How A Dog Changed My Life – The Story of Sherlock

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Here’s the story of how I went from being afraid of animals to gleefully having a 75 -pound lap dog lick my face and how he changed my life.

I grew up on 10 acres but never had a dog. Yeah I know, it’s weird but I didn’t think it was then. I didn’t know I was missing out. Sherlock pranced into my life about a year ago. Much like love in real life, I didn’t know I needed him until he was there. I didn’t know I could love a dog as much as I love Sherlock. He has changed me from being uncomfortable around animals, barely making eye contact, to on the street yelling, “CAN I PET YOUR DOG?! ARE THEY A RESCUE?!” Shockingly, my enthusiasm for life and dogs can be a little much for some. But I twirl on them haters.

Like a parent, I am obsessed with everything he does. Also like a parent, I never thought I would clean up poop and pee and still want to kiss that precious face that just literally made eye contact with me while pooping. I’m looking at pet-friendly hotels. Doggy daycare for our Nashville trip. Being a dog mom isn’t cheap or easy. When I walk into the house after work, he stands up to hug me and acts like I’ve been gone a year. If I’ve been gone on a business trip, he runs around the house so fast he wipes out.

Currently, thanks to me, Sherlock has developed the need to use a pillow to rest his head on. He is the little spoon with me rests his head on his pillow. Oh and he loves a blanket when there’s a chill. (At some point we may need to have a conversation about remembering his humble roots at the shelter because he’s getting a little entitled.) I am weirdly proud of how spoiled he is. He often gets to run errands with me and I have a list of dog-friendly locations in Wichita because well, I am me.

Sherlock adores people, squirrels and his precious glow in the dark ball. He literally prances around the yard with it in his mouth like it’s a showpiece. It’s filthy, cracked and he beams with joy holding it. No other ball compares. If it was between loving me or his ball, the ball would win.

I had the hardest time not crying when leaving the shelter because while the dogs that were a good fit had been taken home, other animals weren’t so lucky. I cry (am crying) now thinking about the happiness in the dog’s eyes when people walked past them and pleaded with them when they walked away and onto the next dog. Why can’t every animal have a forever home?

I understand that everyone’s circumstances are different, but I am asking you, please adopt a pet. I’ve never understood why a shelter dog has stigmas, but I’ve encountered them when talking to people. If I mention a small complaint about a normal dog habit, I am immediately asked if he is a rescue or shelter dog as if that somehow explains it. No, he is a dog and as much as I adore him, animals do annoying things. Also, Sherlock has been annoyed by ME (GASP!). I was trying to him to balance a gummy bear on his nose so I could take a photo. It did not end well. He also hates me when he has to have a bath.

A dog changes your life and it isn’t a decision that should be treated lightly. I don’t know what Sherlock’s history was, but I have a bittersweet feeling thinking about how someone could possibly let such a sweet dog go, but an extremely thankful he came to us. It’s very important to me that the stigma of shelters and rescues is removed and adoption becomes the norm.

Since I’ve become a loud and proud dog mom, I’ve started paying more attention to rescue efforts in the Wichita community. I’m extremely proud that Dillon’s allows me to link my rewards cards to our local animal shelter! I love it when my everyday purchases can be a benefit to the community and I do ZERO work.

For Your Pets Adoption Drive

Where?
Here are the participating Dillon’s locations:
Wichita
7707 E Central Ave
4747 S Broadway St
10222 W 21St St N
Kansas
3200 Plaza East Dr. – Hutchinson
225 E Cloud Ave – Andover
1624 N Rock Rd – Derby
800 NW 25th St – Topeka
1235 E Cloud St – Salina
Nebraska
505 N. 155th Plaza Omaha NE
You can find your closest one here.

On May 5th from 9am to 1pm, you can visit Dillon’s locations in Wichita for a #ForYourPets adoption event. Go see and ADOPT the pet that needs you as much as I needed Sherlock. Plus you’ll get product coupons and samples. Also, think about this! If you love animals b, think about how great it is to be walking down the ice cream aisle and you get to pet one. That is living your best life.

I hope you find your very own Sherlock that changes your life. He also says adopt, don’t shop, except for treats for good doggos. If he could talk that is. He’s currently pawing my shoulder telling me he wants attention or peanut butter, whichever comes first.