Dogs in My Life
80
When I hung up my uniform in retirement, I wondered what I would do with what time was left to me. I was classified by the Social Security people as totally disabled so I couldn't get a proper job. Writing seemed to be a avenue to social productivity open to me and the thing I knew a good deal about was the dogs who had lived with me and the three who still do.
Most of my life, excepting while on military assignment overseas, I took in stray dogs, dog pound dogs and would always be willing to take someone's cast off dog. Naturally, these were seldom blooded dogs. They were mostly just mutts who were down on their luck. Some were very inteligent and some were dumb as posts. Some were large and others were small. They all loved me and I loved them.
I've heard real dog experts say that a dog in the pound knows what his fate is going to be. He realizes that death is waiting for him. I believe this. This means that when you take a dog from the pound or a rescue shelter, he feels a gratitude that is hardly believable unless you've been on death row and got a pardon from the governor a few days before your scheduled execution.
I'm going to tell the story of a dog living with me now. His name is Pinoy. My wife is from Manila and she gave him that name, which means Filipino.
My commanding officer and my best friend gave me a puppy about eleven years ago. It was small and furry with a bubbly personality. His mom looked like a Westie and his dad was suspected to be a black and white Shih Tzu in the neighborhood. He had his dad's looks but he had a good-sized nose, unlike Shih Tzus, who have a flat face. In a matter of days, I had fallen in love with the little mite. He was killed when he ran outside the door that someone accidentally left open. A car hit him within minutes of his dash outside.
I mourned this little fellow for months. Then I decided to find a dog in a shelter or the pound and give him the life that my beloved little friend would have had. I found a shelter a few miles from my home that rescued Shih Tzus run by a nice lady named Sue Sexton so my wife and I took the trip to see the dogs she had. Mrs. Sexton showed me her pens and I saw a couple of pens with only one Shih Tzu in them. "They're so unsociable that they have to live alone," she told me. We got to the general pen with several dogs in it. One was in a corner by himself. He had the same coloring as my dead dog so my heart went out to him right away. "Let me see that little loner there," I asked. Mrs. Sexton brought him into the house and put him down in front of me.
The Shih Tzu looked me over and sniffed me. I picked him up and he offered no objection. Mrs. Sexton said that he didn't let just anyone pick him up so I felt that I had gained at least partial acceptance by the small dog. It helped that I knew the proper way to pick a small dog up too.
I saw that he had a marled eye and a missing front tooth. That didn't bother me. I told Sue Sexton that a dog didn't need to be able to see very good to live with me. Sue then told me that he was about two years old and had an aversion to small children. I told her we had none in the house. I decided to take the little guy and we signed the paperwork and gave her the fee. I had brought a leash along and after putting it on him, he trotted along with me to the car. So far, so good.
"What do we name the little mite," I asked my wife. "Pinoy," she answered. "But, Shih Tzus are Chinese in origin," I said. My wife replied, "Well, he's a Filipino dog now." So, Pinoy it was.
I had two elderly female German Shephard/Lab mixes living with me at the time. These two old girls were delighted with the new dog and were friendly with him from the start. He seemed to take no notice of them at all. I put that down to his being "fixed" but he never showed any interest in any other dog that he ever met either. He didn't seem to want to be petted much. He'd endure a few minutes of it then would hop down and go off by himself. It appeared that he just wanted to be left alone pretty much. "Okay," I said to myself, "he's not going to be the joyful bundle that the dead dog was. That's okay, He's still better off here than in a shelter."
Shih Tzus are high maintence dogs and before long, it was time for Pinoy to go to the groomer for a haircut. He had what they called the "puppy cut" when I got him and I decided to keep it short. It would never have been something that I would have done to let his hair grow long like the show dogs. I took him to a well advertised dog groomer. I had to leave him there and return in a few hours to get him. When I came back at the appointed time and was standing at the counter, one of the female groomers said to the shop owner that "that Shih Tzu growled at me." She clearly didn't know I was there to pick up that Shih Tzu. As they brought him out from the back of the place, Pinoy saw me and ran to me. He put his little feet on my leg to be picked up. Clearly, he was glad to see me. This was the first time he'd shown any affection for me. When a couple of months passed and I took him back to that same shop, he started trembling. I turned away from the door and never went back to them. I found a nice groomer at a vet's office and he's been happy enough with them.
