Friday, March 4, 2016

Zaphod - In The Beginning - Part 1

Leading up to Zaphod's 5th birthday, I am going to write posts about his early days in our pack.

In the spring of 2012, the Man and I decided we were done living in the city and wanted to move to the country. The Man started looking for houses in Quebec, as Ottawa is right on the Ontario/Quebec boarder but with the Gatineau Hills, Quebec had the hills and lakes we wanted. As a person who speaks about 5 words of French, I was nervous about this, so I struck a deal, if we moved to Quebec, I got a second dog. In June of 2012 we found our dream home in Quebec, so the search for a second dog began. I contacted the rescue we had gotten Hailey from and said I wanted the opposite dog to her. They suggested Zaphod, we met, and Zaphod joined us at the new house 4 days after we moved. He walked into our house, lifted his leg on our bed (the only time he ever did such a thing) and landed in our hearts.



We have never been people to stop the dogs from getting on the furniture. Phody needed a lot of encouragement (he always looked like we were about to beat him) to hop up. He had a hard time relaxing. Now, he usually still waits for an invite if we are both on the couch, but is totally relaxed and comfortable. You can tell from this video (turn up the volume) how relaxed he is:


Over the weekend, the Man said "Do you remember how he use to be scared to get up?"  I said yes, and I said something like "I hope this means he has forgotten about the horrible things that happened before he was rescued." As I look at him sound asleep in the chair beside me, I think he has. Sometimes he doesn't even want to move if you ask him to! We may not be perfect pet owners, but we have created an environment of love and security. If only every pup could be so lucky!


Don't forget to submit your picture of you fooling around by March 27th for Zaphod's birthday bash!


Want to help even more. Abby's Lady has offered to donate the proceeds of any of her books sold that day to the Ontario SPCA. Been meaning to pick up a copy of The Book of Barkley or Saving Grace (which I won and read and really enjoyed, LBJ has a beautiful poetic style)? Order them on April 1! 

27 comments:

  1. What a happy post....I hate the thought of Phod having a bad start in life butt.....well knowing how much he is luffed and cared for now just makes me smile. Big hugs to you Phod
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Phod I like the way you walked straight in the heart of the lady and the man... what was the message you wrote on the bed? was it "all mine"?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hari OM
    What a great gotcha story!!! Phod - you sure landed on all four paws!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Phod you mom got the best end of that deal...YOU...and she doesn't even have to speak French to you. Win Win
    Hugs madi your bfff

    ReplyDelete
  5. Phod sounds like he was just pawfect for you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you sharing your story. You are on a good place
    Lily & Edward

    ReplyDelete
  7. My momma had to encourage a kitty she adopted from outside to get up on da furniture at first too - he didn't think he wuz allowed up there.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Abby and her Mom are so Kind and Generous... it is a GOOD book!!!
    Now Zaphod... about that Cocking your Leg on the Bed thingy... THAT was YOUR way of saying THIS PLACE IS MINE. It was a smart move on your pawt. It is a GOOD place fur SURE.

    ReplyDelete
  9. i do love a happy ending and this is one. so glad you rescued him and i know he is to

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love can make all the difference

    ReplyDelete
  11. Phod is lucky to that you have given him a wonderful loving home
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & mabel

    ReplyDelete
  12. Our Mama is originally from Montreal and French is her first language! She thinks you are lucky to live in Quebec :) Zaphod, we are glad you landed in such a loving family. Lucky you! :) P.S. What is the origins of your name? And how are you the opposite of Hailey?

    the critters in the cottage xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. We love stories with happy endings, we just wish all animals could have happy beginnings, too.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Our Dad lived in Guelph Ontario for several years while he was growing up. He still remembers fishing trip adventures up north with his dad and his Irish setter "big brother" Kelly.

    ReplyDelete
  15. It's always nice to learn more things about our friends.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh yeah, he is snoring! How interesting. Did you learn any more French? Our pawrents went through there and were very intimidated by not speaking French!

    Keep Calm & Bark On!

    Murphy & Stanley

    ReplyDelete
  17. It is so wonderful that Phod has forgotten that bad stuff from early on. We've tried and tried but I don't think that Shyla has forgotten yet. I do know that the bad people broke at least one bone in her body so it must have been pretty bad.

    Enough gloomy talk. I love the idea for Phod's Birthday Bash! He's such a lucky dog!

    ReplyDelete
  18. A new house for a new dog sounds perfect. I am sure Phod saved all of you as much as you saved him

    ReplyDelete
  19. Awe! Zaphod is so cute! I'm really glad he found you! :D

    ReplyDelete
  20. Were happy that you all have each other!
    love
    tweedles

    ReplyDelete
  21. Phod is like Mazie. She was badly abused when I adopted her and was worried about everything. Now she is happy and snores and knows she is loved.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I think Zaphod was claiming you and your home as his own right away!

    ReplyDelete
  23. That was a great deal you made, and it looks like Zaphod has more than made himself at home there!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi hi hi! Ojo here! Phod, it is good to forgive and move on, right? Right. Live in the moment! And eat more bacon!

    ReplyDelete
  25. That's a wonderful story with a happy ending for all.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and leaving us a comment. We love your comments!