I have to admit something... Growing up I was just a teeny-tiny bit afraid of dogs. Not that I didn't love them... from afar. And it's not like I didn't beg my mom for a puppy like every other kid on the block. But I was pretty wary about dogs.
My cousins grew up with many dogs. They still have a picturesque property down by the Vaal River with rolling lawns and a little woodland down by the water. There was plenty of space for lots of dogs to roam. My aunt and uncle were particularly fond of Great Danes.
And their Great Danes were particularly fond of me as well... In a knocking-me-down-licking-my-face-and-wagging-their-tails-so-hard-against-me-that-I-fell-off-the-jetty-into-the-ice-cold-river type of way.
When you are a minuscule five year old that can be pretty daunting so I don't think this helped. Plus I grew up with fuzzy, soft kitty-cats that slept on my lap, desk , textbook while I was studying. I was just not used to dogs!
Like my cousins, Dale grew up with dogs, so when we moved into our new place, he felt like he was missing something.
We did a lot of research about breeds because we stay in an apartment (A Great Dane was not an option here). We read that pugs were pretty lazy little dogs that are great for people who have apartments. Dale's mom has two lazy, fat pugs called Black Betty (Bam-a-Lam) and Rooney, who are docile and adorable, so it seemed like a great plan to get a pug.
And then one day, Django the pug snuffled his way into our hearts and lives.
I don't think I was prepared for the hard work that comes with owning a dog. We have to walk him everyday, drive him to Dale's mom's house for puppy play dates at least three times a week, take him to the vet for his shots and make sure he is fed and happy.
It was overwhelming at first, and to be completely honest, a big responsibility. But now I cannot imagine life without him. There is nothing more comforting then coming home to his bulbous skew eyes and wagging tail.
5 Facts about Django the Pug:
- Remember when I said earlier that we liked the idea of getting a pug because Betty and Rooney are so docile and sleepy? Boy, were we wrong. Django is soooo energetic. We take him for long walks at Emmarentia Dam, throw tennis balls for him, take him to Dale's mom for puggy daycare where he is absolutely spoilt rotten and he just does. not. stop. playing.
- He loves water and trying to bite the little ripples his legs create when he splashes in the streams.
- He loves cuddles in the morning and will try to sit on your chest as if stopping you from getting ready for work.
- He can Hi-5.
- He understands. If you ask "where is your toy" because he fetches his tennis ball. If you ask, "Do you want to go for a walkies?", or "Do you want to see Betty and Rooney?", he gets so incredibly excited, wags his tail and directs us to the door.
I no longer have that teeny-tiny fear of dogs anymore. At the park I even go to pet the lovable Great Danes.
Do you have pets?
xxx
