Purple and Paws Four years ago this month, I brought Socks home.
I was excited and nervous. I knew nothing about this dog except his breed (Border Collie/Aussie). I had no idea what the first years of his life had been like and no idea why he’d been on death row at the pound before the rescue group I adopted him from saved him.
The first few months were hard. He had separation anxiety and tried to follow me anytime I left the house by jumping up and opening the door. I was forced to lock the door every time I left and tried not to listen to his pitiful whining and scratching. I quickly learned he did not like having his paws touched, unlike my previous two dogs who didn’t mind at all. I couldn’t help constantly comparing everything he did to everything my other two dogs did since they’d died recently and suddenly.
Then, at about the four month mark, I realized Socks wasn’t trying to open the door after I left anymore. He knew I would come back. And I reminded myself that Socks was not Misty or Patch. All three of these dogs had wildly different personalities and expecting Socks to act like the other two was wrong. He had his own quirks and I should embrace them.
Now, four years later, I know this dog so well it’s scary. I know he loves peanut butter and chicken. I know every time I take him in the car he expects to be heading to doggy day camp. I know what each of his barks and growls mean. I know he enjoys meet-and-greets with his canine friends while we’re walking.
Socks has taught me that the best gift you can give a new dog is time. Time to get settled, time to adjust to a new routine, and time to fall in love.
Happy adoptiversary, my sweet baby. Here’s to many more years together!