The World of Dogs...

I had a GREAT day today. Jay actually let me sleep until 10! It was a first in a while that I have slept past 8:30. I loved it!

After relaxing a bit and bonding with Jay, we headed out to my parent's house. We stopped off at Petco, as we couldn't go empty-handed to play with Rudy and Roxie! We got to Petco, and made it halfway up the parking lot when we realized it was "Adopt-A-Furry-Friend" Day. Jay started barking, so I left Jay in the car and got a toy for Roxie and Rudy, a well as one for Jay. Then we were off to the parents.

After a road closed and a long detour, we made it to the parents. I was pretty prepared for it to be a transition for all 3 dogs. And, I was right! I had never seen Jay with other dogs, so I really had no idea as to how long it would take, but I knew it would be okay.

Upon arrival, Roxie lunged at Jay and he hid in the corner. He was quite scared. We tried keeping them inside, and decided to go out to the backyard. Dad took Jay and Roxie for a short walk, and Rudy stayed with Mom and me. They did well on the walk, and then Jay got out of his collar and they returned to the backyard where I called Jay over and put his collar back on. Mom wound up putting Rudy downstairs, as he struggles with other male dogs, while we all went inside. We took Jay off the leash and let him wonder around. Roxie stayed close to Mom, but seemed okay. Roxie remained scared of Jay all evening, but they got along. They occasionally barked at each other, but they were fine. Jay wanted to play, but Roxie was pretty scared. So, they never really played together like I had hoped.

Jay made himself at home and by the time we were making dinner, he was asleep on the floor. It was so cute.

I thought it was cute how well Dad and Jay got along. By the time it was time to go, Jay was Dad's buddy. In fact, getting in the car wasn't his idea, and he would've been okay staying with Dad and Mom....as long as the other dogs stayed downstairs! :-)

If you've been my friend for any length of time, you know that Rudy has held the "Coolest Dog on the Planet" Award in my heart for years. And, honestly, he still has that place in my heart. Oh, don't get me wrong, Jay has become my Best Friend, and we are very close. However, Rudy has had drama in his life, prior to landing at my parent's house. And, after today I think I gained a new glimpse of how hard his life probably was out on the street.

See, Rudy was abandoned on the streets of Grove, Oklahoma and had to fend for himself for a period of time before he was rescued. I can only imagine what the little pup went through during that time in his life. So, it makes sense that another dog would be hard to be around. While dinner was being cooked, I went down to the basement and tried to bond with Rudy. He was okay with me there, but really just wanted out of the basement and could have cared less if I was there. I didn't blame him. A different dog came into his house and took over the place. He is used to me giving 100% of my attention to him, and I was upstairs with the "other" dog. My heart leapt for him, even though he was fine. Rudy kinda pulled me through the last chapter of my life without fully understanding the whole deal, all he knew was that I needed some silent support. Rudy will always hold a special place in my heart. ALWAYS...

As I drove home I pondered the whole thing. In a way, we're not much different than the little dogs. Jay, never has been abused, and is a happy little guy. That pretty much reminds me of my brother and me. We were never abused, and are happy, healthy adults. Roxie wasn't abused, but is scared of MANY things in life. I have known several adults like this, and it affects their everyday life in some deep ways. Rudy was severely abused, and it has affected him on some very deep levels. Unfortunately, I have met MANY people who fall into this category. I pray for the people in my life who struggle daily...knowing that God can do anything. ANYTHING.

So, while dogs aren't people, they sure can teach us a lot about us. And honestly, at this point, I can't imagine my life without Jay. I really can't...

Life.
Is.
Good.