Adopting a dog named Webster.

Posted on August 5, 2008 by Karen Johnson, DVM

It’s just the start of the work day but I’m really missing my dog. It’s been a busy week and he and I haven’t had as much time as usual for our adventures. I was without a dog for almost two years before I was ready to find my next best friend. I really wanted to get a puppy, and some day I will, but right now with my work schedule and commitments it wouldn’t be fair to either of us. So, I went to the Oregon Humane Society hoping to find a 35-40 pound long haired border collie mix. I’ve had them before and energy-wise at least (I think they’re smarter than I am) it’s a good match. Instead, I ended up with Webster, a 60 pound short haired black dog of unknown parentage but endless energy and enthusiasm.

Webster had almost every bad house manner a dog can have-jumping on people, using the furniture as a launching pad from one thing to the next, counter surfing, and relentlessly harassing my three cats. He was afraid of the car, didn’t know how to walk on a leash and literally screamed like he was being tortured in the early parts of being kennel trained. There were moments in those early days when I asked myself what I had done. When I made the decision to adopt Webster I made the commitment to him to see the two of us through the trying and difficult times together and build a lifelong relationship. And what a job we have done.

After life in 2 different shelters Webster has been mine for almost two years. I’m very proud of my Webster, Webbie, Web and of myself for helping him realize the incredible dog that he is. His house manners are impeccable, the car is his very favorite place (adventures!) and he puts himself to bed in his kennel at 10PM almost every night. He knows the commands I have taught him and walks perfectly on the leash as long as there are no squirrels in sight (then forget it). He goes to doggie day care or comes to the office with me during the work week. In the evening he’s my running buddy, my cycling partner or my walking companion. Sometimes we go for ice-cream. Every weekend day we’re up early, out and about exploring and enjoying the outdoors. His zest, enthusiasm and delight for anything and everything is as good for me as it is for him. I’m crazy about my dog and I think he feels the same. The cats still aren’t really so sure.



Share this.


Subscribe to the RSS