When my therapist heard that we got a dog, she was so happy.  She told me that she thought that it would really help me.  At the time, I wasn’t sure what she meant by that, but now I know.  I did something that I was sure I couldn’t, that I was sure I would fail if I tried. Having him has built up my confidence.  I feel safe with him, whether it is at home or hiking, (which I never used to be able to do alone).  

Seeing how happy, well mannered and well cared for he is and knowing that I had something to do with it makes me feel good.  I rescued him and that feels good, like even if I never do anything else that is right, I saved him and gave him love and a good home.  Also, there is nothing that can feed your ego like the way his face lights up when I get home from a long day, a day when maybe no one else had the time to smile at me. And, he makes me laugh all the time.  

He’s so appreciative of the smallest of things, a pat on the head or a bite of banana.  He likes nothing better than to go for a walk or lay next to me on the couch.  He lives in the moment.  I sleep better with his warm body next to me, even though he crowds me, steals the covers and sticks his stinky feet in my face.  

© Salahub 2003