Last
month we at Baark! held a writing contest. We asked readers to tell us the
story of their rescued or adopted animal and why they have made such a great
pet, and you delivered. After carefully reading the many entries we have selected
the three age group winners. For the next three weeks we will print their
beautiful stories in this Baark! column. Guardian column. This week’s winner,
representing the 13-17 year old group is Alea Gomez age- 14. Thank you and
congratulations Alea!!
We Got Tori
The
ride seemed interminable. I was ecstatic. My grandmother collected me from
school and told me that today was the day that we would go to the Humane
Society to get our pet dog.
As
we entered, the place was a cacophony of sounds. Dogs barking, cats meowing,
mixed with the chatter of pet owners and staff. The surgery smelled of
disinfectant and animal scents. I turned up my nose and wondered how I would
make it here, since I was contemplating becoming a veterinarian. The staff was
most hospitable and friendly and the male attendant who took us to the stables
told us that he was Gregory.
Gregory
showed us many dogs, big dogs, little dogs, tall dogs, short dogs, none of
these appealed to me; until I saw her. A small cute, cuddly white and light
beige ball of fur, an Akita mix. She
was housed in a kennel with about six other pups, who were similar to her;
however, she was different. She had attitude!
Gregory
took out one pup and showed it to me, but I told him that was not the one. I
pointed out the one that I wanted, while he uttered that they were all alike.
I, however, knew the difference. The pup that I wanted had a small pink birth mark on her left eye,
a beauty spot; and this drew me to her. I had already selected a name for her -
Tori Judah. When she was taken out of the kennel, she behaved as if she knew
that she belonged with us, she seemed to be smiling.
Tori
immediately took over our hearts and our home, she exuded an indomitable
spirit; therefore, my Nana decided to hire a trainer for her. On meeting Tori,
the trainer thought that because she was just four months old that the task
would be easy. So we went to the beach with treats, and the trainer barking out
commands.
The
trainer told us that we were not
forceful enough with Tori and proceeded to demonstrate. Treats were offered, a
booming voice was trumpeted, however, Tori, the pampered princess, refused the
treats and chose to ignore all commands. The next thing we knew was that the
trainer was on the ground, propelled by one of Tori’s mighty leaps. We all
laughed.
It
has been six years since we adopted Tori Judah. She is a wonderful pet and a
terrific guard dog. She always warns us when persons are approaching and her
barks are distinguishable when she
perceives a threat. The neighbours often thank us because she has even warned
them of potential harm to their properties.
To
have Tori as a pet has been fun and rewarding. Tori has a great personality and
she loves unconditionally. She is very good and thoughtful with my little
sister Adyn, who is seven years old. She is our pampered princess and a member
of our family
Please spay and neuter
your animals, this simple procedure saves lives and decreases the suffering of
unwanted animals.
This column is proudly
brought to you by BAARK! the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.
For more information
contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org, (427.SPAY) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com
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