National Dog Day!

It's National Dog Day! What does that mean? Well, judging by most dog owners, it's the same as everyday, we love and pamper our four legged best friends! My little guy (who you'll see a couple pictures of through out this story) is one of many Dog's I've had in my family over the years. I can honestly say, he is the only one who picked me!

First off, here's a little info about NDD. National Dog Day, is celebrated annually on August 26th ever sine its founding in 2004. It was founded by Colleen Paige, an author, dog trainer, animal rescue advocate & pet/family lifestyle expert. The goal was to bring attention to the plight of animals around the globe and encourage adoption. The mission according to NationalDogDay.com  "is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort."

I've had 5 dogs in my life. Buster, Snuggles, Macy, Gypsy & now Rusty (pictured). My wife and I don't have kids. A couple reasons behind that but mainly it's because I don't want to share my toys. So after we got married we talked about getting a dog. I was looking for a corgi. My thinking was they always look happy and they have little legs, so I have a better chance of catching the lil dog if I needed. Well, when I tell people that Rusty chose me, they think it's an adorable lie. I was DJing a wedding for a family (that I'm still good friends with today) and during the wedding rehearsal dinner, little Rusty was running around with a golden retriever all through out the wedding venue (Jim Sprick Community Park), I saw them playing, and I just smiled. I didn't know the dogs, so I didn't pet the dogs unless they come up to me. I'm respectful (I try to be). I'm sitting there at a picnic table watching the bride and groom (to be) practice and all of a sudden Rusty comes running up to me, jumps on the table and starts licking my face. I grab him, say hello and start petting him. His owner came running up to me apologizing. I said no need to apologize, I then said "I'll trade you two cats for him" (I had a love/hate relationship with my cats). She said "No... but, we are looking for a home for him, so if you're serious, let me know." My jaw dropped, so I took a picture, and many more in the 7 years since meeting him.

The night I met Rusty, I showed the picture to my wife, she thought it was adorable. I told her how if we wanted, we could have him, to which my wife transformed into the most lovable clepto screaming "I want him!" (I exaggerate... kind of). A week later, little Rusty is our little guy. He truly fits the motto of "Man's Best Friend!".