Benefits of Having A Dog: Savannah Is Here To Stay

So, it didn't take long for Savannah to become part of our lives. It took about three months until she was fully trained and we were comfortable enough to let her have free range of the house. Of course the kids still loved her and rushed home to play with her after school and since I was not working at the time, she learned to follow me around all day. I often took her with me to pick up the kids and she got a lot of attention from the other kids and parents at the school. My husband who had been a little reluctant and shocked when we first brought the puppy home took on the task of training her. While she loved me, she listened to my husband. In three months time, Savannah had been pad trained and she learned how to "speak" on command. While at first she was confined to her cage and the kitchen, she graduated to the hallway, the living room, dining room and eventually the rest of the house. We did not need the baby gates anymore, which was a big relief. Within a years time she was able to do a few tricks. She could spin, roll over, up and dance, jump over and go under an object and sit on command. She also learned to "kiss" and go to her bed on command as well. My favorite trick is when we say "bang" and she falls to the floor and plays dead. Any visitor to our home gets the "Savannah Show" where she shows off all of her little talents. She is a very lovable little doggy.

Without a doubt, having a pet adds to your quality of life. Who could resist the little face looking up at you? At the end of a long day when I finally have a chance to sit down and watch television or read a book, the second I am seated, Savannah runs into my lap or curls up next to me. When I go to bed, she follows. When my husband comes home from work she waits at the door and jumps on to the foot stool so he can pet her. A lot of times, she rolls onto her back for a belly rub. She does this at the strangest times, like when we are eating dinner or when I am washing the dishes or knitting. I must say that I do stop what I am doing to scratch her belly. How could I not? She will lay there until she gets her belly rub, no matter what!

My top ten reasons for having a dog:

• she is always happy to see us when we get home
• we don't need a doorbell - she announces each visitor with a hearty bark!
• she is very entertaining
• provides unconditional love
• she is fun to play dress up with
• she takes us for walks
• always enthusiastic
• great watch dog
• she is protective of us, especially the kids
• it is always comforting to pet her