Second Chance

When we found Elektra in our back yard seven years ago, one of my colleagues had said that it was good luck. I don't recall the reason it was good luck but placed that thought in the back of my mind until now. It would be more precise to say that WE WERE LUCKY to have found Elektra instead of her bringing us good luck. But isn't good luck just an opportunity to be happy? At least, I think so. If that were true, then every dog that comes in a person's life is a sign of happiness because it is your happiness that the dog will aspire to. So, what is the role that Elektra and all dogs who find their way to us play in our lives? Basically, their role is to help us become better human beings, and to find a dog gives us a chance to show our compassion by either opening our home to another dog or finding a good home for the dog. In our case, we did the latter.

Initially, we didn't want a third dog and therefore tried to find Elektra a home. Because I didn't want to bond with her while we were looking to place her in another home, she remained nameless and made her sleep on the bedroom floor near our bed. Of course, she slept on a nice, thick blanket. I felt a little guilty about that because Morpheus and Ripley were on the bed with us, and every once in awhile I would notice Elektra looking up at them. But overall Elektra didn't seem to mind. I'm sure it was better than sleeping out in the cold streets.

The other reason I felt guilty was I sensed that Elektra knew I didn't want to get close to her and yet she continued to be affectionate towards me. I figured her behavior was such because I was the person who fed her when we found her hiding behind our cactus tree. Actually, it was Morpheus who led us to her. Also, I was the one who bathed her that same day since she was filthy. I was a little hesitant before bathing her because I didn't know her temperament nor how she would react, but she was very submissive. She neither showed her teeth nor growled at me. She just stood there in the bathtub and allowed me to manipulate her limbs without any struggle but with complete trust.

After a couple of weeks of attempting to find an acceptable home for Elektra without much success, we decided to keep her. We didn't want to turn her over to the shelter because we knew what her fate would be there. By that time, Augustine had already formed an attachment to her. He even wanted to name her Foxy Cleopatra which I neither liked nor felt that it fit her personality. In the back of my mind, I thought, "I don't want her to be a hussy," which was the first thing that came to me when Augustine suggested the name. It sounds silly now but that's how I felt at the time. I think a name is important because it describes the character of the person or dog. I liked the name Elektra, taken from the movie of the same namesake, which seemed more suitable for her. The name made me think of one who is resourceful and a survivor which Elektra definitely was since she was living in the streets for about three weeks.

We learned through an animal communicator that Elektra had a previous home but was kicked out of a car near the wash which was a couple miles away from our house. The animal communicator didn't want to tell us about Elektra's life with her previous owners because it was too tragic to mention. She implied that there was abuse after Elektra outgrew being a puppy. She no longer received the same love and attention that she had. It's abhorrent how some people treat their dog differently just because they have grown older. It truly boggles my mind how some people think and behave. How can you stop loving a dog just because she is older? A dog blossoms after it outgrows the craziness of being a pup, and her personality emerges and becomes more apparent as she matures.

After observing Augustine and I with our dogs as well as Morpheus convincing her that she would be loved by us, Elektra decided to pick us for her new family. Apparently, Morpheus and Elektra had been communicating with each other without our knowledge. The animal communicator said that she was ready for another family as she was tired of roaming the streets and trying to survive defending herself from people and other dogs. She wanted a second chance at having a family and being part of a pack again. Every social creature wants a sense of belonging and Elektra was no different.

Everyone deserves a second chance at having a good life with people who love you especially when you've been abused and discarded because you are no longer considered cute and cuddly. Why does that happen to so many animals? It would be similar to parents relinquishing their child just because she was no longer adorable. Sadly, there are some psychotic people who have done that, however, I don't believe that occurs as frequently as the abandonment of dogs who have reached maturity. It's detestable behavior that shows the level of cruelty and lack of remorse in some people. These are the same people who see dogs as objects. I don't think they should have dogs at all just as some people should not have children since they are not equipped to be parents.

It's unthinkable that Elektra's first family gave her up. She is such a sweet, loving, loyal, and smart dog. I love her so much it hurts me to think of the abuse she received. I noticed all her little fears during her first few months with us. She was even afraid of the ironing board, and I shudder to think that something happened to her with one. Also, she didn't know what a ball was or how to fetch it. It took her almost a year of watching Morpheus play for her to learn. Thankfully, she blended very well with Ripley and Morpheus, even though Ripley had to let Elektra know her place in the pack since Ripley was top dog. I believe they have found harmony with each other and life without Elektra would disrupt the balance they have created.

