October is national adopt a shelter dog month. 5 years ago I did just that. As the days of September were winding down, a friend who volunteered at a shelter put a dog in my head. A big white man whose chances of a good home were nil. He wasnt a pit bull mind you, but that wouldnt matter to the people looking at him. He is still my "Pit Bull" for people looking at him. We finally got our letter from our landlord and went to meet the boy. I went down friday to visit a few APBTs and a white AB. The moment I laid eyes on him, I knew the others were just not the Dog. Big and dopey. Everything made him excited and happy. Such a pleasure and a joy to be around. Brutus was coming home. I had already purchased everything we needed for him in the week building up to the meeting. There was another couple that was supposed to come meet him the next morning. They never showed. Odd since they owned an AB already and knew the breed. We were second in line. Hubby and I hoped in the truck and drove down. I knew our application was already approved. I was still nervous because at the time, I was still waiting for the other family to make their decision. When we arrived it was before the shelter was officially open. Working in rescue DOES have its advantages. With his legs bowed wide and a HUGE smile on his face, we finished up our paperwork, and started on the ride home. We had a hard road in the begining and I know it will be a hard road in the end with medical issues. But Brutus will always be the dog I hold others to as my standard. Strong, loyal, loving, needy. One look in his brown eyes at night when I get home from a bad day and life is good.
I thought I would share the letter he wrote to his "Aunt" who took a special interest in him 5 years ago. She nursed his weight up and made sure he was altered (the shelter he was at did not have funding to provide this). She started with basic obedience training and also hand picked a family to take him in where she would always know how he was doing. The photo that graces our AB forum is the first photo taken of Brutus in his OWN home. His pawprint rests forever on my right shoulder for all to see and right on my heart for me to feel.
Can you believe it has been 5 years since we first met. Tomorrow is my 5th Home day. Its amazing. Other than the annoying little brother my life is perfect. Im a daddys boy now, unless I think there is a reason momma needs to be safe. Daddy and I work together on his computer a lot, we also watch lots of TV and foot ball and discovery channel. Caesar like the animal cop shows.
My arthritis is bad, but momma is looking into special medications, so that might not be a problem. I still dont like baths, but really who does. I am such a good boy for mommy when she trims my nails, even tho it bothers my feets, I lay very still. But only for momma.
I help momma clean the house, picking everything up off the floor. Im a hard working puppy. I also help take care of my snakes and lizards. I still dont like the small snakes, but I miss my turtles in my back yard. Maybe they will come back soon. We had fun chasing a ball together. Momma said Big boy has a home now, so maybe he wont come back to visit. Caesar misses the turtles too, but thats acuz he says they have yummy poops. That boy aint right. Thats ok, there are always more. I really like the savannah. He barks at me and I bark back. The dragons are fun to watch. They run around a lot.
My favorite toy is my squeaky man. Momma only lets me play with it because Caesar eats their feets and that isnt nice. He makes such nice sounds when I chew on him. Daddy said it is the most annoying toy I have. I think thats a good thing tho.
Im getting my first sleep over. Im kinda scared, but it might be fun. I was a little scared on my first boat ride, but I loved it once I got used to it!
I just wanted to thank you for helping me a long time ago. Thank you for helping with my berries. And thank you for giving me to momma and daddy. I love them lots.
Brutus the Bullheaded Bulldoggie.
(Sorry for the sappyness.)
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Cindy & the bully boys
CGC Brutus the bullheaded bulldoggie
CGC Caesar the fabulous pittie
