The Game of Dodge Puppy
You might have played dodge ball when you were a kid, but have you played dodge puppy? I did a few years ago and it completely changed my opinion of dogs for the better.
I didn’t like canines. My experience with them had been limited. Most encounters I had involved someone’s off-leash dog jumping on me and covering me in mud, sometimes with a bonus of doggy slobber. I didn’t see why anyone would want one of these beasts. They needed so much attention and of course you had to go around picking up their bizness. I think the numerous times I’ve stepped in piles left on the sidewalk also shaped my opinion that I didn’t want any contact with these creatures.
Then one day a family member adopted a cute little puppy. I didn't know if I wanted to have anything to do with her at first, but it was probably only a matter of minutes before I'd warmed to her. She was as friendly as they come and was later named Ripley. (Think Sigourney Weaver.)
This puppy had an abundance of energy. She loved people and her excitement level would skyrocket anytime someone she recognized appeared. Whenever she first saw me, she would race at top speed to greet me. The problem was she wanted so badly to get to me that she would leave her paws and hurl her entire body thru the air at me. And that’s how the game of dodge puppy began. Most of the time I was quick enough to evade her. When I wasn’t, she was small enough that the impact was fortunately not damaging to either of us.
No one has ever been that excited to see me and they are right not to be. Haha! Anyways, Ripley was definitely able to change my view of pooches and I appreciate every minute I get to spend with her. Fortunately, as she grew larger, her training worked and she no longer launches herself at people. Not too often anyhow.
I admit now that I love dogs. It just doesn't seem right to go an extended period without one of these beasties around. I decided that my website ought to have a place just for them (and their humans who are necessary to input their info). I hope that if you have a canine companion or are considering adopting one, this site will be of use to you. And if you do end up with an excitable little critter, that you have skills enough for a game of dodge puppy!
-Ryan |
