Many people with chronic illnesses find comfort in going to see a therapist. Lucky for me I have found the perfect therapist. She always listens and shows no judgement. She never gives any advice, she simply just listens. She accepts me for who I am and doesn't try to change me. The best thing is I don't need to make an appointment to see her because she's always around. Sometimes to cheer me up, she'll lick my face or cuddle with me. If you didn't figure it out, I'm talking about my dog, Raven.
 |
| This was the first time I met Raven. I loved her right away. I knew she was the perfect dog. What a love! |
 |
| This is Raven the day we brought her home. She didn't know what to do with all the toys we bought her! |
 |
| It's a big plus that Raven gets along so well with kids. It's really sweet when Ruby gives her little kisses. |
 |
| My nephew and Raven are best buds! He loves helping me feed her, walk her and play fetch with her when he's visiting. |
Raven has many playful moments which always make me laugh. She loves to go out and play fetch. Sometimes when she's very energetic she'll crazily run in loops. My husband and I call this her "mad dog run." It's pretty hysterical! It's funny to watch her retrieve sticks twice her size and strut around with them. When we lived in FL, she would pick up palm tree fronds and once she even found a coconut. We've never formally trained her but she is so good. I can take her off the leash to play and she'll never try to run away. She always comes when we call her name or one of her many nicknames. See, I told you she is the perfect dog.
 |
| Raven loves to run and leap in the snow. She gets so excited when we go out to play in the snow. If it were up to her, we'd live where it would snow all year. |
 |
| Raven even has a good sense of humor. I just finished knitting this poncho for my niece and I needed a model! haha! |
There are many benefits of pet therapy. There is nothing like the unconditional love and loyal companionship of a dog. They never have bad days or get moody. They're simply always happy to be with you. Best of all, they never care what you look like. They love you no matter what!
 |
| Raven relaxing with a stick after swimming in Maine. What a life! |
After reading your post, I went online and looked at one of those breed finders that match you up with the perfect breed for you. It said I'd like a Bishon Frise. Maybe if I get well enough to potty train a dog, I'll look into it. In the meantime, I'm so happy you have a friend!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Raven is the best dog. I really have never met such a sweetie, at least not since Chacon, the gentle malamute my mom and stepdad had when I was a kid. I can see why she's such a great therapist :) I love the pictures. I just remember that day after the big snow storm when she and the kids were romping in the tall snow. She was so funny, and they were all so cute together.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading so many student blogs since my students started blogging, it's been awhile since I've been here. It's great to catch up, read your most recent posts, and see all the great pictures. I love your new hat! It looks lovely on you.
Shelli- You may want to look into adopting an adult dog instead of a puppy. It made a huge difference bringing home Raven when she was almost a year. She was already potty trained! The only thing was the first few nights she barked and whined after we put her in her crate. (because she wasn't used to it.) But besides that it was an easy transition. On really bad days when I can't take her out, I have a dog walker come. Luckily, in our apartment complex we have a fenced in yard area in the back. So I also just let her run around out there and I sit on a bench when I'm feeling ill.
ReplyDeleteE- I'm glad you agree that Raven is the best dog! Thanks for checking out my blog! I appreciate your support!