The day that Jason and I went to pick up our second dachshund, we knew that everything was going to change and we were ready for it.
Having just moved from an apartment with almost negative green space and the distinct aroma of danger lingering in the air to our beautiful home with massive fenced-in and landscaped yard in the suburbs, we figured that we'd need something to keep us on our toes in our blissfully perfect new environment. So...seven months after adopting Calvin, we were mentally prepared for more weeks of dealing with an emotionally demanding wiener pup.
Enter Theodore. Theo. Theodorus the Destroyer. T-O. T-Payne.
(We don't actually call him the last one.)
In the breeder's home full of puppies, Calvin was overwhelmed trying to choose his new buddy. The one he seemed to like was already his size and their favourite activity from the get-go was tearing around the house at full speed. Just watching them was exhausting. Thinking about bringing that into my home for the 24/7 experience was even more so.
That's when I noticed a small pup sitting at my feet. He stared up at me with a look that I am now all too familiar with: the 'what can you do for me' look. Intrigued and needless to say more drawn to the calm puppy, I kept an eye on him. And he kept an eye on me. For a few minutes anyway.
Not completely convinced that I could be of any use to him, the little one left as calmly as he came - not concerned by the fact that I could potentially bring him home on the spot. Instead, he trotted out onto the deck and curled up on top of a huge metal water dish, flipped over as a makeshift podium as if to showcase his greatness.
I was sold.
And from that moment, the pup now known as Theo would not let me forget that he was sent to exceed my expectations starting with his refusal to be the dependent puppy that I had anticipated.
Rather than spend the hour drive back to our house on my lap, he sat happily by himself in the backseat just taking it all in.
Rather than be nervous or apprehensive for the first few days, he very calmly checked out every inch of the house and yard by his 5lb self.
Ever since then Theo has always been a 'check in every now and then' kind of pup rather than a 'stick to your heels like glue' dog.
Cuddly? Yes. Appreciative? Yes. Loving? Yes.
Lost without my companionship? Not a chance.
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6 comments:
Aww... I like my dogs to be independent. Confidence is a great thing in a dog too. I've spent a lot of money and time trying to instill confidence in a few dogs. I think you made a good choice. He's adorable. You saw that the dachshund I grew up with was named Theo, right?
Wow, that was such a wonderful story about how Theo came into your lives. The video made me constantly go AWWW the whole time watching. Theo as a puppy is the spitting image our Fritzy! I love the red guys! Well I love them all! Thanks again for a wonderful story :) We hope to get a second dog in the next year or so!
I thought Theo's confidence would be a godsend but the funny thing is that he's actually more resistant to change that Calvin! When he stayed with Kimberly the last time, he was stress sick the entire time. I was completely caught off guard.
Lila is like Theo in that regard! She's so independent (as much as she can be) that I tend to baby Rusty more as he's glued to me 24/7.
For example. Lila would go have a nap on the bed no problem, Rusty will sit at my feet and whine or follow me around the house for a few cuddles. He cannot be alone in a room.
I too was surprised by Theo being stress sick. Calvin just went with the flow on the last visit. Perhaps you should reconsider the "lost without your companionship" notion..!
My pup is the same way! Sometimes I feel rejected and unloved, but realize that he is a much better fit for me (being super-busy and often out) than my sister's sticklikeglue dog. Most times, it's a blessing :)
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