We all enjoy reading, watching and hearing about positive things. Whether it’s something that you can relate to or something you simply find funny or entertaining. However, there is the other side of things. Those little things that happen, or are part of our daily lives, aren’t always so positive. The things that also form part of our reality as humans.
I decided, that today, I’m going to let you into my life a little more, by giving you some insights into those parts of my world as well. Something real and authentic. Don’t worry though, it’s not going to be ALL THAT BAD… or is it, haha.
Let's Go!
During lockdown, our dachshund, Pika’s father, found himself in a house where they were all just couped up in a room. Unfortunately, his owners were going through a divorce and mommy couldn’t keep him, so she left him in the ‘care’ of some friends, who unfortunately weren’t giving him the love and attention he required. His name is Ivar and for privacy reasons, I’ll name the owner Tasha.
One of my fav's!
Since we bought Pika from her about 2 years earlier, my wife and Tasha maintained contact and that’s how we learned about the situation. We decided to take him under our wing until such time she is back on her feet. We’re not the type that takes our dogs for a run on the beach every day, but they are around us constantly, sleep inside and get plenty of love and attention.
This was about a year and a half ago. Since then, Tasha asked if we’d take him in permanently, to which we happily said yes. Now we have two dachshunds and a Labrador. HOUND PATROL!
As many of you know, adopting a dog can have its challenges. It takes a long time for them to adapt. They don’t understand what is going on, so it requires patience, love and affection. From the beginning, we noticed that Ivar was quite anxious. So much so, that we struggled to get his weight up. It didn’t matter how much we fed him, he just stayed skinny as he was constantly on the move and you could see the tension in his eyes. He has since become much better.
Here’s the kicker though. Since the beginning, Ivar would mark everywhere… I mean EVERYWHERE! Personally, I’m used to dogs peeing and marking outside, aside from a slip up here and there (especially the smaller breeds). No, not Ivar. If you forget a grocery bag on the floor, IT WILL GET MARKED! A new toy, IT WILL GET MARKED! A box/container/toy/anything that has been flipped around or moved from its original position, yep, you guessed it, IT WILL GET MARKED!
Our cats and dogs have all been fixed and Ivar is on the list. I believe this will help. For now, though, it’s always having a bucket and mop at hand, with me shouting, “IVAR!” in the background, haha,
There are some other random, sometimes peculiar markings he does as well. Random spots on the floor (luckily, we don’t have carpets anymore) and the absolute worst… THE BED! I find this one quite odd since he sleeps in the bed. Perhaps someone can enlighten me here? I’ve never come across a dog that marks where they sleep. Sooo, WE HAVE TO CLOSE THE DOOR ALL THE TIME, until it’s bedtime.
There were some other small niggles here and there. It was quite clear to us that he was used to being fed off the plate since he was completely drawn to human food, which just isn’t good for them. If he received an opportunity, he would snatch food out of the kids’ plates or hands, but we got that sorted out quickly enough.
Next, is what we call THE HOUND PATROL! This is quite cute, but not so much so for the neighbors. When it was just Pika and Peppa, the hound in them didn’t quite pronounce itself the way it does now. If you want to hear some howling like you would in the movies before they set the bloodhounds out for a hunt, get three or more hound dogs, haha.
When I open the door for them at night to go do their business, it’s a HOWLATHON out the door and to the side gate, making sure all the neighbors haven’t gone to sleep yet. The hounds have come to life!
At the end of the day, I wouldn’t change any of this for the world. We have a happy home, with happy kids and happy pets. Sure, things do get frustrating at times, but that’s a small sacrifice for all the love and happiness as our reward at the end of it all.
Oh, I must also mention, Ivar is super close to my wife. When she holds him, you can see how any tension he holds just fades away. He’s a beautiful boy all round and we’re working on getting his beeswax sorted out.
The End
Next ‘Reality’ Check-In:
Some Mental Health Issues
A Fire After Covid
The ‘Accident’
Oreo, The Staffie
