I never thought I would have a small dog when I decided that I was going to move out on my own. I was 20 years old and free to begin living the life that I had dreamed. However, dreams don’t become reality overnight and the first year living with my roommate turned out to be pretty difficult. She had this dog and she didn’t care a whole lot for him. His name was Tj and was a rescue from the humane society. He was originally found in a hoarding situation with nearly 120 other dogs. He was unsocial, claustrophobic and trusted no one. While my roommate lived her life, Tj waited for her. Slowly, he began following me around the house and I had picked up his normal caretaking. I fed him, watered him, walked him and most nights he even slept with me. Ultimately, my roommate left, leaving Tj behind.
I can’t say that it’s been easy. I have never rescued any animal like Tj before. He was so needy and obsessively licked his feet, carpet, the air and me. He barked at everyone who entered the house until they left. I couldn’t cuddle him without him screaming, or touch his ears or his feet. It was frustrating to take care of myself, let alone try to take time to solve all of Tj’s problems. I would get mad when he wouldn’t potty outside when it rained or when he would obsess over me for long periods of time. I never remembered a time when I had been so frustrated with another living thing. I’ve always been an animal lover and I have worked with dogs for as long as I can remember, but never has an animal frustrated me to the point of giving up on them. Tj and I had
our moments.
I have had Tj for two years now and he goes to work with me every day. I work at a doggy daycare and he greets every client who walks through our door. He has friends who are men and some even have beards. He has particular doggy friends he truly enjoys but he greets all dogs, large or small. He is beginning to play with toys and loves to play in blankets. You would never guess it was the same Tj. Taking him to work has changed our relationship. He has a job to do, which takes a lot of his focus away from licking and being anxious. Tj has time to think clearly without fear and knows lots of tricks. He goes to events and travels anywhere I go. He loves me more than I could ever imagine and when I look at him now, I know, he will never leave my side. And I will never leave his side either. — Michelle Vidlak, Bark Avenue Inn & Daycare Manager
Bark Avenue Grooming & Daycare
15504 Spaulding Plaza
402-933-3784
Bark Avenue Inn & Daycare
13706 “C” Street
402-933-4007