He originally came from an animal shelter, and I was actually there on the day he was "turned in". Heard stories about him chewing up all the shoes the other family had. Funny, he didn't fancy any footwear of mine. I took a chance and have never looked back. I think I was in the right place at the right time. After all these years there is no doubt in my mind that this dog was meant for me!
Noah doesn't have a mean bone in his body, and for that reason he was a great candidate for a therapy dog. Noah and I used to volunteer at River East Personal Care Home. He does tend to get a lot of attention when we go for our "W". Sorry we can't say that word in this house unless we are prepared go on an outing immediately!
Did you ever notice how dogs pay very close attention to your schedule? Just putting on my socks in the morning can set them off. Socks lead to shoes, which lead to going outside. I pretty much have to get ready in the dark these days, and sneak out the front door after distracting him with a treat to munch on. If that doesn't work, and the big, sad, old puppy dog eyes start batting at me, I tell him the truth. "Mommy has to go to work now," I explain. He will then go directly to my room and lay down on the floor at the foot of the bed, making sure that his head is completely under the bed. Hey, if he can't see me, I must not be able to see him right? He tries so hard! I do feel bad about leaving my pets, but lucky for me Noah is very forgiving! I have certainly learnt a lot from him over the years and try my best to provide him with a wonderful doggy life.
Noah sounds a lot like my Rocky, as soon as I grab my pants to get dressed, he knows something is up. I think I have trained him to know that when I leave, he gets a treat! He's on to us, and I'm on to him!! Got to love those furry friends.
ReplyDeleteEsther, owner of a 2 pound Yorkshire Terrier
That's a good story. It just goes to show how wonderful it is to have pets in our lives. It was funny to read how Eleanor has to get dressed in the dark most of the time. It must make for some interesting outfits!
ReplyDeleteMy challenge in the mornings is to keep the baby and the dog from hearing each other stir, because they each wake the other up! Baby starts to wake up, I try to put her back to sleep, but if the dog hears her, the dog gets up, and if the baby hears the dog, there is no more sleep for me...
ReplyDeleteYes, dogs are so smart aren't they? Riley plops himself down on his "pillow" in the mornings as I get ready to leave for work and looks at me with those pathetic big brown eyes. But, he also knows that he will be getting a treat before I leave! Great story Eleanor!!
ReplyDeleteOur dog has "anxiety" attacts whenever we are out in bad weather. He will be absolutely frantic till we are all home. We are going to have to stop letting him listen to the weather forcasts. Ha-ha Katy
ReplyDeleteElle!! I always love your stories! I can just picture you stumbling around in the dark to dress without Noah suspecting. lol You are a kind heart.
ReplyDeleteOur pets are our best children - they are happy to see us even if we just returned from taking the garbage out. Noah is lucky to have you. Enjoy!!
Could you tell me more about the volunteer work you and Noah did together? I have a dog that loves strangers and doesn't get enough exercise in the winter.
ReplyDeleteThis was awesome. It's nice to hear some positive news. Knowing you for all these years and you can still put a smile on my face when I 'hear' one of your stories. You are an inspiration! Think you can help me move forward!!hee,hee. Take care and Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteSusana
In response to the question about volunteering - you can contact St. John's Ambulance here in Winnipeg and ask about the Therapy Dog Program. It was a wonderful program to go through!
ReplyDelete