Not Bad for a (formerly) Shell-Shocked Stray

I attended an awards' ceremony at my son's high school this morning. Even at this tender age, there is a bit of politics to awards. And that's sad but, I guess, goes with the territory. Let me share my entirely subjective awards for the dear dog that has been a part of our lives for about one year. She was picked up on the streets of Cleveland, as they told us at the shelter, and spent three weeks in the pound, shaking, with bare skin exposed due to fur loss and flea allergy, and totally voiceless. She was not the dog that anyone was racing to adopt. She was not "our first choice" either. But something spurred us on to meet her, and -- as the cliche goes -- she adopted us.

The following may seem to be "just the basics" for any dog. Why reward the basics? However, through Robin, I re-learn that the basics might not be so taken for granted. Each step along the way of her adjustment (and rehabilitation, as it appears she was traumatized and/or abused) has been a victory.

I. Award for Wettest Nose in the House:

Robin

II. Award for Most Fur:

Robin

III. Pavlov Award for Quickest Response to Mealtime:

Robin

IV. Award for Best Indoors Hunting Simulation with Squeaky Toy:

Robin

V. Award for Most Smiles of Admiration and Comments like "Aren't You Pretty?" by Drive Thru Staff:

Robin


VI. Real-Time Award for Sprint in Response to Human Whistle:


Robin


VII. Dogtopia Award for Dreaming in the Sun:


Robin