Rescued dogs or rescued humans..

This is our story. ♡

I have always had pets growing up and dogs were always a starring part in that cohort. I've loved animals since I can remember, but dogs have always held a special place in my heart because their capacity of emotion is remarkably similar to our own. They have good days, bad days, tired days and social days. They have friendship cliques and other dogs they dislike or mistrust, they understand minute differences in human emotion and movement and overwhelmingly come across rather human (despite the fur and lack of English).

Three years ago, I was desperate to add a little furry member to our family, and Husband (to be in October) whilst not immediately amenable to the plan was quite open to considering a written proposal. I think he only said this and never considered I would actually do it! But determined I was, and I came through on the written proposal for Occa. There were several reasons I cited for the merit of my idea, including the psychological links to reduced depression, greater happiness and overall increased healthiness.

Early on in our dog discussions, Husband had mentioned he wanted a dog that he could exercise with and be active with.. I had owned a border collie in my childhood and loved them, but we thought the fur would be too much maintenance for us and therefore had stumbled upon the breed of Australian Cattle Dog. The amount of research I did once deciding on the breed was insane.. I was a little like a woman possessed. I knew everything possible one could know about a breed of dog they didn't yet own (something that helped immensely once we brought Occa home!)which led me to stumbling across the Australian Cattle Dog Rescue based in Sydney, Australia.

We were lucky enough to have enquired at the same time as a pregnant bitch being rescued and after much convincing we put down our deposit for our little boy. 

After meeting the litter it was love at first sight with Occa. Once we saw him,  we could take no other pup. He was only 7 and a half weeks when he came home and he looked like a little bear cub.

The first few months were a little rocky.. we were just becoming new pup parents and it admittedly took us a while to comprehend how much the term 'velcro dog' applies to cattle dogs. We tried to have Occa sleep in the laundry but it was just too difficult. . Once we had him in our room we never ever looked back. We are a pack and our room is the pack den. Precisely how Occa always knew it should be.

Occa; the first day we met him! 

7 or 8 months after Occa came home, we saw Belle's face on the Pet Rescue Web page and she stole our hearts. We thought we were ready for another fur baby and that Occa was keen for a friend
... and luckily we were right!

Belle's picture from the Rescue website

We've had our ups and our downs (one being a time where Belle chewed the wiring loom of Husband's car the day before it was to be sold) but we're a family. Occa and Belle have made us a family and in a way that only a dog could, encourage us to be better people everyday. We exercise everyday because of their need and passion for a daily run, every time we fight Occa sits in front of us staring us with his big brown eyes willing us to stop and no matter how you feel after a long day they are always,  ALWAYS happy to see you. Their love is neverending,  all encompassing and unbelievably honest.

They are constantly giving, so remember; to you they are one part of your world,  but you are their entire world. Be deserving of that love and take that energy with you in all aspects of your life.

Forever love your dog,
Emma

Our beautiful goof-balls