I Didn't Rescue Him, He Rescued Me

I recently moved to Missouri, I left my entire life behind me back in Illinois and decided to start new. Goku, a golden lab, was put on Facebook from a family going through a divorce. Neither of them wanted him anymore and they were going to put him down if he did not find a home. Thoughts crossed my mind, what could this dog have done to be treated that way? Is he a big attitude of a dog? No dog deserves to be put down at such a young age. He was a year and a half and healthier than ever. The next thing I knew I had a new pet. He was a little skiddish and constantly put into a cage. I moved into an apartment and he finally became comfortable with me to show his true self. He grew fonder of me as did I with him. He became my cuddle buddy and took up more than half of my queen size bed. He has no sense of a personal bubble as he thinks he needs to be in your face at all times.

Goku loves to cuddle and loves to be hugged. More than anything he loves to play as all labs do. Even though he has some rough days where everything in his sight was chewed up when I got home, he just gives me those puppy dog eyes and all is forgiven. He is the best dog. I soon came to realize he is my best friend. He's the one I come home to every day to curl up to in my bed and binge watch Netflix. He makes me smile when I need it. He's the first and last face I see during my day. He always knows how to make my day so much better. All this time I thought I rescued him, but in reality he rescued me. I could not imagine a new start in a new state alone. Now I cannot imagine a single day without him by my side.

So as the holidays come up, remember there are many dogs in shelters who need a home for the holidays. Just don't get a dog and think they will be perfect. No dog is perfect, but you can't just give up on them. Don't let this Christmas be one in your house and the next Christmas back at the shelter.

Here are a couple tips when it comes to rescue dogs.

1. Get as much information on their background on the life they had previously. Goku was brought up in a household of fighting. He was also thrown in a cage a lot. He chews when he's nervous and it took him a long time to realize a male and female together doesn't mean fighting.

2. Spoil him or her. A shelter dog, or a dog who isn't wanted, needs to be showered with love. They are orphans who just want someone to give them attention and love. That is how you gain their trust.

3. Once they become used to you, especially if they are a puppy, their true puppy phase will come out. Be patient. Take time to train him or her. It is not something they learn over night. It takes time.

4. Finally, love them with all of your heart. I promise it is worth it.

Each day is different. We have different obstacles to go through. However I will go through every obstacle together with Goku. He is my first lab and as those of you who are owners of labs you understand the hyperness these guys possess. Each day is a day I learn more about him. And each day my heart grows more and more for him. Our next step together will be tackling his need to chew everything that is costly or important. It will be a roller coaster to look forward to.