Lessons from a Hound Dog

Abbey is a vintage Hound Dog. We don't know exactly how old she is. The Vet thought she was about 10 when we adopted her 7 years ago. She definitely has Fox Hound in her. Beyond that, we don't know. She was on death row and past her time limit. We adopted her along with a dog who was dropped off with her and who may (or may not be) her daughter. We'll never know for sure. We named the younger dog Hope. They came home to meet their sister, Grace about the same age as Hope.

Lesson One - Never give up. Abbey was emaciated and in very poor condition when she was dumped at the shelter. She had barely been fed and cowered as if she had been treated badly. She had fleas and worms and was missing teeth. She must have been wondering what was going to happen next when we took her home.

Lesson two- an old dog can have a wonderful life and be a great companion. Who would have thought she would have so much quality time left? To this day she is in good health, has lots of energy and enjoys her daily routine. She has Cushing's Disease, but treated, it's not a problem at all.

Lesson three- you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Abbey went to obedience school both beginning and advanced courses and she sit, down, stay, heel, come and do all the important commands. She can be greeted by strangers and left with them and still mind her manners. She had no training at all when she came to us but was so eager to please us (and to get the training treats) that she learned very quickly.

Lesson four - enjoy life. Abbey is happiest dog I have ever seen. She loves toys, treats, food, food (oh did I mention food?), chasing squirrels, birds, cats, bugs whatever she can get and making herself a nest of blankets to sleep in on her bed. She enjoys puzzles, such as opening a Pringles Can and digging a treat out from under the TV. She gets great joy out of everything. After a while, she earned a middle name. Abbey Joy seems to fit her. She lives for belly rubs and sits in a specific way and gives the sad hound look so you will stop what you are doing and go rub her belly. She purrs like a cat (that's the only way to describe it) and barks in her sleep.

Lesson five, take time to smell the flowers and play in the leaves. Abbey enjoys nature and exploring. Fall is her favorite time. Great piles of leaves accumulate in our neighborhood she has to walk right through them. Not around them, not beside them, she has to jump in with all four feet. On pickup day, the leaf piles are collected and reach 10 feet high and her eyes get big. She would go right over the top if I let her. She loves listening to the frogs by the lake and can't figure out where the sounds come from.

Lesson six- be content. There is no greater picture of contentment than Abbey after dinner, her belly full stretched out on the couch with her chin on her paws. She doesn't care that the couch is second hand or that the house is small. She has what she needs and she is happy.

We should all be as happy and content as Abbey. Seeing the world through her eyes is a privilege.