Prince finds his Purpose

by Sharon
(Topeka, KS)

I got the gift of a lifetime when Prince was 14 months, a reject of a breeding program; and had been raised in a kennel. I had a new kennel and igloo ready; but we never used it. It was like prison to Prince and to this day, he is rather claustrophobic. He never needed to be house broken as he is an innate gentleman; but he was very timid and easily spooked. After 5 years, he still skittish & thinks about whether or not he wants to obey when he is not on a leash. Kip, his terrier brother tries & tries to get Prince to play catch,fetch or tug-a-war. But although Prince gets excited & springs around like Tigger, toys will hit him in the head or drop before he gets his mouth open.
Kip was Mom's dog that I inherited when she went to a nursing home with Alzheimer's. For the first few years, he went with me to visit; but his excitability and noisiness became to much for Mom & the other residents. Then one day, I had Prince in the car when I stopped by to visit her.
Lo and behold, Mr. I-have-to-decide-if-anyone-can-touch-me let all the residents pet him & fuss over him; including one lady who tends to tap him on the head rather sharply. He seems to know she means no harm & doesn't shy away. He senses who wants company and who would rather look at him from a distance.
Prince used to get carsick; now he runs for the car and jumps in 'cause he looks forward to our 2-3 times a week visits as much as Mom and friends. To Mom, he is all the many dogs she's had in her life and he is one of the few things that still brings a ready smile and sparkle to her eyes. Prince is an angel who has found his Purpose!