Article Contributed on: 5/12/2007 7:28:55 PM
We've had our dog
Beau for 3 years this month. He was a rescue from Adams County animal shelter, and my husband picked him from a large group of other detainees. His unique color, markings, and unbridled enthusiasm made him a shoe in, not to mention the fact that he sat on command while we visited with him. Our concentrated attempts at obedience training are finally paying off, even though at times I have to say we were tempted to throw in the towel.
Beau is a brindle pie, medium American Terrier Mix. "Mix" being a key component here, we simply aren't sure what he is, neither is our vet. Beau had been the victim of physical abuse by some moron, who had clobbered him on the head, leaving a significant scar about 4 inches long that was still trying to heal when we got him.
Beau had big shoes to fill after our Pit Bull,
Bob Barkker died. Bob was dignified, and smart and well behaved. Beau is goofy, and naughty and flies across the hardwood floors randomly chasing the cats. His well meaning rough and tumble spurts of energy were hard to contain. He charged through the back yard along the fence line with such force that a foot tall berm of dirt appeared on our neighbors lawn. At times, he flew like a gazelle through the yard, then landing on the deck like a ton of bricks, struggling to find his brakes. It took a while to get used to the sound of these incoming flights of his.
Because of the beatings he took, we had him scheduled for surgery after his first vet visit to remove a grotesque blood clot that was hanging from his left ear, as well as minimize the scar tissue on top of his head. It was heart breaking, yet anger invoking at the same time to imagine what his past had hidden.
Beau is healthy now, and the amazing amount of energy he has tells me he is enthusiastic about life and loves living in our home. He sits at my feet, often on my feet, when I am at the sink or stove, and sighs and moans and groans as if to say "Oh yeah........that's it, right there, don't move". He follows us from room to room, and up and down the stairs, rarely letting us out of his sight. If I sit down, he sits. If I get up, he follows suit, nervously anticipating every move I make. He roots around in sorted laundry piles, and occasionally has a sock or some other piece of clothing stuck to the coarse fur on his back, egging us on for a game of "you're it" !
He just recently began to bark at doorbell ringing, door knocking, and it's hilarious to catch him watching animals when we've got the Discovery Channel on. He fine tunes his bark with daily outbursts that sound like a cross between a hound dog, and a puppy. He chases his tail, bites his nails, and licks the floors incessantly. These apparent "adhd" tendencies are next on the training agenda. "Dog Whisperer" comes to mind!!
He has bouts of anxiety that appear to be lessened when we speak softly to him, and massage his head. It's been a challenge at times to figure out what Beau needs, but I think he has put the past behind him and counts on the care and daily routine he seems to be thriving on. His positive and merry manner lift me up when I am troubled or sad. He doesn't hold grudges, question my bad attitude or get mad about my tone of voice. There's no pressure to be perfect or engage in conversation at the end of a full day. He makes me laugh the way he sleeps on his back, with all fours hyperextended. His surprising baby pink skin, mottled with gigantic black freckles on his belly teases you to slow down and give the always appreciated belly rub. He piles next to me on the couch, hoping for another opportunity to doze. No matter what I seem to be planning or doing, he's agreeable, and a special little heartbeat in our home!!