Now that I have a Dog!
I have been intimately involved with The Official Vick Dog Chew Toy effort for over 4 years now. Through this effort I have come to love and admire what animal supporters do. This admiration has come mainly through the self sacrifice and absolute devotion that so many have shared though my efforts to raise awareness of animal abuse.
I have been without a pet for several years. I have always believed that if you are going to have a pet you must be ready to provide the best situation possible for the mutual benefit of your new adoptee and the family that he / she is introduced to. Well, I have been waiting for such a time. My Family of 6 have been asking for a pet forever. I have been the kill joy of all their wishes, citing things like the lack of a fenced in yard, adequate room, things we would have to give up and on and on.
My twin Daughters received a pair of goldfish for their birthdays. Now, you can measure the lifespan of a goldfish in hours. So, when one died, (cuff died, link survived), I headed out to Petco to purchase a suitable replacement. Upon arrival at Petco I found Springfield Animal Rescue, an Organization in Jacksonville, FL that I had grown familiar with through The Vick Dog Chew Toy efforts. I SWORE I only saw cats, which was a safe zone for me and my three kids in tow, since no one wanted a cat. As I approached the volunteers I was immediately drawn to a crate that housed an amazingly calm puppy. I was introduced to Oliver.
As a business person I know sales people when I see them. Certainly, the purpose of anyone that is involved with a rescue organization is to be a bit, “salesy”. However, their sales efforts did not have to be very good at all for me to be drawn to Oliver. After a few trial days I became a dog owner for the first time in many years.
It has been three weeks now and my Family and I have integrated Oliver into our lives quite well. Oliver is now as much of a family member as anyone. However, Oliver is a 5 month old Lab / Great Dane mix. Oliver is ALL PUPPY! Very well behaved, but ALL PUPPY!
I write this entry because I am extremely blessed and happy that I was able to give a neglected dog a home; something that I have been celebrating through The Official Vick Dog Chew Toy efforts. Equally, I write this because for the first time in four years I completely understand what it takes to care for a pet. Now, more than ever before, I understand the love, devotion, attention and sacrifice it takes to care for a pet. I have more appreciation for animal care organizations than ever before. One wears me out. I cannot imagine what those organizations that care for multiple pets go through!
Oliver has given me even more respect for the GREAT ORGANIZATIONS that care for neglected, abused and unwanted pets. You can find a small sample of those organizations at http://www.officialvickdogchewtoy.com/giveaway.html
Remember, these are just a few. Please give all you can to support the great organizations in your community that seek to give our pets a better life. Also, if you are looking for a pet please look for a shelter pet.
Thanks for your interest and support.
Sincerely,
Darren Usher
President and CEO, Aim To Beginn, LLC
http://twitter.com/vickchewtoy