I know, I know. Pitbulls are the best. What? Did you think I was going to tell you they’re the worst? See below: so vicious, so mean. Meanest nap time you ever saw!
But here’s the thing: being a pit bull owner comes with the responsibility of being a good breed ambassador. There is too much breed-specific legislation, prohibitive insurance policies, and negative press out there. Every dog is a good dog, and deserves a loving, stable home where they can thrive.
Driving home from Moab late at night in the spring of 2014, I was doing what we all do on long road trips: thinking. Something was missing in my life. I had just spent a week backpacking around the desert and had an unbelievable trip, but all I could think the entire time was how it would have been better with a companion. The next morning I took a trip to Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter in Bozeman, MT to âjust lookâ. I donât know much, but as soon as we caught each otherâs eye I knew I had just met my soul hound. Waker has inflicted monumental impact on my every day life and this canine has made me a better human. I like to say I rescued my dog, but really, he rescued me. Or maybe, we rescued each other. The list of the ways heâs shaped my life is limitless, but here are eight lessons that only Wake dog could have taught me.
âWeâ is so much better than âIâ.
Waker is an every day constant now and no matter what it is, itâs about us, not just me anymore. Every decision I make is fueled by whatâs best for him and heâs taught me that when you have a teammate in life, you must be considerate, selfless and mindful.
Dog really is the best co-pilot.
Waker drastically changed my road trip game. We stop for lots of pee breaks and critter hunting in places I never would have explored alone. We have crossed state lines and time zones together, have witnessed the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I have seen so much more beauty because of him and for that I am fur-ever grateful.
Itâs okay to put your head in a hole sometimes.
Waker knows the best things in life arenât always right in front of us nor are they easy to get. Sometimes we need to dig deep to find what weâre really looking for, just like catching critters.
You can get by with a little help from your best friend.
Waker has seen my heart break, has watched me endure loss and has been there for significant life changes. I was on crutches for the better part of our first year together, but he didnât let me sit around and think about it too much. He made me get up and get out to actually enjoy those days and suddenly, it wasnât so bad.
Itâs cool to be goofy.
Waker is my little weirdo. He doesnât do what other dogs do â he doesnât play fetch, he doesnât woof down his food at once and he only wants to cuddle on his terms. He walks to the wag of his own tail. He builds nests for himself all day long, he plays with his toys like theyâre his actual friends and he catches more house mice than any cat on the block. Heâs made me realize that the best thing to be is yourself, and its even better when youâre a little goofy.
Sharing your bed is a good thing to do.
Waker likes to sleep like I do â in the middle of the bed with all the covers. We needed a few nights, but we finally agreed upon sleeping positions that accommodate both of us. That means he still gets the middle and I try not to fall off, but hey, it works for us and weâve never slept better. Heâs taught me that the greatest things, like sleep, are shared, and sharing is crucial for feeling fulfilled.
Take a look at the things around you.
Waker wonders about everything he sees, listens to every sound he hears and takes his time to pee on everything he sniffs. Pausing to take a look at the things around me has enhanced my quality of life. Life is full of simple treasures and beauty is everywhere. Waker gets full credit for teaching me how important understanding this is.
Fall more in love every day.
Waker makes me laugh, encourages me to remain patient and takes me on an unpredictable adventure every day. My heart is full of happiness because of him and each day I fall more and more in love with that boy.
