How My Dog Snuck Her Way Into My Life

I am so thankful for the unforgettable Joy my dog Buttons has brought into our lives for the past 11 years. The funny thing is, Buttons snuck her way into our lives 11 years ago. I love animals but to care for them full time was not on my agenda and I thought it simpler to keep it that way.

So Buttons story begins around 11 years ago when my boyfriend and I left Florida to drive to a Georgia dog breeder to pick up a list of puppies we ordered to bring home and sell. This is something I did part time to make some additional money. I love dogs and found good homes for them.

We picked up 4 Golden Retrievers, 1 Jack Russell, and 2 Rat Terriers. The Rat Terriers were only 3 pounds so we separated them in our garage from the much larger Golden Retriever puppies in case they hurt each other while playing.

The 2 Rat Terriers would not stop barking as they wanted to join the other dogs and play. So they won and we let them all be together. They all got their shots and were ready to sell. I brought the entire group in the back yard to play and 1 of the Rat Terriers would hang around my chair. I would pick her up and ask her ‘what’s wrong?, I will protect you”. I played tug with the Golden Retrievers and that same little Rat Terrier would jump up in the middle and hang from the tug rope. She always had to get my attention.

It didn’t stop their, I would give a chew treat to the dogs and that little Rat Terrier would steel treats from the bigger puppies and sneak into little places in the garage to hide. She continued to keep my attention.

Well, the puppies started selling 1 at a time. Soon, only 1 puppy was left – that little Rat Terrier. I was determined to sell her and then she got Kennel Cough. I couldn’t sell her if she was sick and started treating her with an antibiotic. Of course by then I started feeling sorry for her as she was by herself in the garage so I spent more time with her. If that wasn’t enough she still didn’t improve and I had to get a 2nd prescription filled. She hung closer and closer to me all the time. I remained in the mindset that I wanted to sell her.

I was talking to a friend about helping me to find this little Rat Terrier a good home and my friend said to me something I will never forget “she already has a good home”. By then her cough had gone away and I realized this little dog had snuck her way into my home and into my heart.

I can’t imagine the past 11 years without Buttons as she has shown us so much.
She has motivated us to go on a walk almost everyday. – Great Exercise and finding joy in simple things.
She doesn’t hold grudges or hang onto resentment. – What a great lesson that is.
If she desires something all of her focus stays on it – Keep on tract and you will get what you want.
She loves to have a good time and play ball. - Stopping to have fun reduces pressure and stress.
She has stayed close to us during sickness, loves us for what we are. – Unconditional love.

No matter how much longer Buttons is with us I will always be thankful for the time we had.