When did you KNOW that your dog was “the one?”
The first time I saw Jasper, it was here…
Jasmine and Jasper
He was in impound with his sister, waiting to be examined by one of our vet techs before being fostered or put up for adoption. I fell in love with his handsome little face right then (I also fell in love with his sister). I practically begged to foster them…just for a little while. But I should have known then, he wouldn’t be leaving. He was home the moment he walked through my door.
Daisy
The first time I saw Daisy, she was cowering in a kennel much like the one Jasper was in. She was terrified as hell and my heart broke when I saw how she cowered and flinched when people came near her. I knew then that I would foster her. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I worried someone inexperienced would adopt her and place her in a situation where she could be further damaged.
But it wasn’t until two weeks later, when I picked her up after being spayed, that I knew that she was mine. Her vulnerability drew me in and captured my heart. She needed me. She needed someone who understood her. There was no way I would give her up to someone who didn’t understand her needs for space, time and patience. She was home.
Cupcake was different. She had already been living in a foster home and was more than likely going to be adopted soon. Besides, I had already had a talk with myself about how I would not be falling in love with her. Two dogs was more than enough thank you. I couldn’t possibly take on another. I was sure she would be moving on to her forever home soon and then I would foster yet another dog in need of help.
But then, one fateful night, she went missing, and I was distraught. I was a complete wreck. I imagined all sorts of awful things happening to her. I worried she would be killed by a coyote or would starve to death or be hit by a car. It wasn’t until she was found and finally started to recognize me again that I started to have an inkling that she would be staying. At that very moment when she recognized me and sighed and leaned into me, I knew. There was no way Cupcake would be leaving my home to go to another. She already was home. She had been all along. I think she knew before I did.
I suspect that most everyone has had that moment, the one where you just KNOW that this dog is “the one.” With each of my dogs it was different. Jasper was love at first sight (he had me at “Hello”). With Daisy it was much more gradual. It started as a strong sense of responsibility towards a dog in need and slowly grew into something much, much more. With Cupcake, it took a traumatic event to make me realize how much I loved her. Like I said, I think she knew she was home before I did.
So what was your moment? When did you KNOW that your dog was “the one?” Was it love at first sight? Or, did it take time to bond? I would love to hear your story.
Cupcake, a.k.a. Cuppers, a.k.a. Cupperdoo
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No Dog About It Blog 
With Jethro, a German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix, it was immediate. He was a 10 week old pup in an enclosure with six sibs. He was immediately alert and talkative. With Lucy, an Australian cattle dog, it took a while. She was an adult stray and I had no idea what she might have been through. After a couple of weeks it was like she had always been here. It really can be different with each dog.
You are so right. I am amazed at how different at times. I think the immediate connection surprises me the most.
Interesting & thoughtful post. We’ve had five dogs in the last 15+ years or so. Sally we got as a pup and she was our baby right from the start. Tino we rescued from a park, sick with distemper, we nursed him back to health…I knew he was ours as soon as I learned how sick he was…how could I do anything else but love him. We had them for years and lost them both just within the last few years. We’ve adopted three dogs since then, Becca, SlimDoggy Jack and Maggie and they have all been so different. Jack in particular almost went back a few times…he was so big & so hard to handle at first, but he loved us so, he was so anxious to please, so intent on being a ‘good’ dog so he didnt have to go back to the shelter (where he’d been for a year). He chose us and it wasn’t long before he had my heart. Maggie is a slow growing Relationship. She, like Daisy is so fearful and so reluctant to let down her guard and let us love her, but each baby step she takes now makes us so glad we brought her home and we are certain this is where she belongs.
I didn’t have much choice in the matter. Right when I walked in Eko leaped into my arms and before I left he once more dashed right over to me as if to say, “Hey, buddy, I’m going with you!”
With Jasmine, it was more of a process. She was adorable and easy to love. But I wasn’t really ready for a puppy then, and I really wasn’t ready to get one who had health problems from the start. Fortunately, she knew how to work me.
We always think that they find you with the help of fate. We know the getting lost bit and how frightening it can be. Have a terrific Thursday.