Elektra makes me think of some of these foster kids who really don't have a home and are moved from one place to another. Unfortunately for them, because they are older, their chance for adoption is very slim to none just as older dogs are not so quick to be adopted. These foster kids are displaced beings looking to get a second chance in finding a home where they can belong and be loved. Their first family either was unable to take care of them, didn't want them at all or the kids weren't safe with them. Whatever reason it may be, it's sorrowful that these kids were removed from their original family, although for some it may have been the best thing for them.

Gosh, there are so many kids in need of adoption as there are a multitude of animals needing homes, yet people continue to pay an enormous amount of money in order to conceive as well as there are people wanting to pay for dogs from breeders. My intention is not to pass judgment towards these people. It is their choice to do whatever they wish. However, I just want to raise some awareness to the plight of these kids and dogs by stating the fact that there are numerous children in foster care and dogs in shelters, both of which are hoping to be adopted. What is it with wanting an infant or a puppy as opposed to an adolescent or a dog? If the adoptive parents are loving, centered, able to give guidance and discipline, then they will receive from the adolescent or dog what they have given. But then again, I do understand wanting to have a puppy. Since knowing Elektra, Augustine and I both wish we had her when she was much younger because it would have been terrific to watch her grow into her older years. Elektra must have been at least four years old when she appeared in our back yard.

There are a few of my doggie clients who choose to adopt only older dogs because they know most people will not. It comforts me to know people like them exist. So, I like to put my energy towards people like my clients with the hope that eventually more people will do the same and not care so much about the age of the dog but rather the dog itself and what it brings to them. Those of you familiar with the law of attraction know that where your attention goes, energy will flow towards it, and the universe will work hard to manifest your desired wishes, and one of my many wishes is to have no dogs in shelters but in loving homes.

I like to think that because "dog" is "god" spelled backwards that when one materializes in your life, it is a blessing from god or the universe (they are the same to me). It is a blessing because it allows us humans to help and care for one that needs it, and in doing that it helps us become better people. Isn't that what humanity is supposed to be about? To be of help and service to all beings in this world and not just to ourselves? It was our good luck that we were given such a wonderful gift with Elektra. She has given Augustine and I so much love that I cannot picture our family to be without her. I thank Elektra often for choosing us to be her new family. Every once in awhile I ask her if she's happy with us. Then, I let her know that we are so delighted to have her be part of the family, that she's my little girl and will never let anyone hurt her again. When I tell her these things, I know that she's listening and understanding because she would always respond by giving me a quick lick on my lips. It's bizarre how she knows exactly where to kiss me since she's never accidentally licked my nose, although that would be okay too.

Elektra works the hardest out of our three dogs. Yes, Ripley is essentially retired but she goes in and out of retirement. And, with Morpheus, when Elektra is barking at him to come and check things out with her, he looks at me sometimes as if to say, "Do I have to go out and investigate?" and I would just say, "You don't have to. Don't worry about it." But Elektra never hesitates. She is always the last one to go to sleep and the first to wake up. She's so vigilant of what's happening outside the perimeter of our house even though her area of protection is the back yard. I sense she is that way because she is grateful for her new home and she wants us to know that what she contributes is valuable. There are days when I know she's exhausted because I see her struggling to keep her eyes open yet continues to stay alert. When I notice that, I let her know that her job at that moment is to close her eyes, relax and be happy. That is the only way she will allow herself to decompress.

Love your dog. If you don't have one, then adopt or save one. Then, know that the dog you've adopted or saved will be so grateful to you that she will give you her undying love and loyalty. Also, know that it was your good luck that the dog picked you because she will do anything to ensure your happiness as well as take over your stress. Studies have shown that people with dogs live healthier, longer lives. It's an amazing gift they give us. What more can we humans ask for? Finally, not only is the dog getting a second chance at a new home with a loving family, but the family is also given a chance at experiencing the beauty of their new dog. Everyone benefits, and that's how it should be.

Thank you for visiting my weekly blog. Any comments are very welcomed.