This post about why Our Dogs Are Our Family is part of the Nudges Wholesome Dog Treats #NudgesMoments #shop hosted by #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. All opinions are my own.
Do you have dogs? Well we do — and I couldn’t imagine my life without them. In our home, our dogs are considered true, valued members of our family and we give them a tremendous amount of love and respect because…they deserve nothing less. Over the years, our dogs have been through a lot together with us and throughout it all, they’ve always been a steadfast source of support, companionship and affection for us.
You see, once upon a time ago, I was trying to conceive and I was told that my chances were pretty slim. Back in college, I suffered from appendicitis and a ruptured ovarian tube due to a very large cyst gone rogue and I needed emergency surgery to deal with some internal bleeding. I was pretty young at the time, and kids were not really on my mind, so when they were hemming and hawing about saving a small piece of my ovary, I didn’t really care all that much. But years later, when I had met my match in my husband, I decided that I really did care and I wasn’t quite sure what that little scrap of ovary would be able to do for us.
Image: Denine M. Anderson-Regan
Unfortunately, the surgery that repaired my tube, also caused irreversible scar tissue to form, rendering it useless. Well, that’s not really fair – it was holding onto that scrap of ovary, so I should be nicer to it, eh? Anyways, my other ovary wasn’t functioning up to par either, so after many doctors appointments, and several years of trying to conceive, we went on fertility medications.
But, at some point during all of this trying to conceive, I became pretty depressed and I started to really dislike pregnant people. I know it sounds awful, but it’s the truth – and I especially disliked anyone who was complaining about how much it sucked to be pregnant. I also started to avoid social situations if I thought any pregnant people were going to be around. It wasn’t pretty and since I had no idea if we would ever get pregnant, I needed to figure out Plan B. Fast.
And then one night, it hit me.
I needed a baby.
And if I couldn’t have a skin-kid, I would make certain that I filled up my life with fur-kids instead.
Image: Denine M. Anderson-Regan
So, I brought it up to my husband and we decided to rescue a four-legged fur-baby. And we made sure it was a p-u-p-p-y. You know, so I had to wake up every 3 hours to let it go peeps, and so that it cried and whined and whimpered until it was picked up and cuddled and smothered with love, and so I could put it on my lap and take it everywhere with me. But where would we get such a fur-baby from?
Enter Another Chance for English Setters. By chance, we came across their website and I filled out an Adoption Form. By chance, they had someone local who could do a Home Visit asap. By chance, they had a litter of puppies that we’re almost ready to be adopted. And by chance, there was only one other person ahead of us on their list to Adopt a Dog.
When we got our first set of emailed pictures and laid eyes on our big, fat, roly-poly puppy, it was love at first site. Greta, as she was then called, was a tri-colored field setter. She was a silly, little puppy, and it looked like all of her parts and pieces were haphazardly stitched together. We adored the uniqueness of her markings. Her cute little face was black and brown, and her body was white and black, and she had a huge black clover on her backside. We knew we wouldn’t call her Greta forever – but we also knew that she was an answer to our prayers.
Image: Denine M. Anderson-Regan
When Greta came home, she fulfilled a need for us. A desperate, ravaging need to take care of someone. She became Birdy (my husband was a big golfer back then) and she only slept in the crate for one week. After that, she slept in bed with us – nestled between us – and we co-slept with her. We still do.
Ironically enough, we got pregnant a few months later.
A year after our son was born, we decided that even though our hearts were very full, we wanted to see if we could give him a sibling. We should have known then that “the sadness” would creep back upon us, but we were optimistic. But, after a few months of not conceiving, I felt it sneaking back upon me in my downtime. Only this time, I was older, smarter and wiser – and I knew the way out.
One morning, I looked at my husband and asked him for another puppy. He smiled, and we reached back out to ACES again. By chance, a litter had recently been given up for adoption and one of these adorably sweet, liver-colored pups was available to be snatched up.
Image courtesy of: Danica Barreau, Pouka.com
The minute we saw pictures of Donut (yes, Donut!), we knew that we had to have her. She was gorgeous. And by gorgeous, I mean catch-your-breath gorgeous. She looked like an albino fawn. Plus, she was being fostered by one of the greatest foster mothers of all time, Danica, and I knew she was in good hands.
Unlike our rambunctious fur-child Birdy, Libby, as she came to be called, was a gentle, shy, little gem and became the perfect Ying to Birdy’s Yang. And, just like her big sister, Birdy, she spends every night in bed with us.
As luck would have it, a few months later, we found out that we were pregnant again – and our family was complete.
Image courtesy of: Danica Barreau, Pouka.com
Through their endless supply of kisses, head bumps and laying their heads in my lap, our dogs have helped heal my heart, time and time again, and have shown me that love can come from many, many places.
Thanks for reading,
Denine
I have to agree that animals are a part of the family for sure! I can’t imagine my life without our animals. I’m glad that you were able to gain a full family.
I love our pets. They were our first kids. 🙂 What kind of pets do you have?