Best wishes Molly
Oh Mel, love this one. We have such a hole in our hearts right now. When cane jumped into our car from that moment he was ours. Wouldn’t trade one minute or any money we put into his care. Even if we knew then what we know now about his problems,
we still would have taken the chaos that was Cane. Hurricane was an appropriate name for him. With Gabe, you were there. I saw him and something told me I had to have him. The devotion we had for each other I don’t think will ever be duplicated. The way he looked at me, we were meant for each other and he was meant to be with my family til the day he died.
Such a lovely post. And that last photo of Cupcake is amazing! I found Jeffie’s brother, Joe, on Petfinder, called the shelter to make sure he was still there and within 30 minutes we were on the road. Got to the shelter to find there were 3 puppies in that litter. As we played with the three in the puppy room, it was Jeffie who simply seemed to be mine, not Joe 🙂 Rudy was the puppy Gary had to have. It was love at first sight for them and I’ve written about that on the blog 🙂
Rosie is a different story. I’d been lurking at the adoptable pets sites and had even inquired about a couple of adult dogs (already adopted) when I spied a listing from the same shelter we adopted Jeffie. There was no picture. I feel a need to repeat this: there was no picture. All it said was Golden Retriever mix – black. I felt it in my gut – this is the one. It was crazy. How could I fall in love with a “faceless” dog and a 4 word description? I mulled it over for a day. Next morning, yup, still there and still no picture. Called the shelter – still there. Off we headed. Walked in and a volunteer directed us to “Reece” as they called her. I felt recognition in my heart the moment I saw her. She was mine and it was meant to be…
Beautiful blog today. We’ve had lots of rescue animals through the years, including one of our current turtles and birds. We love the photos too! WOOF WOOF 🙂 🙂
Beautiful post and comments today.
Agatha and Christie were in the same crate at the SPCA. It was obvious Christie had a great temperament, curious and calm without being stressed. Agatha was obviously a neurotic wreck. I knew Christie was the dog for us but once Mike said he hated to break up the set and we should take them both, it was all over. Despite Christie being nearly perfect, neurotic Agatha was the one who stole my heart.
After living with elderly dogs for so long, Mike’s only request was that our next dog be calm. As Shadow placidly sniffed me while the neighboring adolescent pit bull mauled my friend’s purse, it was obvious (until we walked her) that Shadow certainly was calm.
And Honey was the dream dog I didn’t even know. Our breeder selected her for us and she became ours.
I guess there’s no wrong way to fall in love with a dog.
I guess we got our Jasper because he was the last of a litter, lucky us. Buddy on the other hand was being sheltered by a host family thru a rescue group. We’d met several dogs and when I saw his blonde eye lashes and stubby little tail wagging, I knew I was in love.
LOL! I love the description of Buddy. There’s something about a stubby tail wagging that just gets me. Jasper was lucky to have the chance to have you. It was meant to be. 🙂
Your stories are beautiful, Mel. I am so glad you had these moments and took the chance on bringing them all home to stay. When I read the post you wrote about Cupcake’s returning home to you, though my happy tears I had a feeling she would be staying with you permanently. It didn’t surprise me in the least when you made the announcement a few days later. You went through a big journey together. There was no way she could go anywhere else after that.
I wish I had a big story to tell about my dog. In truth, there was no one moment for us. I agreed to adopt her because I felt pressured. There was another couple waiting in the wings to meet her and if I didn’t say yes, they would surely have taken her. I like to say that we were her best home, that the other couple would surely have returned her quickly and she would have been ours eventually. But I don’t know that I truly believe in fate. Things happened the way they happened and I am ever so grateful.
Thank you Kristine. It’s funny, but I didn’t know for sure until that very moment she leaned against me and sighed. I believe you were meant to get Shiva. Not everyone has the knowledge and experience and dedication to contribute to an energetic dog. (Why do you think we see so many in shelters?) It may have been pressure that led you to adopt her, but I like to think you were truly meant to be family. Think how much you have done because of her and how much she has accomplished because of you!