I took sick not long after that. I think it was flu or something like. Pinoy did something he'd never done before. He hoppped up on my bed and lay beside me. This was a sign that we were bonding at last, I thought.Then, a most extraordinary thing happened. A friend of my wife came to visit me. She came into my totally dark room and Pinoy, with only one eye, couldn't see who it was. To him, it was a home invader come to do harm to me. He put his little front paws on my chest and barked furiously at this apparition in the room. My visitor turned on the lights and I calmed Pinoy down. It was worth being sick to see this little dog, who I had never been sure had liked me all that much, put his little body between me and what he perceived as danger.
From that day on, Pinoy was treated like the hero he was. I never again wondered how he felt about me.
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Great Pate! Your stories of your pups always warm my heart. I know just how much joy they can bring into your life
Thank you, Sasha. I'll keep you posted on more dog stories as I write them. I appreciate you so much.
Oh what a beautiful story, I am in tears of sadness and joy, reading this story, well done you and your wife sound such beautiful people, we have 5 dogs two are rescues, they all sleep on our bed, or should I say they allow us to sleep there too, Dogs are amazingly loyal creatures, and are the best friend anyone could ever wish for. is the little pink face dog above yours, I love that photo.
Marie, you're very kind to say that. That little demon got into a lipstick!
God bless you for what you do for our critters.
the literary version of a glucose tolerance test :P.
Nice site :)
For the other readers who have not known you for twenty years as I have, that was him being kind. LOL.
Thanks for emailing me about your blog! I've added you to my blog reader so that I can be aware of new posts.
You are most welcome, I rememebr seeing that photo some where, and always makes me giggle. I see you were a colonel, my grand father was a colonel in the British army for most his life, my father was a seargent major and was in the army for 26 years , my husband for 9 years as a PTI and my son for 3 years, he wishes he stayed in now. But we are all animal lovers, that photo of your little pink faced rascel is the cutest I have ever seen. Are the books I see here what you have written.
No, dear, I haven't written any books yet. Thank you for your kind words and thank your family for their service. God bless you for what you do for doggies.
That was fun. Great photo too.
All my dogs but one are & were rescues. They are the best. Thank you for sharing your life with furpals.
Thank you, Iria and Bev, for your good thoughts. I appreciate you.
Wonderful story! Thank you for sharing him.
Thanks, Jane. I'm glad you like it.
thank you for that story---dogs enrich our lives in so many ways and ask for so little in return: bless you for your service to our country and to dogs :)
Cynthia, your words warm my heart. Thank you for reading my little story. God bless you for what you do for dogs.
I enjoyed that story so much. I do know what Pinoy means. I have two hapa pinoy granddaughters.
Thanks, Susan or should I say, "Salamat."
What a beautiful story. My heart is singing. Thank you Colonel.
Bless you, dear. Thank you very much
.
I like it.
You're a man of few words, I see. Well, thanks for liking the story, Doug. There will be more soon.
I enjoyed your story so much and hope you have another one for us very soon.
Thanks, Ouida. I'll have to get busy right away and write one.
New blog about Lucy. http://hubpages.com/t/22cf09
What a wonderful story! Dog lovers are such special people!
Thank you, Charleen. Maybe we're only special because dogs are so special.
That was wonderful Sir, I believe if you wrote a book it would be a guaranteed best seller and I would buy the first copy. So eloquent. Thank you for inviting me here to read your stories.
Sue, you make me feel so good at the start of this day. Thank you so much. I just may write that book one day if the grim reaper will stay his hand.
A very nice story. We enjoyed it ..Thanks very much
High praise indeed from my fellow dog lovers. Thank you.
Hi Pate. Thank you for sharing this post. Great stuff. You will keep amazing me> Take care Mate :)
Thanks, Georges. I hope things are going well for you.
Thank you for the wonderful/heart touching story. God bless.
Thank you, Wati.
Thank you Colonel Pate. Beautiful story from a man who obviously has a great heart!
You're very kind, JerseyGirl. Thank you.
Lovely story...My dears were relieved of all their pains recently 14 yr old on July 26, 2010 her 18 yr old mom on Jan 3, 2011. Both 'mutts'are mourned terribly. I can't think of bringing another home yet. As a former USMC, I thank you Col and bless you for the tender heart for the animals.
