Pet Stories

« back to pet stories

Olive

November 2009 Update

Dear Suncoast Animal League,

I had to tell you all about my very first experience at "The Mutt March"!

I was so very excited to visit a new park and couldn't wait to get out of my seat belt. It seemed to take furever, as I was squirming around with anticipation.  As we entered the park, I was a bit overwhelmed by the all the activity, but Mom reassured me I'd be okay.  And my older sis, Dixie was unaffected by all the hub-bub and taking in all the affection she could get from STRANGERS, of all things.  (She doesn't act like that at home, she's a guard-dog for petes sake!)  I was confused!  Some Strangers petted me too, I was okay with it.  But when they backed away, I would howl at them. I wanted more Love, but I think I scared them, they didn't know my howling is just my way of speaking.

Mom signed us in for the Mutt March, as I tried to lick and howl at all the Volunteers manning their stations. I was trying to tell them that, Me and My Sis gave up are weekly allowances for the shelter's needs. I'm sure the Volunteers thought I was a rabid dog!  We checked out all the tents (vendors) and got loads of Treats, Love and Raw Dog Burgers, yum!

Then we sat down by the stage to listen to all the Rescue Stories.  Everytime Rick spoke, I howled.  No matter the weird looks I got, I was agreeing with Rick about the yappy endings of each tail-of-woe.  I howled at Ms. Weintaub when she spoke about the raffle, I want a diamond-stud collar. I howled at Melissa McGhee, she has a pretty voice, I wanted her to sing to me.

It was time to march! And march I did, my tail held high, my ears perky with bright eyes! Mom made us march the entire trail. I could have done ten laps easily, but my short-legged sissy was wearing out.  That was okay because I could not miss the "Mutt Derby". I gotta tell you, I have been practicing at the dog park, for months.   It was going to be my moment to shine! I watch all kinds of dog sizes race, the little ones were funny.  Before I knew it, the XL size-heat one, came up.  I watched my comPETition with baited-breathe, I had my eyes on the top dog!   Rick called "heat two to the starting line!"  I was prancing with anticipation.  Mom sat me down and whispered words of encouragement in my ear, Dad went to the finish line to cheer me on.  But nothing could prepare me for what was about to happen.  Rick had my attention with, "On your mark... ready... set... GO"!   I just sat there...  like a big dufess!! I was overwhelmed by the whole crowd cheering.   For me, no doubt??  Mom pushed me off towards the finish, now seconds behind the leaders.  I ran like the wind, passing most of the pack, to finish second!  Mom and Dad were so proud of me, I won, I won the heat! Well, that's what I felt like anyway.  Because I am a Winner to have Parents who, Love Me as much as they do!

On the ride home as I was falling asleep and Mom said to me, that she was "so glad that I have come out of my shell."   Does she think I'm a turtle??  Anyway, all of my comPETition better practice, cuz "I'LL BE BACK" next spring!

Thank You and Love to all at Suncoast Animal League, Ilove (Olive Cameron) adopted 12.18.07