In honor of my old dog and buddy Ted, I’ve decided to give an annual donation to an SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) organization once a year in his name. Ted was not an unwanted dog, nor unloved, actually he was the complete opposite of what most people might think of or associate with a dog that was given up for adoption. The idea of forever homes are idealistic in nature, however  rigid and not completely honest in some circumstances. There are different types of dogs, some are family, short-term rescues, long-term rescues and more. Having Ted felt like all of the above. I could have kept him however our time together had come to an end.  Some people thought he was holding be back, but I realized I was the one holding him back, I had to trust the system. The SPCA represents the best qualities in humanity, and it is for that reason I’ll forever be a supporter. 

With the support of the amazing staff and volunteers of the SPCA, Ted was re-homed in only 8 days. After chilling with his buddies for a week a lovely young couple who own a house on an acreage took him on his new adventure.  At times thoughts would creep in that I was abandoning him, however I then remembered an old African Proverb “It takes a village to raise a child”, the same is for animals, it takes a community to support and rescue them and we can all do our part. 

The memories and love of Ted will never stray. He will forever have a special place in my heart. His name was inspired by TED Talks, and he personified the qualities worthy of the name. I learned a lot through dog ownership many important life lessons I’ll keep and carry  always. I’d say the best part about owning a dog is the sense of humanity, humility, and joy that comes with having constant unconditional companionship, they truly are Man’s Best Friend extremely loyal and loving they mirror the reflections of there owners and also have unique identities themselves.

 Ted was found in the inner-city ghetto of Ottawa, nurtured, loved and brought to the great ranch-lands of Grande Prairie, Alberta.  The point is this, it is important to be responsible and put your dogs needs first, we raised Ted from 8 weeks old until he was 3 years old, in canine years a grown man ready to take on the world. An example of his training is in the video below. I taught Ted to be patient, when he was  a puppy he would attack the bowl as though there was no food left in the world and  taught Ted to be disciplined, when told to “sit” or “stay” he would obey, this was all possible because he loved and respected and in the end that is the foundation of responsible dog ownership.