I was walking my dogs today and thought about my hard one, Titan. I have him, and an easy one, Wreck. I love them both, the same. Wreck is a lot easier. Titan is a lot of dog, A whole heck of a lot of dog.
Titan pulls on the leash often. Wreck NEVER does, loose, droopy the entire time.
Titan could attack a dog if given the opportunity, Wreck would NEVER.
Titan has to be asked something 3, 4, 5x before he chooses to do it, Wreck, first time every time.
Titan jumps up on cars, people, etc. Wreck would never!
Titan has taken off at night, for way too long. Wreck always comes back first call.
Titan is hard. He needs a patient, understanding guardian who * gets * him. Wreck could live with literally anyone and be easy.
Titan only responds to my requests, he blows everyone else off, completely. Wreck responds to anyone’s requests.
Sometimes Titan wont eat. Wreck always eats.
Titan gets sick really easily, (multiple nighttime bathroom trips a few times a month) Wreck’s stomach is made of steel.
But, Titan does have easy moments too! When he is sleeping (LOL)
I thought about how some days I am tired and being one step ahead of Titan all the time can make me more tired. Wreck doesn’t tire me. Even so, I love Titan with every ounce of my being. I know he is not the dog for everyone, but he is the dog for me.
He knows I am patient with him. He knows he is hard. It makes our relationship different than the relationship I have had with other dogs. Titan and I are tight, even though it has come with challenges. He has so much love to give. He is always cuddling, snuggling, sitting on laps, kissing, and showing pure love in his eyes. He can’t ever be close enough. The definition of the big strong pitfbull lap dog.
He is a stubborn dog (very stubborn) that has chosen me to take care of him in this life. When a hard dog chooses you, there is a reason and it is a sign of honor. The hard ones don’t accept things easily, they have stronger opinions, stubborn streaks, and quirks. They choose humans who they know deserve the love they have to give. Humans willing to put in the time, energy and effort. If you have a hard one, love that one harder because them choosing you is a gift even when it doesn’t feel like it. They are too stubborn and opinionated to just choose anyone.
I have learned Titan will never be easy like wreck even though I’ve raised them the same. They have their own personalities. I have to honor each one for who they are. Easy or hard. They are allowed to be who they are.
As everyone says to me about Titan, my hard one. “He’s not the dog for everyone, but he’s the dog for you.” Though he drives everyone else nuts, he locks into me, differently than anyone else, even though it’s not “easy”. As hard as it is, it is easier than it would be if he were with someone else.
