My Shaggy Dog Story – The Perfect Dog Found Through Energy

Everyone loves a good shaggy dog story – here’s my story of Pickle, who lived with us until October 2023. xxx

The Shaggy Dog Story

Our rescue dachshund Pickle has been with us for two years now.

My family had wanted a dog for a while, but my oldest child was definitely dog-nervous after a couple of bad experiences, so I knew we needed to pick the right dog, both for her and as a match for our family’s energy.

Kansas Humane Society, Wichita

I wanted to rescue a dog – I’ve seen enough stories of puppy mills to know that I didn’t want to support that industry, so I regularly scanned The Kansas Humane Society’s online photo pages in Wichita.

Then one day, Pickle’s picture came up. (She was called Cookie then).

My oldest immediately responded to the quiet energy of the dog in the picture and said that she would find that dog ‘acceptable’. My younger child insisted I go the next day or the dog would be gone.

Despite Snow and a January Chill, I Drove Out the Next Day to See Her

I was the first in line of four people who wanted to take her home, so after meeting her, I put a deposit down straightaway so that the children could see her the very next day after school.

She was equally delightful with both kids, despite being stressed out and overstimulated by the KSH surroundings. She greeted them and offered her belly for rubs, and came home with us as soon as I could arrange it.

I worked hard to settle her in; I am a big fan of Cesar Millan’s work.  If you want to know more about how to make a dog comfortable using dog language and energy, watch his shows or read one of his books.

How Pickle Helped Us

Pickle quietly assumed many family jobs and tasks which a dog offers to humans with grace and love.

Here are some examples, some obvious, some not so obvious.

Companion

• Crumb picker-upper under the table
• Curled-up companion for movie watching (although she prefers to be under the blanket completely unless the popcorn is out)
• Hot water bottle – see above – and when I was sleeping on the floor near the children’s rooms when they had the flu, Pickle was in the bottom of my sleeping bag every night keeping my feet warm.
• Player reminder-er. Ever seen a dachshund trying to gather up a well-chewed toy and bring it to you? It’s darn cute as well as a great reminder of the energy of play! And when we play, this dog is careful with her teeth, too. She’s fast with the toy and usually wins grab-it.

Humor And Health

• A dog of many faces. I swear she’s related to Gromit of Wallace and Gromit fame. Her eyebrows, eyes, and body posture transmit many different messages.
• Reminds me how to be patient. House dogs have to be.
• Shows me how to stay grounded. Each day she’ll ask to go out into our garden, simply to lie in the sun and ground. (Not in the cold though, no thank you). Thanks when I get the facial message ‘Are you NUTS?’. 🙂
• Shows us how to take care of ourselves. Sleep is good. Rest is good. When there’s dinner, she’s ready! She also finds the warmest spots in the house for the winter, the coolest for the summer.
• Do you know where the nicest sun spots are in your house for lying in? Pickle does!
• Helper of sick children or adults. When one of us is sick, she will crawl up onto us and, if possible, lie on or near the afflicted place. I believe she’s therapy dog material.

Out and About With People and Dogs

• Howler extra-ordinaire. I played with her one day and discovered her frequency. Now we have howling sessions.  Good for everyone!
• We must have fresh air and a walk. It’s good for everyone, including me.  Not when it’s snowing or very rainy though (back to that facial expression – you whaaaat?).
• She warns me of people she doesn’t like when we’re out walking. Not to mention dogs. Her instinct is unfailing.
• Doorbell. And what sort of bark – does she really like the person? Or not… (see above).
• Official greeter. She’s very social and loved having more people in the house when we had family stay over recently.
• Peaceful companion. Pickle has this down to an art. Learning from her with awe.

Pickle on Howliday

One day I was playing with Pickle and found the frequency that makes her howl – here we are having an energy exchange!

A Lovely Shaggy Dog Story

What jobs and tasks does your dog offer you with Generosity, Grace and Love? What are your dogs’ special qualities? I’d love to hear!