With each of ours, it was different. Blueberry was supposed to go back to her home after her owner had surgery, but things didn’t work out. By then, she’d been with us almost half a year, and was very attached to my husband. We were pretty much “given” her. Bunny walked in, leaned against me and looked into my eyes. Game, set, match! Morgan is just so needy in a certain way. I can’t imagine her living with anyone else and being okay. We brought Küster home as a tiny puppy and you just can’t help loving him!
I didn’t know that Blueberry was attached to your husband. How wonderful that she knew she was home. She was meant to be with you guys. Bunny definitely had you at hello Carrie. You can just tell. Morgan needs both of you and her sisters and brother and Kuster, well he’s just the cutest little guy on earth. 🙂
This is such a wonderful post Mel! I loved reading each sentence of it!
Sherman was love at first site and we bonded almost instantly and it has been that way ever since. It took Leroy and I a little longer to bond and find our connection and now that we have found it, it’s here to stay!
Thanks Jen. I have loved reading all the stories people have shared. I can tell Sherman has your heart. Leroy wiggled his way in too. Both are very lucky dogs. Thank goodness they have you and the family.
My cousin was fostering Gracie and I wasn’t really looking for a new pet but when I saw the picture her son posted on Facebook of her I fell in love. We’ve been inseparable ever since. Henri almost wasn’t meant to be. I headed to the Humane society to look at another Aussie but was drawn to Winslow, the name they gave him. I have to say in this case he chose me!
I love that you just knew when you saw Gracie’s picture and that Henri chose you. Your story reminded me that I had posted a picture of Cupcake on my blog when I was contemplating fostering again. I didn’t even know her then! Who could have guessed she would be the dog I not only fostered, but adopted too! It was like you and Gracie. 🙂
I knew my beautiful girl Bella was the one when I first saw her sad little eyes looking up at me from behind the cage at our local ASPCA. I was sold, I just knew I couldnt leave her behind. That was 3 years ago. She is such a great dog and wouldnt trade her for the world. 🙂
It’s funny how just one look can transform both our lives isn’t it? Suddenly, you life and Bella’s were transformed in one moment. How beautiful.
Oh my…that picture of Jasper…just breaks your heart…thank you for saving Jasper, Daisy and Cupcake…such precious souls!!!! Trev chose me and we rescued each other!!!!
Trev is one lucky dog! So are you!
I’d been to the shelter a few times, but hadn’t decided…I almost took a really nice Aussie heeler, but something said to wait…First time I walked by Gizmo I almost didn’t see him as he was cowering in the back of a large pen…but “something” drew me back and as soon as I met his eyes I knew…he was the one, no question…why? who knows, but it was absolutely the right choice
That is so beautiful! Sometimes it is just a look that gets us. Gizmo was a seriously lucky dog. 🙂
As is usually the case, BJ chose me. I happened in to the Humane Society and walked down the aisle this energetic pup bounded up to the front of the cage. He was so excited. I took one look at his big brown eyes that were fixed on me. He tilted his head and that was it. I let him out of his cage and after he ran around the room a few times he came right over to me. That was the icing on the cake. He had me when he looked at me.
I’m not sure who was more excited about his coming to his forever home.
That is so sweet! It sounds like he knew you were the one. I love reading all these stories and discovering how many chose us. Thank you for sharing your story!
I love hearing how people met their pets. I knew Ricochet, my oldest Jack Russell, the second I saw him although It took me a few minutes to persuade myself. I just stopped at the shelter to get a dog license, no intent to adopt. I had just lost 2 dogs the week before, 1 being my very first dog so adoption was the furthest thing from my mind.
Ricochet’s owners were surrendering him when I walked into the shelter lobby. He was on a leash and turned and just looked right into my eyes with such a determined look that followed me when I moved around the room. He knew he was going to come home with me before I did. He was right.
I think I knew Maggie was the one when I saw her worried little face on the Buddy Dog website. Once I saw her at the shelter, I asked if I could take her for a walk and they said that I could try, but she was so shy that they had been carrying her everywhere. I sat with her for about 20 minutes, and then said “let’s go, little dog” and she walked right with me.
