My Actifit Report Card: April 29 2019

Over 18,000 steps today.

If I told you I was merely exhausted, would you believe me?

Have you ever done a thing, knowing it was the right thing to do, but then later realize sometimes the right thing to do, is a horrible idea?

Meet Rigby. My most recent "right thing to do" and terrible idea.

He has completely turned our lives upside down, while we are busy dealing with so many other things.

His people gave him away. Seven years old. They've had him six of those years. Why?

"We're moving and it's too hard to find a place that accepts dogs."

If you remember the HELL my family went through to keep our dogs while we were homeless, you can join me in my hearty "Fuck off, twat waffles".

This is the lamest, laziest, idiotic excuse out there. Are they leaving the human toddler they've only had for two years behind? Of course not. But the dog that's been family for six? Give him away. For free. In a port town. Of 89,000 fucking people. Dripping in heroine, meth and dog fighting rings.

He's good with cats and kids but not with other dogs, says irresponsible owner.

I also have a dog who isn't so good with other dogs. But you know what else I do have? A direct contact to the co-founder of a local rescue. And a fucking conscious.

So I raise my hand. I say "I'll take him." And I call my contact who says he will work on finding a foster. The dog will be with me until then.

And guess what? He is NOT good with cats. He has ripped holes in my hands, blisters that bleed every time I walk him because he is seven years old and has no manners. He barks in his crate and snaps at my dog and will, WILL kill my cats if I do not keep him leashed 24/7.

But you know what else? It's not his fault.

He didn't ask to be dumped off on some strangers door. Nobody ever told him cats aren't to be killed. Nobody ever told him he isn't the Alpha. Nobody ever told him he can go for a walk every day, if he minds his manners.

Know what else? He's a snuggler. He loves pets and cuddles, he is a lap dog. He loves water and will chase a ball every time you throw it, until he drops from exhaustion.

He's smart. He's learning. He's figuring out he doesn't get corrected if he doesn't pull on the leash. He's learning that I go out the door and down the stairs first, because he is not the alpha. He is learning that sitting when told earns him extra praise.

He is a good dog, to the best of his abilities. And he doesn't deserve this. But I'll be there for him until it's time for him to go.

We're on day three. It's hard to find a foster with no cats and either no other dogs or a dog laid back enough to deal with the aggression.

I made the decision to deliver him to safety, and that is what I'll do. And his next home will be his forever home.

Pets are a life long commitment. Period.

Walking