While we cleaned, Buster sat on the couch with a very sad face. Buster is my five year old Schnoodle. You might recall that I adopted a cute little toy Schnauzer about three months ago. I have been trying to train the dog to be a good member of the Stricker family. He has peed on everything. I have thrown away more pillows than I'd like to admit. I also discovered that he was the culprit behind the chicken with the broken leg and wing. I've witnessed him chasing the chickens and the chickens react very differently to him than to Buster. Sadly after much work and even more frustration, I returned him to the adoption agency. The agency is actually run by a group of women who love dogs and work hard to find them good homes. Unfortunately I was unable to help the dog be a productive member of the Stricker household. I admit defeat. After many phone calls to the agency for training tips, the very kind woman agreed that our home was not the best home for him. Sadly, Buster is the one who suffers the most. His first best friend was Kitty Fluff who died unexpectedly two months ago. His other friend Scratchy the kitten now lives outside. The final blow is the loss of his friend and daytime companion Tuxedo.
I've realized I am unable to add another dog to my mix. The small Chihuahua mix that my brother in law brought me about four years ago had to be relocated to a ranch where he could be a macho pup and roam wherever his heart desired. Tuxedo also did not make the cut. I think the biggest problem is actually Buster. Buster is the best dog in the entire world and there is no dog that measures up to his goodness, obedience and companionship. Although he is very obviously my dog, he plays with the kids, sleeps in Brett's bed with him every night, befriends every new animal regardless of its species, does NOT mark his territory or my furniture, and always comes when I call. A quick snap of the finger and he is by my side. A leash is not necessary as he stays by my side regardless of the distraction. I do not think there will ever be a dog who fills my heart like Buster. I also think there will never be another dog adoption in my life. I will stick to cats, chickens, ponies, and reptiles, and BUSTER.
Buster was actually an adoption of sorts. Driving home one day I found him on the side of the road. He was weak and matted beyond recognition. We got him home and shaved the matted hair off of him and realized he was very sick. We immediately took him to the veterinarian where they diagnosed him as having Parvo. The prognosis was not good. They encouraged us to leave him there and began treatment immediately. With every passing day he began to get better and better. Seven days later he was alive and well. He was about 18 months old and a sweet dog. They also identified him as being a boy and a Schnoodle. We had him fixed after he fully recovered and now I wish I had bred him once. He has the most beautiful silver hair that feels like velvet. Buster is Mr. Right. He is truly the perfect dog and all this from a cat person!!
I am sad I failed to be a good mother to a dog in need of a home. I am glad I realized this dog needed a home where he could be happy and didn't have to live up to the expectations of being Buster. I am thankful for the many organizations that care for animals and seek to find them the best possible home. (Day 33). Goodnight Friends.
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