A house with dogs is truly a home
- Laura Moore: Housebroken
- March 12, 2024
- 435
We have learned over the years that our houses love dogs. Our current place has thoroughly enjoyed having the two dogs we brought with us when we moved in.
When the oldest of our two pups crossed the rainbow bridge, we were bereft, as was our remaining pup, and our house was filled with gloom and sadness. I believe most houses see dogs as companions who also serve as guardians.
Admittedly, there are some houses that don’t want dogs to live inside them. They might be allergic, of course, but some houses just don’t want to share their owners’ affection and money. Over the years our houses have always welcomed our dogs.
When we were able to think about bringing another pup home to join our family, we began to look around. We made a few trips to our local dog shelter and liked all the dogs we saw out there but couldn’t quite find the pup we were looking for. Then a local pet supply store hosted a pet rescue group looking for loving homes for each of their dogs. We stopped to look at what was offered, and before we knew it, we both fell in love with a little mixed-breed pup, a skinny, little, bright-eyed girl. She was a happy little thing and seemed full of energy dancing around in her crate.
We asked to hold her, and she immediately began trying to kiss us right in the mouth. Right on the spot, we filled out the necessary paperwork, carried her to our car and took her straight home.
As soon as we got inside our house, we opened the door to her travel crate and introduced her to our house. That little girl pranced around, then jumped onto the nearest lap — mine — and immediately began to kiss my face. Next, she made a beeline for Taller Half, jumped in his lap and covered his face with kisses too.
At that moment our remaining pup ran into the room, stopped in his tracks and barked at the newcomer. We put our new little pup down and crossed our fingers, hoping the two would like each other. They walked slowly toward each other, and after a few sniffs, our new girl began to lick the older dog’s face and he began to wag his tail. We were thrilled — we had found our next canine family member.
I wondered, briefly, if our dogs would be as welcoming to the stray cat we’ve seen wandering around our neighborhood, a poor homeless creature. Turns out that cat was totally disinterested in joining our family. In fact, when she sees our dogs, she hisses and continues on whatever journey she’s on, although away from them to be sure.