Denise, I know what its like to lose a beloved dog. I always mourn for a while, then go get another down-on-his-luck dog from the pound or a shelter. I think its a good way to commermorate the deceased dog's memory by giving another dog the chance to live the life he did.
Semper Fi from a former member of the 1st Marine Brigade, FMF.
I have a cat 16 years old and of course I love her but there is something about dogs it seems that is so human. I have had a few, even a Dingo. Beautiful story, doesn't seem many here put stories and for whatever reason that interests me more than how to grow strawberries. I even read biographies of old stars I never knew. Great story, thank you for sharing it and welcome to hubs.
Polly
so glad to meet another person who looks at dogs in a different light... I love dogs too and they are Filipino dogs or real Philippine Local Dogs, who became pretty dogs because of my love for them, some people insist they have breed but I am sure when they were given to me they are really Local dogs... I am living alone and my dogs never made me feel that way...hope to read more touching dogs stories from you
Salamat, Maria. You take care of your dogs.
Wow what a great story you have there Sir, amazing I have cute dogs too.MABUHAY KA!
Thank you, Rock. I had to get my Filipina wife to translate Mabuhay Ka for me. LOL
Love this! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you, Teresa!
Great story!
Lovely story! :)
ur writing is beautiful.i am a rescuer its tiring work mostly dealing with the people the animal part is enjoyable
God bless you for what you do for our furry friends, Abby.
It is so cute story i love this ^_^ thanks for making it for puppies and s!!odg
Thank you very much.
I've had many shih-tzus, and one rescue. She was the last to go last summer, and I miss her. i just finished reading your story, and think you are a kind, compassionate human being. Any animal you adopt would be extremely fortunate to have such a thoughtful, patient owner. I only wish there were more people in the world like you.
Bless you, and keep up your admirable work.
You're very kind. Thank you.
THAT WAS WONDERFUL COLONEL PETE... I CAN'T WAIT TO READ MORE... THANKS FOR SHARING....
Thank you, Kathy. I'll have more stories soon.
Well, now I'm weepy! Thank you for sharing your story, I truly enjoyed reading it. Jeri
Thank yuu, Jeri. God bless you for what you do for our little furry friends.
I run a small dog rescue, mostly pekingese and shih tzus. My wish for every one of them is to find a fur ever home with someone like you, willing to take the time, give the space, and be there when the dog realizes that he is really home for good. These dogs often take a long time to learn to trust people again, thanks for being there for the little guy.
If there hadn't been people like you, Teri, I wouldn't have been able to find that little scamp of mine. God bless you for taking care of them.
That is a wonderful story. That is so great that you are rescuing dogs. There are so many animals that need homes. I have two dogs and a whole bunch of cats since I seem to be a magnet for cats. And they are feral cats, so it is hard to find them a home.
I enjoyed your post. It is always nice to meet another animal person.
Thank you so much, Marg.
Fantastic story, animals are amazing. Thank you for sharing
I love your story...I have a niece and nephew that recently came back from Iran....you have a wonderful way of writing and expressing yourself...I am so glad you chose to adopt, and gave that poor baby a chance...whatever happened in his past before you impacted him severely that he had trust issues, and I have a feeling that the groomer who said he growled at her probably was not very nice to him to begin with...when he saw you his savior arrived and Pinoy realized oh he is my daddy, and savior...I need to love him unconditionally...and when he was protecting you...that was the proof Pinoy loved you...God Bless
You touched my heart, Virginia. Thank you very much. I don't usually get so emotional over comments but you really got to me.
Good job Sir. Well done.
Thank you very much, Gunny. I would trade my eagles to be a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant. Semper Fi.
You are a wondeful person for taking care of dogs. The bond between man and dog is a wonderful thing. Thank you for sharing
Thank you, Liz. Your words mean a lot to me.
Very nice story. The dog is like human if you train it successfully. By the way you are so nice to take care your beautiful dog.
People pay lip service to the practice of unconditional love. I have insisted for years that dogs actually PRACTICE it. What great teachers they are to the people.
I my opinion there is nothing like a dog to enrich your life. They bring only unconditional love and only ask to be loved back.
I think ...both of you are heroes. Ya'll came into ones life for a reason.God Bless man's best friend!! They sure make me happy!! :)
thats a fantastic story x
Thank you, Chuck. I do believe that God has brought the two of us together for a reason.