Our dogs are part of our family too. People tell us our dogs are too spoiled and we give them too much attention, take them on too many walks, feed them too many treats… you name it. But Honor and Delaney and Camilla Bean are our little fur-babies. Period! And the ones who have gone over the Rainbow Bridge into heaven, are still missed and forever will be! Great article!!
The Rainbow Bridge is the most difficult part of having a pet…but every time one of our fur-kids crosses over, we’re reminded of how blessed we were to have their companionship and love for all of those years before. I know from your Facebook Group that you love your dogs too – that’s why we think you’re the greatest! 🙂 Well that, and you’re awesome recipes…
This is just so touching! I’m glad your furbabies have helped to fill a hole for you!
Thanks Liz, They’ve filled many holes over the years. And pets make the best security blankets to hold on to when you’re really sad!
What beautiful dogs!! My two year old was sitting on my lap and said “Aww look at those doggies! CUTE! Let’s go find them! I wanna pet them!” So, if we show up on your doorstep… Our dog, also a rescue, love Nudges, too! I’m so glad to find a safe treat for the furbabies in our lives!! #client
Ha Sarah! If you’re ever in NY, shoot me an email. We love kids AND dogs! 😉 Do you know the mix of your rescue? Libby is a pure bred English Setter, Birdy is a mix of English Setter and we-have-no-idea-what. 😉
You have really really gorgeous dogs! I get my dog some treats some times but honestly I leave it mostly to my 9 year old. She can handle all that and prefers to
Yes Trisha! Our kids are in charge of the treats too. The Nudges treats are pretty big, so we cut them in half. The get one in the morning (after they do their business) and one at night (same reason)! 😉
What beautiful photos of your furbabies! My kids would love to have named our dog Donut!
The kids wanted to keep Donut too. 🙂
I’m so sorry for your struggles, but I’m so glad that you got your happy ending- and that your journey brought you to those beautiful pups, too! My pup loves Nudges, they’re her favorite.
Thanks Shell, I am a big believer that all of us go on journeys for all sorts of reasons. And we have to pay attention and learn from them – regardless of how difficult the journey – and lesson – may be. 🙂 What kind of dog do you have?
Great story, and very close to home! Except, I took in purring fur babies 🙂 . Amazing how focusing on them and relaxing helps a girl we preggers. Congrats on a full heart and home!
Hi Heather, We had three purring fur-kids too, but they have since gone on the the Rainbow Bridge. They were the best of friends and used to sleep together every night. I miss them, but we’re trying to let our dogs have some peace and quiet for awhile. 😉
We have 3 dogs, I truly believe I understand dogs better than i understand people. Dogs are amazing! We watch ingredients for them like we do for ourselves.
What kind of dogs do you have? We keep talking about a third…
Your fur babies are so sweet! We’re adopting a new dog this upcoming weekend and I can’t wait to have all the UPrS and downs that come with adding a new member to the family.
Congrats Jen! Enjoy your new addition and let us know what s/he looks like!! How much fun!
Oh, your fur babies are so sweet! Love that they were rescued.
Thanks MamaBuzz, We really like working with rescue organizations. It’s hard at times because we can only rescue puppies for now, but it is so lovely knowing that you gave a homeless pup a good home. 🙂
Aw, we had 3 fur-babies before our children came along. Sadly, our last dog passed just before Christmas.
With room in our hearts to love another, we look forward to welcoming a new puppy into our home in just a couple of weeks! WE will most certainly be stocking up on awesome treats!
Hi Natalie, The Rainbow Bridge is the hardest part of owning a pet, especially when they a real part of your family. I feel for you – I really do. But it is always nice to bring another addition into your life – it helps soothe your achy heart. 🙂 Have fun and enjoy your puppy kisses!
These look great, do you know if they are grain free?
I bought mine at Walmart (they offer the best price in my opinion) – you can see the product listing here: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nudges-Premium-Jerky-Cuts-Chicken-Vitamin-Essentials-18-oz-Dogs/33664116
Awwww, your dogs are so adorable!
Thank you. 🙂
I don’t have any dogs myself, but your fur babies are beautiful!
Thanks Tiff – They’re super sweet and cuddly too. 🙂
Birdy and Libby are BEAUTIFUL!
We don’t have dogs, but I can only imagine we would feed them like we feed our kids – healthy & wholesome foods!
We try to feed them well, and play with them, and love them. They offer us unconditional love, so they deserve it right back. 🙂
How sweet is your story? Your dogs are beautiful, and I’m so happy your family is now full. <3
Thanks Lisa, That’s kind of you to say. Our hearts are definitely full. Denine
TEARS! Cause I’ve been there. We had two beautiful pups before our first human child came home. When our first puppy passed, my mother in law couldn’t stand the idea of him not being with her anymore. He sits on a shelf now in a nice little urn.
Tears! Because I’ve been there too. We had two beautiful puppies before our first “child” came home.
Infertility is very hard to go through and we all need to find solace while we go through it. I’m glad your dogs were able to help your heart too. 🙂