Thorin - happy "gotcha!" day <3

One year ago today I picked up our beautiful Thorin <3 She cried all the way, spewed on my car seat (and all over her sister who was traveling with her!) and generally, totally ruined what was supposed to be a "beautiful" moment. From there, she continued to destroy our carpet, tear up our brand new wallpaper, chew the door frames, pee on every surface available and spew (again and again and again!) all over my lovely car.... Owning a puppy is no feat - they are hard work! Keeping in mind people, that she is the FOURTH sheltie who I have raised: I am no amateur at this. They are the ultimate test of both human and animal relationships and Thorin was no exception in causing several heated arguments between me and my (very patient and loving) fiance! But it is all part of a very special journey... one that every dog owner out there will be thinking about and relating to now with a small silent grin appearing on their faces as they reminisce of their own tiresome experience (the favourite pair of shoes - gone! The luxury pillow cases - history!). But to be honest, its only a very short part of the journey. We blink and another whole part of our dogs brief life has passed before us - to me, it was only yesterday that Thorin was a baby. I look at her now as the stunning young lady she has transformed into and I can hardly believe how quickly that time has passed. She is now trained, easy to have and one of the greatest joys we have making our lives that whole lot better every day. It is for this reason, that I feel extremely saddened by those who give up on their pet when they are at such a young age and I hope that in writing this, it will give new owners hope that yes (with the right training) it does get better! But not after an hour, not after a day, not even sometimes after months of sleepless nights and tears! It can take a year, if not years for your dog to settle - but trust me, it is worth it. Always research the breed prior to getting one as the chemistry may not always be right due to what you expect of them and how things really are for the dog (e.g. dont be expecting a husky to sit happily indoors all day every day without exercise!). I couldn't imagine my life without this gorgeous girl (or my other two!) in it. They are with me the whole time, either in person or in thought; the first thing I look for in the morning and the last at night. It is true what they say - LIFE IS BEST TRAVELED WITH A DOG <3 So for those of you out there who have survived the first year and overcome the "puppy blues" - here's to you! For those of you who have taken on a rescue and overcome the separate challenges associated with them - I raise a glass to you all! Here's to many more years of happy healthy dogs in our lives and the wonderful journeys we have with every one

#Thorin