I looove this story!
absolutely delightful and heart warming story.. those little munch kins have ways to steal your heart..... and lipstick! luv this!
Thanks, Luanne and whatastunner. Yes, the little devil wasn't a bit ashamed of himself. LOL.
Lovely story, Col.! I especially enjoyed the part about your new dog protecting you while you were ill.
I've had surgery twice since my not-so-mini Schnauzer came into my life. Both times while I was convalescing at home, she spent most of her time lying on my bed "taking care" of me. She, too, would growl if someone unexpected walked into my room or came near my bed. It was very much a "guarding" situation.
Although she follows me around, sleeps on my bed, and shamelessly begs me for tummy tickles, my fur pal doesn't normally jump into my lap when I'm sitting in a chair. The fact that she will jump into the lap of almost anyone else who will let her (one of my sons, who lives with me, or anyone who visits) might make me wonder a bit except I'm completely certain that she loves me quite as much as I love her.
JAYE
You have a brave and loving little Schnauzer. A dog is the only animal that will fight to the death in a battle it knows it can't win to save the life of his human.
wonderful story, thank you for being you, xx
Thank you for your kind words, Ann. I lost my beloved little Shih Tzu last week and am in mourning.
what a great story. I have a shih tzu named king bubba who has help fill the void in my heart after losing my mom in January. These animals truly bring great joy into ones heart. keep up the good work. I truly enjoyed reading your blog.
this is a lovely story, so sorry to hear that you have lost your little sole mate, i know how you feel as when i lost my little mitzy, there was a great hole in my heart, but we got our little winnie (shih-tzu) and she has brought us so much joy. god bless you x
Miriam, Terry and Mandy, thank you for your wonderful remarks. We have adopted another dog from the same rescur shelter that we got the Shih Tzu ten years ago.
He is a little Pom named Sparky and he's simply delightful. The whole family loves him. I think I needed him more than he needed me.
my dog ruffles passed in feb. this year i feelyour pain thanks for thestory i now have a weiner dog who is special toi me
This is such an amazing blog! i absolutely love it, your stories are so heart warming! and i just wanted to say that i am terribly sorry to hear that you lost your pet. xoxo :)
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closer to thirty since we first met … haven’t lived next door to you in over 20.
I still say the best of your doggie bunch was Lucy. She was a fine mutt… and a much "manlier" dog than a little bosom-warmer. Call this a request for a story about her, if you will, sir.
I’ve always wondered if a Shih Tzu could be useful… Had visions of spraying ‘em with Endust to keep hardwood floors clean and such. Maybe it’s better that I’ll never get one… :)
A wonderful and uplifting story. Also well written X
Thank you, Jo. I appreciate you.
Very good story and your dog's name is cute Pinoy :D
I'm from Philippines too :D
That picture you have is so adorable. I didn't know this but there are common foods that should not be fed to pets. I guess they are fine for you and me but can be very poisonous for our pets.
Thank you,Dave. I'm careful about what my dogs eat.
that was such a tender story. i had gotten my hound mix at a kmart store where the security person had brought in a box of puppies that I did my best to avoid. I had just injured my back and was pulled from worrk and put on ssdi. Thought one day I would go back that never happened. Anyway i needed a battery for my watch and had to go to the corner as the counter was there to purchase the battery I needed. i felt something pulling at my fingers i looked down and it was the cutest fatest little thing I had ever seen and his owner said I was the only one he took an interest in. i took him home and loved him with all I had he became ill and recently passed my heart is broken but that was the best seven years of my life he full filled me withsomuch joy and never had a bad day in his life. i now pray another hound mix puppy finds his way into my life like that little guy did. I detest how quiet it is here and no just how you feel about having your pet return your love. Take care and hope you and your family remain happy with your dogs.
Thank you, Shari and God bless you for what you did for the little hound.
Great story thanks!!
Thank you for the email about your post. Great heart warming story and well written. You and your little Shih Tzu are so lucky to have each other. There is so many out there that nobody gives a second chance. I have a blind Shih Tzu myself and a rescue Border Collie. Nice Post Thank You for being a friend to the animals
what a wonderful story, I admire you for taking this little fellow in and taking such wonderful care of him,they give so much love , they love us more then they love themselves... , they are family,thank you for doing what you did
Thanks, Marie, for your kind comments. My little fellow has given me far more than I gave him. My life wouldn't be as good as it is without him.
