Blue: An Adoption Story

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved animals. I used to envy my friends who were allowed to have pets. My mother was allergic to cats and dogs so we couldn’t have any, much to the sadness of my younger brothers and me.

The summer I turned fourteen years old, after pleading for years, my parents finally got us a dog. A two-month-old yellow Labrador puppy. We named him Charlie. I grew up with that dog. He was my best friend and the shoulder I cried on whenever I went through rough times at school or in my personal life. He was my dog, but he wasn’t my dog. He was the family dog.

Charlie passed away ten years and a half later. I was 24 years old by that time and not living at home anymore. I didn’t get to say goodbye properly, I saw him last on Skype because I was away. I cried for weeks.

It took me a while to allow another pet become part of my life daily. My parents got another dog a year later, but I wasn’t ready for a dog yet, so I got myself a cat. Iris, my tuxedo cat, is still with me today. I love her to pieces and she’s a huge piece of the puzzle that I am.

When I met my boyfriend, three years ago, I also made the acquaintance of one good boy named Loki. A beautiful Labernese of one and a half years old. It clicked instantly, both with my boyfriend and his dog.

Eventually, we all moved in together. I was ready to get a dog for a year or two but since I didn’t have the space or lifestyle that was adequate to do so, I waited. But now, in our new place, I was ready to take the big step; adopt my very own dog.

Even if the choice was still mine in the end, I looked for a dog that both my boyfriend and I would like. I looked strictly into rescues because I wanted a dog to get a second chance. I took my time, even if I was anxious. What I need to tell you, though, is that my boyfriend was picky. It turned into a joke but all I could say was; “You think every dog is bad looking except your own”. To which he agreed.

Randomly one night, my friend tagged me on a Facebook post. It was by a man I didn’t know. He had to give up his dog for its well-being and I could tell it was heartbreaking for him. His reasons were good enough, he wanted what was best for his dog. The dog was gorgeous and ironically, the same breed mix than Loki, my boyfriend’s Labernese.

I wrote to the author of the post, explaining that I had been looking for a dog for a while and that I thought we were the good family for his 15-month-old dog, Blue. He didn’t write me back, not yet anyway. I think it was two weeks later, that he answered. Long story short, people came to get Blue but brought him back soon after because he was reactive. That, honestly, didn’t scared me off. I spoke with Blue’s owner for a week and we finally agreed that we would be Blue’s new family. We drove four hours to get him, then four hours to take him home.

That first night, we were ready to drive him back. He was a monster.

He ran around the place like a maniac, defying us when we tried to catch him to calm him down. I finally took him out for a walk despite the frigid temperature that a November night in Canada can offer. To be alone with me managed to soothe him. It was the first moment I shared one on one with him.

Days became weeks. Loki became Blue’s anchor, his big brother. He followed him everywhere. Weeks became months. Blue and I forged a bond. Each day, he answered to my commands, played with me, cuddled with me. He was still testing my limits from time to time, but I could tell he began to feel at home with us. Since he’s a dog struggling with acute anxiety, it was a huge accomplishment for him to finally accept us as his new and forever family.

I’ve had Blue for a year and a half now. He is doing awesome and making progress all the time, especially with his anxiety. He is such a good boy. I am glad I took the time to find the right dog for me and that I didn’t rush into things. Laberneses are amazing dogs. They can be lazy potatoes for a day and then follow you on a four-hour hike without a problem the next.

I think Blue and I were meant to find each other. Because he’s my best friend and I, his.