07/31/2023
An ode to the best worst dog.
We acquired Roonie when she was 4 weeks old, 11 years ago. The people who bred her mama felt that if she weaned the last puppy then she would be ready to breed again. They had put up an add on Craigslist saying her next stop was the animal shelter if nobody took her, so we swooped in for her. I tried DESPERATELY for a couple of years to get her mama as well, but they were not having it.
The problem with getting a puppy at that age is that their mama isn’t there to teach them manners. Roonie has been RUDE from day one. Even as a tiny babe she would growl, bark and nip. She failed obedience class. She took years to truly potty train. She jumps. She scratches. She charges at people. She’s bossy. The list goes on and on. BUT. Behind the poor behaviors, she is the most loyal dog I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She would die for any of us at any time.. any place. She’s ready to fight always. She loves us utterly and completely and that type of love is rare. I have learned what unconditional love is this way. Despite her short comings, she is mine and I am hers. We are totally bonded and watching her age has been so painfully beautiful. It has been an honor to stick by her side and she has taught me more than I could have asked for. ❤️