Maggie has always loved other dogs, and the best thing we ever did for her was to get Duke. The second he jumped up on the couch at the shelter next to the Mr. and Maggie we knew he was our dog. They’re such a matched set that people often ask if they’ re related! 🙂
I smiled when I read your description of Maggie walking right with you after being too scared to walk for everyone else. That was Daisy. We had to carry her out the first time too. Duke’s story cracked me up. He totally knew you were his! It’s funny that they are so matched. Maybe kindred souls? 🙂
Our Djuna left us a year ago this month. He was with us for only 10 years and died very unexpectedly. I knew he was the ‘one’, because he chose me when he was 6 weeks old. I had been fondling, loving, cradling, deliberating over a passel of pups for several weeks, an unexpected litter, all needing homes. I had my eye on a particular little girl pup – I thought a girl was what I needed. Ha. She absolutely ignored me. Every time I would go to visit them, I would search the wobbly group for her, ignoring the fact that a fat little pudge boy was always the first to greet me from the moment he was able to walk. Yet, I insisted on getting to know the female better. The time drew near that I needed to make my decision and take a pup home with me and then, when ‘the’ day came, of course the female was nowhere to be seen. But here came that little boy ball of love careening towards me, as usual…. and he sat right on my feet. I felt like I’d been hit over the head with a hammer – how could I not have seen, noticed, felt this pup telling me all along that I was his? And his we were from that moment on. Djuna chose us … and what an incredible love, an incredible 10 years he gave us.
Lovie came 6 months later to fill the dog shaped hole Djuna left in our hearts … I found her in a cringing, trembling puddle at the shelter … totally shut down, ready to leave this world by way of death from sadness and fear. I couldn’t bear to leave her behind, so offered to foster her, just to give her a quiet, gentle place to be for a few days. It took me 4 hours to coax her out of the car when I got home. But – that evening when she climbed a bit out of her scared self, started to explore the house and the ‘notes’ that Djuna surely left behind, she wandered into our bedroom – and returned with Djuna’s very favorite stuffie in her mouth and a wag in her tail. I knew then – she had found us. And we were saved.
You have a beauty with words Eleanore. I loved Djuna’s story. How absolutely adorable. He did pick you!
I wonder if Djuna gave Lovie his toy? How absolutely adorable that must have been. I am like you. I can’t bear to see a dog like Lovie, all shut down and terrified. Lovie and Daisy have something in common for sure. Thank you for sharing your story!
We were lucky to be involved with Sampson very early in his life. We first held him when he was three weeks old. We took him home at eight weeks and I was immediately smitten. But it was about four weeks later when he became very ill that I knew I would move heaven and earth for his sweet soul.
Delilah was a sight unseen foster to adopt. The first day she was a lunatic and Sampson hated her and I was certain she’d be going back. Until I watched her struggle to stay sitting up and awake despite her complete and utter exhaustion. When I coaxed her over and settle her down against my leg and she finally slept, I knew I would NOT be another human that failed her.
That saying, who rescued who is really true. 🙂
LOL! I love that story Jodi. I think sometimes they choose us in ways we don’t realize until later. That is so precious. Sampson was so lucky to have such a wonderful beginning.
No. We are the lucky ones Mel.
I was leaving the vet’s with our Poodle and watched a woman struggling to get through the door with a box. I helped her. Looking into the box I saw 2 Chihuahua mixes. I asked if I could hold the black and white puppy. I was compelled. I felt as if I knew her. I snuggled her into my neck – she was so tiny. I didn’t want to let go. The woman said, “Here, take the other one. The one you have us sort if an under-dog. I refused. I felt as if I KNEW this dog- that shed come home. I asked if I could have her, buy her. I was not going home without her. It was as if she’d really, finally come home. I didn’t understand – it was supernatural to some degree. An hour later I bought her home. My grown children were shocked – a third dog? I tried to explain. They were dismayed. Weeks later my daughter said, “Mom, what would we do without her?” It was as if she’d always belonged in our home and it took so long to find her. It was NOT this way with our other dogs. Sure, we love them, but this is different, very different. Hard to explain; hard to understand…