21
2009
The Bonds That Develop in Day Care
We talk lots about the dogs and how they have grown and developed during their time in day care but there are others that are growing and developing too, the humans that care for the dogs! We grow huge bonds and attachments to the dogs we care for. They are an extension to our own canine family and we love them all dearly. Every day I look forward to seeing who is coming in to play with us for the day.
Along with their owners, we’ve nurtured many dogs from puppyhood to the start of their adulthood. We shared many exciting and happy memories with the day care babies and we often fondly recount the babies that grew up with us. Little Charlie Power for one, who started as a tiny baby and has now turned into a great, young man, he always keeps us smiling and laughing with his antics! And now we get to share these great memories with his baby sister Millie and many other puppies that are growing and have grown up with us.
We remember the nervous and shy dogs that started out with us. And the feelings of happiness and pride to see them become happy and confidence, it can sometimes be quite overwhelming. Shep, the tri-colour collie, always sticks in my mind, I remember his first day. I picked him up and gave him a kiss. I promised him he would be well looked after, and of course he was, he’s now a super confident young man, who loves day care so much. Even now, months on, when I come in to start my shift, he runs to me to get his mandatory kiss and cuddle! There are many more just like Shep who we’ve had the pleasure to work with in day care.
When the dogs or owners go on their holidays, we miss them dearly and we have a huge void waiting on their return. It’s always great to get huge hugs and kisses from them when they come home (to day care that is). Zach, the day care character, always shows us how much he misses us when he is away, he runs in to tell us all about his adventures and we are delighted to listen!
When a dog is unwell, we’ve shared tears with each other and with their owners, and wait anxiously for news that all is fine. Of course, it always has been, but that doesn’t stop us worrying. The day care dogs feel like our babies too, and we all know what it’s like when our babies are not well! Every day we carefully monitor each dog and always know when the dog is feeling off. We know them so well, it’s very easy to spot!
When a dog moves away or their owner’s circumstance change, it’s very, very difficult to say goodbye. Over the years, I imagine it will only get harder and harder, it will never get easier. The emotional bond and attachment to each and every dog we care for is very strong. We’ve shared fun, laughter, pride, joy, worry, tears, love, happiness and every single emotion in between. We are lucky to have such great dogs to care for and to enrich our lives.
|
Comments
Lovely article, Laura!! Makes me wish I was a dog looking for day care!! Well Done to you all….
Gorgeous article Laura… brought tears to my eyes
x
hi laura , just to let you know i see the really close bond shep has with you and he just loves you to bits ( and the rest of the guys but definetly think he has a special place in his heart for you . thnaks to you guys for spotting he was off the other day and he could get the help he needed . He adores day care and i hope shep can be a part of your life and the life of the day care staff well into his old age ( well he is only 10 months ) thanks to all the gang for all the care and luv you give .
Love this post! Thanks for sharing this…..