, so Gracin didn't really write it but I hope it's how they feel all the time). Thanks for sharing that, Annette.

Happy Trails ... Theresa