I’d had to fight out there in the streets for every morsel of food I found, keeping other dogs away from my bounty. When I dashed onto the playground at that school where my rescuer finally found me it was to entice the children to throw me half of their lunch sandwich or even a little cracker.
My head was telling me this big dog in my new home wasn’t a threat, but my instincts and hackles were raised. Just the sight of him sometimes threw me off, and that day when I attacked him after coming home from the pet store, I didn’t mean to do it—it’s just that I didn’t want to share space with him. I wanted ALL of the attention, and these people all to myself.
FEMALE PEEP: “Another time out for you, Charlie Bear. You have got to stop being aggressive with Rex and you have to stop chasing your tail. It’s not pretty. You’re a better dog than that.”
She really thought so? I could be a better dog than the one I was? Huh. She put me in the kitchen with the gates up and took Rex outside where I presume she gave him some attention and loving. Trouble was, I wanted loving and attention like that from her too. I wanted to be petted and hugged and feel the warmth of her arms around me, but something was telling me not to trust that this was a forever home for me. Maybe these peeps were going to give me back. Heck, I’d been giving them plenty of reasons for wanting to return me.
The female peep came back inside, spoke to the male peep, and then came over and removed the gate. Then I heard my name.
MALE PEEP: “Come over here, Charlie Bear.”
I sprinted the short distance from the kitchen to his recliner and leaped into his arms. He held me to his chest and petted me. Ahhhh…bliss. Why couldn’t I get that same kind of loving from the female peep?
* * *
NOTE: If you want to catch up with what happened in LBA (Life Before Adoption), you can look under “Charlie Chat” on the right. All the posts are there, and these new ones about LAA (Life After Adoption) will be there too. Watch for more of Something to Chew On by me, Charlie Bear, in the weeks ahead.
Thanks for stopping by. We love your comments, so feel free to make some. Woof!
Keep trying, Charlie Bear. It’s tough to unlearn old habits, but you’ll get there. And you’ll get all the love and hugs you need. Love has no limits.
Tiger,
I’m looking forward to that love from my female peep. I know it’s in there, but she resists because I’m such a brat sometimes. I know she hates it when I go after the big dog. Can’t blame her. I’m going to try harder, much harder, to be good.
Thanks for the comment on love has no limits. I needed to hear that.
Woofs to you,
Charlie Bear
I can’t imagine who’d want to give you up, Charlie Bear. You are so darling. Love, Honey Hubler
Dear Honey,
I am cute, aren’t I? My female peep says it’s a darn good thing too! I’m trying really hard to be good, really I am.
Thanks for commenting, Honey.
Woofs,
Charlie Bear