shelter Archives - A Cowdogs Advice

Hard to believe that about this time 14 years ago, I was sitting alone in a shelter, and this month I am in the running for America’s Favorite Pet! I hope all my friends and followers will vote for me here:

https://americasfavpet.com/2022/ladysmith-e69b

If I am chosen, I intend to use my prize money to make donations to shelters – they are so important. You can read my first post, about my past, here:

https://cowdogsadvice.com/2020/08/meet-ladysmith/

I know there are plenty of worthy dogs and even cats, that all deserve to win this award. Whoever wins, when you vote for Americas Favorite Pet, I know it puts the spotlight on beloved pets and surely encourages care and love for all of us.

Don’t you think us cowdogs deserve to be honored every day, especially those of us who have come through the shelter ranks? We have many great qualities, and keep going with grit, determination and gumption.

Now gumption is part of a cowdog’s DNA, although it seems to be sadly lacking in the human race these days. It is common sense combined with get-up-and-go determination. It is tenacity and courage, with a healthy dose of resourceful horse sense.

Tell me that isn’t a perfect definition of us stock dogs? Mix that with grit, endurance, willpower – yup, you got a Heeler all right.

Life was not easy when I was young. Nobody knows but me, and I remember; sometimes when mom moves her hand fast, I still flinch. I try not to, because it makes mom and dad very sad. Before my first birthday, I was in a shelter, and I was there 4 very long months. I was afraid and anxious, I didn’t know how to act. I heard rumors I would not make it out of there alive.

It had to be heavenly intervention that got me to my family.

Maybe you can see the angel shining through, too?

I did bring a lot of trouble with me, but I joined a long line of honored Heelers in a place of kindness and understanding.

The great Ruger, who ran this ranch before me

I ate couches, doors, a truck seat, and broke out a window. One time I bit a guy when he jumped in the truck and shoved me over. I was not going to let him hurt my dad, although it turned out he was only getting in for a ride!

I used to really shred my toys!

Sometimes, us rescue dogs [and cats] have a lot to overcome. But we make it because someone loves us.

This is the story that should represent America’s Favorite Pet, especially in these times – an overcomer with determination, grit, endurance, courage and love.

Since this is the month of love, all my Heeler Heart and Soul shirts are on sale and very good buys. There are hoodies, long-sleeved and t-shirts, all with the popular Heeler heartbeat design!