From a beginning of a 10 month old pup who was initially too frightened to look at me or even to take food from me without barking and me not sure of taking on the responsibility of adopting a dog Nullah is progressing into a very sociable puppy who is becoming capable of meeting or simply passing most other dogs and people with calmness and dignity and extending her inexhaustible capacity for showing affection and kindness. She still has some issues with balls, bicycles, motor bikes and grumpy aggressive people but we are working with her on that and she is responding.
It is true that Nullah does involve significant responsibility, time, patience, commitment, affection, forgiveness, a bit of anxiety and a few expenses but the rewards that she gives in return to Sandra, myself, my daughter and her kelpie pup Mia are more than what we could ever have expected and I doubt whether we could ever expect to repay Nullah or Carmel and the other Fraser Coast Pet Warriors for the joy and rewards (not forgetting some of the heart aches and our forgiveness of her and her forgiveness of us) that Nullah has brought to our lives and the lives of so many people and so many other dogs that she meets at Carmel’s obedience and agility classes, on the street, in the park, in the paddock, at the sailing club, on the beach and out in the boat. Nullah has quickly become my best mate and loves swimming in the surf, walking and running at full speed across the beach, along the river bank and across open paddocks. Nullah is also a constant companion to Sandra at home during the day while I am at work following her out into the yard or lying at her feet when she is working inside. Nullah is always pleased to see us in the morning and when we come home and sad to see us leave her or put her to bed and for that we are truly grateful and love her.
My advice to anyone who is considering taking on a pet is to carefully read Carmel’s articles on “Children, Empathy and Pets” and “Dogs and Children” and if you can find it in your heart to positively respond to the articles take on the responsibility, suffer a bit of pain, reap the enormous rewards that can flow and make the world a better place.
Happy Birthday Nullah.
Thanks Colin, Sandra and Nullah
