Not Just Any 'Ole Dog...

Those of you who keep tabs are probably aware that this is the month that R. has been gone for his Leader Dog (LD) training.  He will return on the 27th (7 more sleeps) with our "new addition," Austin.  Austin is a 55 pound, 1.5 year old, yellow lab (pictured above) that was born April 15, 2010, which means he's a "tax baby."  R. has been in Michigan with him training for the last month so I haven't even gotten to meet him yet.  I will admit I'm excited about meeting this dog but above all I'm ready to have R. back home.  Needless to say I've missed him.  I am sure having a dog in the house is going to take some getting used to but like everything else I am sure I'll take it in stride and adjust in time. 

I am sure I will have stories of frustration as I adapt since I have never had a pet in the house before.  I grew up where animals were outside.  They had their accommodations but those were outside on the porch or in the barn and they weren't allowed in to dirty the house, Daddy and the boys did enough of that w/o adding an animal in the mix.  I have always rolled my eyes at people who said their dogs were like their children and come to the conclusion that they had either never had children or had neglected those they did have, feeling that if my mother have equivocated me to a dog I'd truly be insulted. 

I don't have children of my own yet, but I did nanny 2 boys for 5 years and can't imagine how the love for a child could equal to the love for a dog.  I know I have friends that this will apply to, and don't take it the wrong way or be offended, that's just the way I've always seen it, no disrespect.  But I say this knowing that I will, and already, have more respect for Austin than I have ever had for any of my pets. 

I have had some amazing dogs in my time.  Butch was the mighty protector, well behaved, and minded those he loved, and defended his truck (which he darn near killed for) like he would his owners.  Bossom was the honorable well trained bird dog that could do some amazing tricks and loved anyone that offered a scratch, pat, or honeybun.  Casper was a big 60 pound baby that hated to ride in the back of a truck but loved to ride in the front and thought I was Mama and he was my lap dog (you can imagine what a site that was).  Pudge had the might of an army and respected those who could command him, was as bouncy as any puppy with those who couldn't, and always blazed a trail around the farm for R. and I to make sure we got where we were going b/c he knew there would be a treat at the end.  But none of my amazing animals contributed anything more than a feeling of security and/or joy and pleasure of companionship to my daily life.  Which is important and wonderful in and of itself, but Austin has already proved that he will be a contributing member of the household and he's not even here yet.  He's not just a pet or a dog, he's a LEADER, he is an extension of my husband, a guide, protector from curbs, obstacles, cars, idiots, and mean spirited people, a saving grace, and his eyes.  His presence means more freedom and mobility for R. and less worry for me.  Amazing how one animal can be so many things.  I can't say that I will ever love him like I would a child but I can honestly say that I already see him much differently than I have any other animal I've ever cared for, and he will always have a special place in our lives that nothing and no one can replace.  I still have my concerns and reservations but I fell like those will be easy to get over with all things considered.   

But to my friends who see their dogs as their children.  Just remember when or if you have children, they may not be ok with you saying that the dog is also your child.  My prospective would be, "Jeez, I know I'm a bitch, but that doesn't mean I'm a dog."  Like the header says: It may not be what you want to hear, but it is my point of view.