My sister has always been terrified of dogs. I am not exactly sure why. We did not have them as pets growing up. I was bitten by a neighbor’s dog as a child, which my sister did witness, however it was not really that traumatic, at least not for me. No broken skin, no dreaded rabies shots needed. As soon as I moved out on my own I got my first dog. For as long as I can remember my sister would get a stricken look on her face whenever she saw a dog other than mine. The only dogs I ever saw my sister not flinch around were the dogs I had as an adult. I guess because they were mine, she was okay with them. She knew they were always good around my children, even when they were babies so maybe this eased her fears.
Three of my sister’s children, ages 16, 14, & 10, wanted a dog. Her adopted, now-adult daughter, KK never really said much on the subject of dogs throughout the years but my sister’s husband grew up with them. My sister would not budge on the subject. She would allow my dog to come and visit, but that was about it
Enter Stage Left- Phoenix.
She is the adorable fawn-colored boxer pictured in this post. Phoenix had a shaky start in life. Her mom suffered from a complication during delivery and despite emergency treatment, passed away within 48 hours of giving birth to her litter of puppies. There were 10 in total, however she was only able to deliver 4 of the puppies. One died shortly after birth. Phoenix and her brindle sister and brother, Dayton and Memphis, survived but had to be bottle fed. With a lot of love, prayers and fierce determination, my niece, K.K., was able to save all 3 of the puppies. (How K.K. came to care for these puppies is a story for another day.) The 3 very tiny puppies born in June became a regular part of all family functions. I remember a Fourth of July party quite clearly. When the puppies were not resting in their blanket-lined carrier, they were passed around to be held and kept warm, or to be bottle fed. My sister did not really see them as dogs, but more as babies that lost their mother. That was the beginning of her conversion.
The puppies grew, and grew, and grew. Soon it became apparent to my niece that having 3 dogs in an apartment was not ideal. Many people inquired about taking the puppies but K.K. could not bear the thought of giving them up, they had become her children. She needed help. My sister, much to the delight of her younger children, decided to take 1 of the puppies so that K.K. would still get to see her regularly. Although she was still a little leery of having a large, four-legged bundle of frenetic energy in the house, my sister, knowing the three dogs since they were 3-days old was not afraid of them. A family vote decided that it would be Phoenix that came to live with them.
My sister was going to have rules. No dogs on the bed. No dogs on the couch. Phoenix was a DOG. She was going to sleep in a kennel at night. Face-licking was going to be discouraged. When it was time to go to the vets, Phoenix would be allowed to ride in the family mini-van only. All care of the dog was going to be up to the children. Are you dog-lovers laughing yet? I know I was when I heard all this.
Phoenix moved in. She missed her brother and sister. She was used to sleeping curled up with Memphis and Dayton. She was raised with tons of human affection and attention and she planned on keeping it that way.
My sister caved like a house of cards on a windy day. She could not bear to see the puppy with her sad eyes when it was bed time. She could not stand to listen to her lonely whines. She learned that is was really quite comfortable to have the dog curl up on her feet at the end of the couch while watching a movie, keeping her warm. She realized that she liked it when Pheeny wanted to nuzzle with her adorable face. She decided she just couldn’t bear the oh-so-sad look on the dog’s face when everyone was getting ready to leave in the morning.
Fast forward 6 months. Phoenix does not sleep in a kennel. Phoenix does sleep in the bed. My sister is often squished between her husband and the dog. Phoenix makes herself comfortable on the couch when the family is hanging out. Phoenix is a face-licker. Phoenix goes to work with my sister on most days. She comes to our parents house for family get-togethers. My sister arranges play dates for the dog. Phoenix has her own pillow in my sister’s car. If my sister is wearing leopard print, Phoenix has on a coordinating leopard print collar.
My sister’s conversion is complete- She has become one of us.
My sister is now a proud dog lover.
Dog Breed Gifts at Whales & Friends
Tags: boxer, brindle, dog, litter, pet, veterinanrian
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