Happy Gotcha Day!

October 8th was Dobby\’s Gotcha Day – I\’ve officially had him for one full year! Seems crazy that it was already a year ago I brought this big goof ball home. He has definitely kept me on my toes, but he\’s been a really good friend to have around too. I don\’t think I would have been brave enough to move into the cabin alone if I didn\’t have my fearless guard dog to protect me. He\’s been a good shoulder to cry on, as he always seems to know when I\’m sad, and he\’ll come snuggle right up to me to make me feel better. And even during this Covid pandemic, he gives me my own personal Covid test everyday by testing my sense of smell! I love this dog more than life, but man the smells that come out of him are something else. Regardless, he\’s quickly become my best furry friend.

Of course, we\’ve had our setbacks over the last year as well. Dobby still is a little weary of new people – especially men – so it makes it difficult sometimes to introduce new people to him. He\’s come a very long way though, and even my neighbor said he doesn\’t bark at him anymore! I still have no idea what happened to him before I got him that made him that way, but it makes me sad to think someone may have treated him poorly. I don\’t know for sure, but I think this is the longest Dobby has stayed in one home before – he had been in the shelter two times before I adopted him – and I think he\’s finally realizing he\’s not going anywhere this time. He\’s stuck with me! I think he\’s definitely relaxed a bit since I first brought him home, and now I can go for a run or go to the grocery store and leave him home without him freaking out that I\’m never coming back.

Of course, he still gets a bit upset with me when I go for a run and don\’t take him with. He\’s still got a lot of puppy energy and he wants to go! Unfortunately, with his leg though, I\’m not willing to risk it. I\’ve started letting him walk without the leash and just use the shock collar, so he\’s still able to explore and hunt critters, but he\’s not putting too much strain on his elbow. He LOVES it, and is often crying to go as soon as we get home. So, I think it\’s a fair tradeoff from the running.

I\’ve been spending a lot of time with Dan, and often he brings his dog, Carter over with him, or I\’ll bring Dobby with me when I go to his house. I don\’t think Dobby liked Carter much to start with, and even now, I\’m not sure they\’re best friends, but they\’re getting along better than they did. I\’m hoping that continues to improve, too, and Dobby stops being so jealous!

Here are some of my favorite memories with Dobby over the last year!

It\’s safe to say this pup has brought many smiles to my face this last year, and lots of wonderful memories I\’ll cherish forever. Can\’t wait to snuggle and kiss his face for lots more years to come!

Until next time! 🙂

Megan Reiffenberger