I have lamented for years that I wanted a dog that made me feel like she loved me – one that I had an extra special bond with. Having lived with so many Flatcoats over the years, I never had that. Don’t get me wrong, my Flatcoats love me – but they also love Billy and they would love you too if you dropped by for a few minutes. That’s just how they are. I bought Graham the Beagle as a puppy in WA before moving here to SC. As soon as we arrived, she became Billy’s dog. (I still think Billy should reimburse me for her!) I had planned before Linus’ litter was born that he was to be The One. He would be that dog that was my dog. That did not happen. Apparently I did not asplain it sufficiently at the outset.
Mulder was brought to us by the neighbors in 2010 when she was still a puppy. From the moment she was placed into my arms, she loved me. I knew it. And if I was too dumb too recognize it, she made it obvious.
I was committed to finding a home for her. We were not that home, even though I loved her. She was not a match for our multiple dog household. She’s a bully for one thing. For another, she’s a compulsive herder. No one can put a foot down anywhere in this house without Mulder herding them. Oh and she’s a mommy guarder. Nope, not a match for us but would be great for a single dog home as she is a very loving pet and constant companion.
Over time I offered Mulder on the blog and on Twitter. I contacted my local no kill shelter and a rescue group. I put the word out to a few online friends. But there were never any takers for this cute little dog. Time went by. Although I never made a conscious decision to stop trying to place her, I did.
Recently I experienced a revelation. Mulder is my dog and I could never part with her. I don’t know why I only realized this now. Nothing has really changed. I’ve always loved her but somehow now I feel I love her even more. She’s still a bully and a brat and a mommy guarder. Maybe it’s just that I finally accepted her for who she is, as she did me as soon as we met. Maybe I’ve accepted that the dog I’ve been hoping for all these years can be imperfect, like her owner. Maybe that dream dog I’ve had in my mind for so long is a fantasy, I don’t know. But reality is that I have a dog who makes me feel loved, just like I’ve always wanted, right here at my feet. Mulder is the one I’ve been waiting for.
