Today I’m interrupting your regularly scheduled foodie programming to tell you a story. A story about how a girl who hated dogs with all her might met a dog who hated people with all his might… and now they love each other more than either thought was possible.
All photos in this post are by me unless otherwise noted.
I was born into a family of women who are a bit… shall we say… prissy? about animals. Spanning at least 3 generations. Naturally, I adopted this worldview too at an early age, and as a child was especially terrified of dogs. As I transitioned to adulthood, my serious phobia lessened and became more of a discomfort than a fear. I just couldn’t wrap my head around why anyone would want a shedding, barking, jumping thing in their home.
When my relationship with my dog-loving husband (then-boyfriend) was getting serious, he made it clear that it would make him very happy to have a dog someday. I eagerly agreed that as soon as we had a house with a yard, we could get a dog. I was sure to win the battle, since we were living contently in an urban apartment building in the heart of Los Angeles.
(Photo by my friend Jonathan)
Well. Change happens sometimes, and before I knew it, we had our very own house with a yard in a small town in Oregon. I had to make good on my promise. Throughout that time, I made an effort to try to spend time with friends’ dogs, and of course (smacks self on forehead) learned pretty quickly that the positive far outweighs the negative with almost all pets.
On a whim one spring day a few years ago, we decided to pop into our local humane society to make some new friends. Just looking, of course. We were definitely not going to adopt a dog that day. Riiiiight. We walked out of the shelter with a terrified, neglected little guy who needed a lot of love. Oliver J. Dogg, formerly named Lucky (his life hadn’t been so lucky, so we picked a more appropriate name). You can give full credit to my husband for the corny middle initial and last name.
When we were looking at the pups, I had walked right past his kennel, looking for bright-eyed, friendly dogs. By a twist of fate, we were introduced to him by a volunteer at the shelter that day, now a dear friend of ours and Ollie’s “dog-mother,” who was head-over-heels for him and intensely committed to finding the right family for him. I will be forever grateful to her for giving us the opportunity to be his family.
(Photo by my friend Jonathan)
It took a bit of training before he relaxed and started to settle inwith us, but overwhelmingly, more than training, he just needed love. A warm couch to curl up on, consistent food, treats, and exercise, and a home where he could feel safe. After he got those basic needs met, we started to see his personality come out. He’s been with us for about 3 years now, and I’m a bit biased, but I’m pretty sure he’s a perfect dog.
(Passed out at our wedding ceremony. Photo by Joe Milton)
As for me, I’m now a full-fledged dog lover. It just took a little exposure therapy. I’m sure a lot of you can relate to the indescribable closeness with your pets that I never understood until Ollie came into my life. I wanted to share this story with you all because he has a big piece of my heart, and…well… so do you.
(Photo by my friend Jonathan)
p.s. If you’re wondering what breed he is, we have no clue. We have some vague ideas… any guesses?
Twitter: @openairphoto
I’m SO glad you posted this amazing story on here. We rescued our black lab/pit mix last year and he is the by far the best thing that has ever happened to us. Animals have the ability to teach you kindness, patience, and how to snuggle like a pro. We want lots more!!!
Twitter: @lnrbailey
My rescued dog is sooo naughty but he literally saved my life. And my husband loves him more than his big screen TV. I totally get you Amy.
Twitter: @KellyOshiro
How sweet! I’m actually moving next week to place where I can finally get a dog. And I will be getting a rescue dog! Lovely story!!!!
Twitter: @jeninthecountry
I was also a dog fearer/hater… until my husband had a bad day at work and we went to a shelter and adopted a dog on a whim. We adore him! A few weeks ago, we again walked into a shelter “just to look” and came home with a new puppy. I can’t imagine our home – or our lives – without them!
.-= Jen’s most recent blog post: holiday treats! =-.
Twitter: @amiatead
i love ollie! he and charlie need to have a playdate. :)
great story. looks like a husky mix.
I’m guessing Oliver has some Australian Shepherd in him. He looks a LOT like our dog, Clyde, except Clyde has some white fur too and it’s longer. He was also a rescue from the side of the highway, it appeared he had been dumped. He’s one of 5 rescue animals in our home. Thank you for your story about rescuing!
I love Dog stories. Bravo to you for overcoming your fear/discomfort with dogs! With a dog like Oliver, I can see why you were won over.
.-= Anne K’s most recent blog post: Crazy for Hello Kitty =-.
Twitter: @happymjc
What a wonderful story! And I seriously did a double take because Ollie looks nearly identical to my rescue Patterson–who is a one year old mix as well. We know he has lab, husky and german shepherd, but we also think he has some sort of hound. Besides the ears (Patters are more floppy) and slight difference in color (Patter is a little more white, but turning more brownish everyday it is uncanny! I love the picture of him sleeping at your wedding!
Two sweet!! And I think he looks like a German Shepard (ish).
.-= Starry-Eyed Barefoot Bride’s most recent blog post: Prayers Please =-.
Twitter: @emilyj82
You are such a sweetheart for bringing Ollie into your home. He looks so healthy and happy! Hubs and I can’t wait until we have our very own house with a yard and can welcome a four-legged furry member into our family!
.-= Emily’s most recent blog post: A Festive Menu =-.
Twitter: @honeysucklelife
I absolutely love our dogs, and wish everyone had that type of relationship. We use Jesse as an ice breaker in our neighborhood. He’s great with kids, and loves to run. Perfect for a culture that is scared of dogs!
.-= Rebekah’s most recent blog post: 30 Days of Working Out =-.
Thanks for sharing! I adore my dogs and couldn’t imagine my life without them. :) I love the picture of Ollie at your wedding.