Rescued pets are the most loving and appreciative. Beautiful story.
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!!!! I absolutely LOVE this story (except the part about the first little one meeting with an untimely fate...:-( My husband is retired from the Air Force and also adores animals. Real Men ARE Kind to animals! Thank you for your service and for your heart, in every aspect. HUGS!
Thank you, Donna and Tami. I appreciate your kind remarks.
Nice story :)
Wonderful story! I've posted a link to my blog about our rescue Shih Tzu :)
I think ...both of you are heroes. Ya'll came into ones life for a reason.God Bless man's best friend!! They sure make me happy!! :)
Thanks so much.
Wonderful story! The dogs in our lives are what keep us humble, I believe. So much unconditional love in a small package.
Houdini, my Maltese pictured in the small dogs FB page has taken me through many journeys and my strapping 6'2' 240lbs husband takes him everywhere.
Keep writing your terrific tales, saving furry friends and Thank You for protecting our country.
Denise
Thank you so much. My stories are all true and I'll keep them up until I'm surprised by the Grim Reaper.
I have a Shih Tzu and a Lhasa Apso. Both were rescued from Shih Tzu Rescue in South Florida where I live. They are the best. I don't know what I did before them. Your story was wonderful. Keep up the posts.
Thanks, Patricia. The only thing I'd change about my little Shih Tzu is to make his hair grow slower. Those grooming charges kill me. But, I love the little rat anyway.
Lol loving the pink chops n paws made me laugh out load when I saw the picture on facebook lol he's a cheeky looking chap :o) my Boxer Max would love him lol. PS the url Ive added is a great forum Im on not my forum though just thought Id add it :o)
Thanks, Pippa. He is a cheeky little devil and he's convinced that he runs the house. I appreciate your kind comments.
Wonderful story, actually says more about you than Pinoy. It takes a very special person to truly understand as well as love dogs. Coming from an abusive childhood I know well the comfort of a dog licking the tears off of my cheeks. Unfortunately not all of my family understand the deep love and need that I have for my four-legged babes; I am pretty sure you would.
Thanks, Rayber, for your kind words. Pinoy is a wonderful little dog that blossomed after his rescue. I suspect that I do understand your need for your four-footed babes.
Wow, you are the best, you caring your dog like a child. Yeah, I love dog. Dog is like human if you train it successful.
Thank you, Ekiahali. I appreciatate that.
Thank you, easinarafat, I appreciate that.
I love dogs...nice to hear your story. Great to hear of other people who care for them.
Thank you kindly, Summer. I like to hear from fellow dog lovers.
A beautiful hub and thank you so much for sharing.
I am now also looking forwrd to reading many more of your hubs.
Take care
Eiddwen.
Well, thank you, Eiddwen. I'll keep writng my little dog stories until death surprises me.
Oh, how sweet! I can't bear to think of any dogs being mistreated or not loved to the fullest. What my Lizzie (7 yr old shih-tzu) has brought to my life could never be measured! That unconditional love is so addicting! She's brought out the best in me. I am going to sign up to be a foster for ST's. It made me feel good to read your blog and find another person that feels as I do. Hugs to you and your wife!
Thank you, Cindy, for your kind remarks. My little Shih Tzu is now twelve, blind, diabetic and his hips are failing him. He gets better treatment here in the house than he could get in a famous hosital. I remember so vividly that night when he put his little body between me and what he perceived as danger. That was a life-changing experience for both of us. That night I learned that the little fellow did indeed love me. That was the night he became a hero.
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Great hub.Fantastic story of importance of dogs in your life.well done.
Thank you, Fashion. I'm just a man who has had an affinity for dogs all my life. Now that I'm retired, I can devote more time to the care of my three in the house.
What a lovely story. Thank you for sharing. It really touch my heart. Debby
I saw your story and the picture of your little baby,....I wish I had him,...he's so beautiful.
please , give him a kiss for me.
Who knew a poodle was a beast by night?
I used to not have so much empathy for dogs. Then I watched 'The Science of Dogs.' Highly recommended. Dogs apparently have been bred to empathize with humans by reading the right side of our faces where our emotions show themselves.
(Visiting per your FB note.)
I love the photos and the story is wonderful. Thanks for sharing it.
Rebecca 13 months ago
That was a very sweet story. Thank you.