Flashback Friday: My sweet Eddie

I’m feeling a little better today.

With the stress of finals and having questions regarding some personal relationships, I’ve been a wreck at times.

There’s no sugar coating that.

I try to remind myself that everything will be ok…no matter what happens. Life will go on and I will be a happy person. I deserve to have all that I want in life.

Enough of that. I had delicious salad #7 of the 20 Salads in December Challenge.

Here’s the ingredients: asian ginger vinaigrette dressing, bean sprouts, carrots, Chinese noodles, grilled chicken, mandarin oranges mixed greens, snap peas, toasted almonds, toasted sesame seeds

Yes, it was as good as it sounds.

There’s one thing in my life that ALWAYS manages to put a smile on my face.

It’s Eddie.

Enter Flashback Friday.

I adopted Eddie 4 years ago. He was the best decision I’ve ever made.

I routinely volunteered at animal shelters in college. I loved going about 3 times a week. Whether it was simply walking and playing with the dogs or cats or cleaning their cages or giving them baths. I loved every minute of it.

I was always on the lookout for my perfect pet. I knew that I wanted to adopt, but I was just waiting for the right dog to come along.

I thought I had found her when I adopted Shelby, a Sheltie mix. Shelby was beautiful and a great dog. Except, I took her home and she constantly chased my two cats. She just wasn’t going to work. I had to take her back.

About a month later, I saw Eddie (or as they called him, Harry).

He wasn’t like the other dogs in the shelter. Most dogs are insane in shelters. They bark and jump when you walk past. When you take them out of their cage, you can hardly contain them on a leash. I understand why they are this way. They’ve been in a cage for days. I’d probably be that way too.

Not Eddie. He sat there perfectly calm. He didn’t jump or bark. He just looked up at me with extremely sad eyes. I looked at his card on his cage. He had been there for two weeks. Dogs usually only last 3 weeks at this shelter before they euthanize them.

I took him out, put him on a leash, and enjoyed a wonderful walk. He was a little timid, but not once did he pull me or act like a crazy person. He was still a big puppy at this point–only a year old. I always thought he was wise beyond his years.

I sat down on a bench and he put his face up on my leg and just looked up at me and gave me one big lick.

This was the exact same face he gave me that day at the shelter.

The shelter was about to close and I wasn’t ready to pull the gun yet. I told myself that I would come back tomorrow and if he was still there, he’d be mine.

Well, of course, I got there right as it opened and what do ya know…Eddie was there. I quickly adopted him and was thrilled with my decision.

This was adoption day. My stepsister came with me to get Eddie. She agreed that he was the perfect dog.

I won’t lie. The first week with Eddie was not all roses and sunshines. He pooped all over the floor, he wouldn’t get a crate, nor would he jump in a car. It was hard. I questioned my decision.

I took him to my vet to get him checked out and to make sure he was a healthy dog. He wasn’t. Turns out he had heartworms.

I was furious. Shelters are SUPPOSED to check for heart worms. I thought I had bought a $60 dollar dog–turns out I spent over $500 on him the first week I had him. Heart worm treatment is not cheap nor is it pleasant for the dog. I felt horrible for him–and for myself. That kind of money was hard to swing on a college budget.

This was Eddie right before I took him in for Heart worm treatment. He was not feeling well at all. Please excuse the messy disgusting college room.

He got treated and I was happy I was there to help him.

One weekend was a turning point in our relationship. I had to go home for the weekend and my mom wouldn’t let me bring him to her house. So, I had to board him for two days.

I think that was a wake-up call for Eddie being back in a cage. When I came back to pick him up, he sprang into my car and never pooped or peed on the floor again. He happily walked into the crate and loved every minute of it.

Eddie is 5 years old now. He is the wisest, calmest, most gentle dog I’ve ever known. I love him dearly.

We’ve spent time hiking, swimming, going to the lake, and just cuddling in bed. He makes me happy, he calms me when I’m sad and he is always there for me.

Adoption is such a wonderful thing. I truly believe that Eddie knows that I saved him and is grateful and repays me everyday for it.

Have you adopted? If so, tell me your story.