Maybe it's because I just couldn't take care of myself... It is a big responsibility to give me all the attention I need for the rest of my life. I guess I can be pretty demanding. Maybe my family just didn't realize what they were getting into...
I wonder...is it because I couldn't keep up with the children? They wanted to play with me nonstop, and once the little one dropped me and I got hurt. I tried to be a good sport, but T do need my rest and some time to myself each day. I guess I got a little grouchy when I just couldn't get away to a safe place of my own sometimes...
I just couldn't be the dog they wanted... I tried my best to fit into their lifestyle, but I really wonder if they planned on bringing me home. It was one of those "spur of the moment" decisions, and there are certain traits I was born with that I just can't control no matter how hard I want to. It's just part of my genetic make-up and breeding. I sure wish they had given it more thought. It's doesn't seem fair.
Perhaps I was just a novelty? They seemed so excited when they first got me, but before you could wag your tail, I was put in the back by the garage on a chain, and only got to come in to the basement when it got really cold out. I was so lonely and bored out there that I started to bark a lot to tell them how I felt. Sometimes I guess, I got pretty crabby. The neighbors complained, too. So, I ran off, and I don't even think that my family will care that I'm gone. I have feelings too, you know...
I think they first got me as a gift for somebody else... That was sure a bad idea, because when we went to meet my new lady, she didn't even like me! She said I was too big and had too much hair, and she wouldn't keep me. My family got my by default. I don't think dogs make good presents...
Am I here because I couldn't teach the children like I was suppose to? My lady said getting me would give the children a sense of responsibility, because they would have to take care of me, walk me, feed me and brush me. Pretty soon, though, they started to resent all those chores (and me!). They were only children after all... I sure needed an adult to rely on.
They seemed to think they could take out their frustration on me. When the man had a bad day at work, he would yell at me and hit me for any little mistake!! I'm pretty sensitive, and I got so confused I was afraid. I just didn't know when I could trust him, so I took off the first chance I got. (I did try to bite him once, but actually, it was what I would consider 'self-defense'...).
I don't believe they understood dogs at all. You see, we are VERY SOCIAL animals... If we have the chance, we like to run in packs (that means with lots of our buddies). We don't like to be alone all the time, and we NEED AFFECTION DAILY, from at least ONE human companion...
Do you suppose they thought I was some kind of decoration? I sure felt like one of those lawn ornaments when I was kept outside in the yard all the time. I know I'm a lot of work, but I think I am well worth it, and I sure do give lots back in return! !
Sometimes, I think I was punished for just being myself -- a dog -- and not a human... I tried to communicate in my dog way, and tried hard to understand human talk, but lots of times I just couldn't...and they just got so impatient with me when I didn't know what they wanted. If they had only tried to learn my language a little, it would have been so much easier on all of us!
Gee...I sure hope my new humans learn from my last family's mistakes! (It's why I decided to write this after all). I REALLY WANT TO BE A GOOD DOG!! I can be loyal. I'll be by your side when all your other friends aren't around. I'll love you when no one else does and be devoted to you for the rest of your life...if you let me. Can't you do the same for me? Please promise yes, then take me home. |
