My Dog Is My Best Friend

Two years ago my family and I moved to a new house in Southern California with 15,000 square feet of flat land. We decided it would be a wonderful idea to get a large dog since we have land for him or her to run around. We wanted to buy an Australian Shepherd Blue Merle male because my dad had one when he was a kid and they are truly great dogs. First, we researched information about that breed such as what their temperaments usually are around people and what it is like to own one. Then we were on the search for the perfect dog. Finally, after a month of searching through Facebook ads, we found a breeder that had a Blue Merle Aussie male for sale. So we drove two hours to meet all of the Aussies and chose the perfect puppy for our family.

The first few months I had my dog Blu, I did not know what I was getting myself into with having a puppy. It never crossed my mind that I had to potty train him and teach him basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. It takes a lot of time and patience to teach a puppy new tricks. But as I got to know Blu, I quickly learned he was a very energetic dog breed and that he needed something to do other than just play fetch. I researched and found out that Australian Shepherds like to have a “job” and be given tasks every day. Since we do not have any livestock on our property for him to herd, I took him to agility classes to learn to get rid of energy in a fun environment and it also taught both of us how to work together. He loved learning new courses and routines during our lessons. I also took him on a lot of hikes to explore where he learned to stay with me without a leash while we walked.

But after about a year later, we soon learned he has an enlarged heart so he will never be able to play like a normal dog again. Blu was born with this disease but it did not show up until he was about 2-years-old. All of the other puppies were not born with this, he was the only one; this makes him our special boy though because we were meant to have him in our lives. He will be on heart medicine his whole life to help the blood pump through his heart more efficiently. This was a devastating time in my life because Blu means the world to me; he is part of our family.

I then knew I needed to step up and be a responsible adult to take care of my dog, to make sure he gets his medicine every morning and night. At first, it was hard for me to get into the schedule, but after a month I got the hang of it. He is always a happy dog and gives so much love to everyone he meets. This is a learning period of wisdom in my life because I realized I needed to step up and become a responsible person to take care of my sweet dog.

I make sure every day he gets enough love and attention because he deserves all of it. Even though he has this disease, I’m so thankful I was given this chance to love this amazing dog and give him a life of happiness. To this day, Blu is still such a playful, happy puppy and he always likes going to my boyfriend's house to play with his two golden retrievers because they are all best buddies. Blu enjoys meeting and giving lots of kisses to anyone wherever he goes.