by Luna Sandoval
It was a dark and cold early morning the first time I took Gypsy for a walk. She was taking her time as she had never had the chance to do that before, stopping at every patch of dead grass that peeked through the thin layer of snow. I had a little while before I had to get to school, so we went pretty far along the trail. I have to say, though, when it was time to head back home, I was not expecting to carry a little fluffy dog all the way back. I didn’t mind. After all, she is a tiny little dog. But, as she showed from that first day, she’s in charge.
We spend more time around dogs than we realize. Dogs are a huge part of our lives. They need us. More importantly; we need dogs too, and sometimes even rely on them. It seems almost impossible to go for a walk through town without making a couple new friends. It’s amazing seeing what people have in common, and how much love we all have for animals.
The connection between dogs and humans is different for everyone. It is personal between each owner and dog. While it may be a little harder to understand another’s dog, it’s important that we understand our own and appreciate it.
Gypsy is a 9 year old shih tzu mix whom my family rescued from an abusive household a little over 5 years ago. Having a dog was never something that had crossed my mind as I am more of a cat person. They are more mellow and kind of just hang around.
When I first held Gyspy, she was a tiny little fluffball who was startled by the slightest movements. I knew that she needed a lot of patience and attention. That is just what we were willing to do. Every dog deserves a safe home, and that is just what she got.
We go on walks every day, where I like to let her lead the way. It’s very interesting seeing where your dog will take you. We sometimes end up in town where it’s busy with people and lots of scents for her little nose to enjoy.
But more than half the time it’s to the neighbors house to visit their two dobermans. They are huge compared to Gypsy - twenty times her size, between the two of them - but she thinks the opposite.
But more than half the time it’s to the neighbors house to visit their two dobermans. They are huge compared to Gypsy - twenty times her size, between the two of them - but she thinks the opposite.
They love her. Sometimes they come over to my house and stink up our couch. When I want to sit down, though, they’ll all make room. After all, Gypsy is in charge.