A Rescue Story
I’ve been a pug guy all my life and never expected that to change. They’re short, stocky, stubborn dogs full of attitude and, in my experience, borderline untrainable. I’ve had three in my life, including our current pug, Olive, who is the most stubborn and sassy of them all. I love her for it.
My life as a pug person changed a few months ago when we adopted a Boston terrier from Border Tails Rescue outside of Chicago. This was all new to me. I’ve never had any dog other than a pug. I’ve never adopted a rescue or an adult dog. The veterinarian guessed her to be between 3 and 5 years old. She was skinny and nervous and, from what we could tell, had never seen stairs or been walked on a leash before. Sudden movements made her cower or jump.
We named her Franny. My kids have already added a string of nicknames, including Ms. Fran, Franna Banana and the Queen of Affranistan. It took some time, but she adjusted to a pampered life around our home, napping in the sun, running through the house with the kids and snoring in our bed. (Who knew there was a dog that snored louder than a pug?) Franny needs constant love and attention and there are plenty of people here to provide it. We love Franny, and she has altered our home in so many positive ways.
This month we’re looking at the other type of animal rescue: animals helping humans. In “Hero Pets” (page 48) we pull together incredible true stories of heroic animals, from the pit bull that fought off a shark (yes, a shark) to the squirrel (yes, a squirrel) that fought off a burglar. Read it and then be sure to give your own pets an extra treat or two. They might just save your life someday.