Friday, October 15, 2010

A Girl and her Dog

This may come as a surprise to some but before we got Jinx, I was not a dog person.  They kind of freaked me out.  Especially big dogs, like Jinx.  So why did I agree to get a dog? Because of Shawn.  He is a dog person.  I promised him that he could get a dog...someday.  One day, I got an email from a family that was looking for homes for some puppies.  I forwarded it to Shawn and a week later, Jinx joined our family.

Those first few weeks with Jinx were some of the toughest I'd experienced.  I wasn't use to having to wake up three or four times a night to let the puppy go out.  I wasn't use to going out for walks for an hour or more. I was exhausted.  I really wondered if I was sane when I agreed to getting a dog.  Things didn't get easier as Jinx got bigger.  She was so rambunctious and had so much energy, I didn't know how to handle all that energy.

I cared for Jinx because I had to, because I agreed to it. Not because I wanted to.

Then one day, this past winter everything changed.  I was outside, taking out the garbage.  Our pick up is in the backyard and Jinx followed me out there.  Of course, there was snow all over the place.  When I turned around Miss Jinx was sitting behind me.  She gave me one paw and then gave me the other paw. I don't know why but that action just melted my heart.  I realized how much Jinx needed me but more importantly, I realized how much I needed her.  At that moment she became my dog and I became her human.    After that evening, I never questioned if we made the right decision.  I know we did.

(Pictures courtesy of Jinx's doggie day care)

10 comments:

Sugar Cookies And Hope said...

Sigh...this is so incredibly touching. I know the love between human and animal companion and I know how deep it is. She is your family and your friend. There is an unconditional love between you that cannot be replicated. She is so sweet!!

4D said...

Our fur babies! They claw their way into our hearts (and sometimes our couch) and how we love them!!!

Keep smilin!

M and M said...

I am happy that you are happy!

Jinx is a cutie and I am can see how she melted your heart.

Julie said...

Awwww .... sooooo sweet. I am in the same position. We just got a dog (about 6 months ago). I am not a dog person but I promised my husband that we would get a dog when my cat died. I am not afraid of our dog (she is small) but she IS a lot of work and I get to do much of the care giving. We haven't had our bonding moment yet but I know it is inevitable. :o)

Rhonda said...

So sweet! I <3 Jinx, she's such a wonderful pup.

Juliette said...

Your little my family stick figure at the bottom tells it all: she is part of your family!
I love my cat very much and I definitely think he does too. Our pets are the best!

Alyson and Ford said...

You could have written my story.... did not like dogs, but husband always wanted one. A stray found us, so was convinced to keep him. He had so much love to give. He was sweet and always warmed my feet at night. He died after ten years of fun and he was a family member, we still miss him.
Enjoy your time with Jinx, such a good companion.

Alyzabeth's Mommy

gone said...

From the time I could walk we had a dog. I have never been without. I can tell you with all my heart dogs are one of the most healing creatures. I know any of my dog family members over the years have been my very best friends. They know so much about the soul, more than we give credit. I am so glad Jinx is there with you. She is a jewel, just look at her, a diamond. But so are you!!

Michele said...

Of course she wormed her way into your heart. That face would do it every time. Love her bunches and bunches, even when she is naughty.

kitchu said...

someone recently sent an email, to inquire after Ransom (who is battling cancer), and she left me with this quote, which I believe to be spot on:

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole".

it's interesting that i didn't want a dog either when ransom first came into our lives (mine and the ex's). but it only took a matter of weeks for me to be "his" human and he "my" dog- he wiggled his way deep into my heart where he will forever keep a part of it, and he was my rock through the hardest years of my life thus far.

i love these photos of your girl.