Casper
I Am Not a Dog Person!
By Marie Hartman
Two spring’s ago a large and heavily-coated tan and black dog appeared on our country property. She parked herself in the shade a long distance away, panting. I kept an eye out for about a week and watched as she would come and go, walking along a very busy road. I didn't want to get involved and she kept her distance.
Then one day she returned and parked herself on our deck! I could tell then, she was emaciated and hungry. I put some food out against my husband's wishes. She seemed very aloof, shutdown, confused, even depressed. We could not get close to this animal; she actually charged me once during a feeding. We decided to take pictures and post them online, at the local animal shelters, even at the Post Office—every place we could think of, with no calls. What were we to do with a dog who was too frightened to come close…and too aggressive to ever make it out of to the local pound? Did I mention I’m a cat lover?
Long story short, after three weeks of feeding and letting her rest on our deck, she came up and nudged my hand to be petted! I was in tears! This dog had been dumped. Left to fend for herself. Was clearly abused. She was unwanted, until we fell in love with her. We named her Casper—she's so quiet, like a ghost.
Never in this lifetime did I imagine a dog entering my home—but Casper was the exception. She is a dream—calm and exceptionally well behaved. She has an incredibly sweet nature, is smart, respectful, and obeys without fail. Casper and my husband are inseparable!
And the lesson to me has been eye-opening. I finally understood how people can have such love for a dog. I don't mind the kisses, the doggie smell, the drools and the little gifts left outside. Oh, and her smile—what pure joy and love!
It turns out, I AM a dog person.