Achieving Bliss

October 18, 2020, was an exciting day for Linda because that was the day she set up an appointment at Rescue Village to meet Daisy, a 4-month old puppy. This day changed Linda’s life as it was the beginning of a sometimes difficult but rewarding journey. Linda started this journey after grieving the loss of her 20-year-old dog, Penny for over a year. Linda was ready to open her heart and home to another pup, but the pandemic made it hard for Linda to find a k-9 friend. She searched for months.
Here is some of Linda and Daisy’s story in Linda’s own words: I’ll admit I was a bit intimidated when, after speaking with an adoption counselor, I was warned she was “high energy.” The adoption counselor sent me a video of Debbie (changed to Daisy) tearing around the kennel, but I was thrilled when I was told to pick up my new dog.

I laughed when a guy carried her out and said “She knows nothing!”, but it was true. I almost cried for her when I realized she didn’t know what grass was. Getting her to cooperate with a collar and leash was a real challenge. In fact, every day was a challenge. I couldn’t leave her – not to take out the trash or take a bath or whatever.

Daisy had absolute heart-melting breakdowns and I had to carry her in my arms and rock her until she could stop crying and get her heart beating at a normal rate. She had nightmares for months. She had more breakdowns at sudden movements or whenever she saw anything that reminded her of a cage, such as fencing at the park. I started having my own breakdowns about 3 months in when
Daisy still wouldn’t make direct eye contact with me, but I also understood. I’ve experienced severe trauma, and we worked on our PTSD together… and I sometimes wondered if my past was actually a blessing in understanding how to help her.

I fully committed and she was wonderful in many ways. I lost 50 lbs on our endless walks. Our neighbors came to love her too and stop and flag us down to play with her. It’s kind of odd to me that so many people were in isolation because of Covid, as Daisy has caused me to talk with everyone we meet. One of my proudest moments was when a man said, “That’s the happiest dog I’ve ever seen!” She’s sweet and friendly, and mostly cooperative except when she plops down and refuses to go home from our walks. She’s a proud hunter of varmints and works to keep us safe from mice and squirrels…it’s her nature and she’s good at it. We’ve achieved bliss.

Daisy now soulfully looks into my eyes and cuddles, wrapping her arms around me. She makes me take time out and play with her throughout the day, which to tell the truth seems to be for my benefit as much as for hers. I’m “allowed” to leave the house for a few hours at a time (though she still voices her protests with a bark that could shatter steel). Her dreams are now happy with playful yips and running. I tell her every day that I love her and I do. She’s such a joy and I am forever grateful to Rescue Village for making our love possible. I wanted to celebrate our anniversary with more than a trip to PetSmart for another toy.

Rescue Village is grateful that Linda opened her home and heart and was willing to work hard, be patient and give it time, and have true empathy for a rescue dog in sore need of love and attention. It is stories like Linda’s that renew our commitment to the idea of people helping animals and animals helping people.

Thank you, Linda, for sharing your story and for paying it forward by donating to Rescue Village
on Daisy’s “gotcha” anniversary!