|
 |
Shadow
By Josie and Ryan Park
|
My husband, Ryan, and I have been debating for
quite some time whether we should adopt a dog or
not. I was always waiting for “the right time” while
Ryan was thinking that this has been the longest time
he has been without a dog. When I started my new
job with a nontraditional schedule (consisting of a
mix of overnights and day shifts), I thought that this
might actually be “the time” to seriously look into
adopting a greyhound…So that is when we started
the adoption process.
Shadow came into our lives, right off the January
23rd transport. Ryan, my step-daughter, Alexandria,
and I were very excited to meet the newest addition
to our family. Shadow was very nervous and
anxious at first, but has adjusted very well over the
last 4 months. Even on the first day he laid down in
the same room as us and that’s when I knew he was
starting to find his place in his new home. Since then,
Shadow’s tail has been wagging more and more.
He loves meeting new people and seeing new things.
Of course there are times when he is timid and shy
and doesn’t want to leave our side (sometimes we
have to tell him to move over to give us some space
), then other times he feels like a king! We have
brought Shadow to parks, to visit family, and on
many walks. He even learned to play “tug of war”!
We started obedience classes and he already has a
girlfriend—Mandy the Beagle!
At first Shadow wasn’t a big fan of the snow, but now
he seems to want to spend more and more time
outside, with or without snow. When we aren’t out
he is relaxing very comfortably on our sofa…Yes, he
taught himself how to get on the sofa….We didn’t
have to teach him that, but we have to teach him to
come, lay down, etc?! (Something’s wrong with that
picture.)
My family feels very blessed to have Shadow in our
lives. He brings us so much joy every day. Shadow
gives us the opportunity to get outside more often;
like a purpose to get some fresh air. He truly is a
blessing to have. We know that he is happy, as
well, because of the excitement he shows when
we come home, and his tail goes crazy over little
things! Shadow is definitely in a happy place and
we wouldn’t trade him for anything. |
|
