Dog Days

The drive back from Jasper with a shivering frightened dog was a bit precarious. We had discussed getting a pet for several months, but when a call came from Kerry’s coworker that he was trying to place a neglected dog, I didn’t feel prepared. Nevertheless, here she was- tiny, stinky, and her throat rubbed raw from a collar that had been on too tight for too long; this was not what I expected.

The kids were staying with their grandma for a week, so luckily we would have time to acclimate the dog, named Chica, to our home prior to their onslaught of excitement. Before we made it there, we pulled into Wal-Mart to pick up some pet food, at which point the dog immediately bolted out of the vehicle into the crowded parking lot. This was a nightmare. With no collar and no familiar faces, Chica trotted between rows of cars, while I imagined the worst. She finally came close enough to me so that I could grab her, and I managed to wrangle her back into the vehicle, but not before she bit my hand.

The vet inspected the dog, told us she was healthy overall, and that the bite was likely due to the trauma she was experiencing. I had serious doubts, but the vet was right. Our little Italian Greyhound mix is the most loving lap dog I have ever experienced. She stays at my side constantly, wanting nothing more than a belly rub and some affection. When the kids came home, she passed the ultimate test. Despite their high activity level, Chica allows the girls to tote her around and make her “fashionable” with accessories, and she loves hanging out with my son while he reads or plays video games. The only one who remains emphatically not on board with the new dog is our cat, Meow; she’s still steamed about the whole situation.

Our cat, Meow, is not pleased.

Owning Chica has without a doubt positively impacted our family. My six-year-old Madelyn spent weeks trying to gain the dog’s affections, and her patience and hard work has led to a blooming bond of friendship that melts my heart. The kids are also responsible for feeding and watering her, and we all enjoy taking her out for walks, or in my case, a bike ride, laughing as she runs at lightning speeds ahead of me; Italian Greyhounds can clock in at 25 miles per hour.

Seeing the joy our dog brought us made me think back to reading that dogs are used as therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD. I did more research and found that:

• Owning a dog lowers blood pressure, and increases levels of feel-good hormones like serotonin
• Dogs have proven to help people cope with and overcome depression and anxiety
• Dogs can improve the overall “mood” of a home and decrease stress
• Dogs help settle children with behavioral disorders
• Having children read out loud to a dog, (because they are non-judgmental listeners who don’t cause embarrassment over mistakes), can greatly improve beginner reading skills
• Dogs provide consistent psychological and physical comfort to their owners
• Dogs are becoming widely used in nursing homes, schools, and therapy sessions

It’s been a while since I last owned a dog, but I am thankful to have Chica as part of the family now. Dogs display the kind of love we all seek; whether wearing makeup or not, whether feeling up or down, whether rich or poor, a dog loves you regardless. Of course there are many considerations to discuss before choosing to take on a dog or any pet, but if you are interested in adopting, call your local pet rescue.

Madelyn loves, loves, LOVES Chica.

Incidentally, the summer ‘Dog Days’ began on July 3 and run through August 11. This period of time received its moniker from Sirius, the bright ‘Dog Star’ that rises and sets with the sun during these few sweltering weeks. Despite the weather, I am looking forward to the times to come, living life to the fullest with our new pet. Bark, bark, woof, woof- Happy Dog Days!

This post was adapted from my column, The Upside of Downsizing, originally published in the Ellijay Times-Courier on July 5, 2012.