Grateful for Dogs: How a Single Mutt Changed My Life

Cleo, photo: Sharon Castellanos

November is one of my favorite times of the year. There’s Thanksgiving, of course, but the month also marks the anniversary of adopting my first dog and my subsequent discovery of the wonders of senior dogs—both events for which I’ll be forever grateful.

The big day around here is November 9. That’s when one large, fluffy adult Husky-Shepherd mix changed my life. Cleo’s presence sparked the creation of Grouchy Puppy  https://www.grouchypuppy.com/home/, which has slowly blossomed over the years into an incredible community of dog lovers. Each November, I shake my head when I realize how many people I’ve met, how many teachable moments we’ve shared, and how much joy has been spread thanks to just one dog.

photo: Sharon Castellanos

I grew up only knowing AKC registered, obedience trained, purebred dogs, but this adopted mutt from our local SPCA permanently changed my thinking. Right out of the gate, Cleo busted all the myths about older dog adoption or having a big dog in a big city. She showed me by example what it meant to develop an honest dog-human bond. She gave me confidence and forgiveness. She reassured me as I reassured her. We talked. I spoke with words, gestures, and consistent behavior, and she replied with her tail, posture, and relaxed nature. We grew and learned together.

Life with Cleo opened me up to a community of dog people far and wide. I can't tell you how many conversations we struck up with strangers every single time we went for a walk. But with the advent of Grouchy Puppy and its social media channels, I met so many more dog lovers online. 

I even found a way to bring her extra-large furry presence along to a pet conference once. Though I had to leave her at home, Cleo shared her sunny personality with attendees via a quart-sized baggie filled with her fur and a sweet four-by-six photo. People smiled at her picture, and various canine attendees sniffed greetings at her fluff. We were a hit, and I think inspiration.

photo: Sharon Castellanos

Thanks to our life together and the natural dog aging process, I eventually met Sherri Franklin and Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. What a joy to learn that my city has a network of people working together to celebrate older dogs and honor their lives. All dogs are incredible creatures, but it has been a gift to understand how senior dogs especially demonstrate the positive impact of the dog-human bond.

After Cleo passed away, I grieved, but then I began showing up at the Muttville doggy loft for the morning shift. Sleepy mornings with Cleo had been some of my favorite times. She and I shared noisy stretches and liked chilly, foggy San Francisco mornings. She gave me my first laugh of each day. Today, the Muttville mutts help me continue these traditions. They give fearlessly to me, reminding me that all dogs offer unique opportunities for us to learn and grow as humans.

Cleo built upon the lessons my childhood dogs began. Now, more than five years since her passing, the dogs in my neighborhood, my extended family dogs, and the Muttville mutts are continuing my education. I’m inspired to help senior dogs get adopted, bust myths around all kinds of dogs, and spread the positive influence of the dog-human bond. Rather than pulling just any dog into my life as a replacement or filler, I appreciate the importance of matchmaking. A dog is a piece of your family puzzle and understanding that is essential.

photo: Sharon Castellanos

Appreciating what a dog offers you is just as important as what you provide to a dog. As with human relationships, timing and honesty are everything. My life with Cleo continues to inspire me because I remember it with clear eyes. I see where we made mistakes, but I also cherish each time we set her up for success. I am forever thankful for Cleo’s inability to lie. In her dog way, she told me the truth. This honesty is a lesson I take today into every dog encounter and volunteer shift at Muttville. 

Dogs have shown me how to let go. My time with Cleo taught me how to stop worrying about the inevitable loss that is part of loving a dog. Instead, I focus now on the joy of living every day. Many people speak of a dog's ability to give unconditional love, but that is only scratching the surface of what dogs give us.

November is a time for giving thanks. For all that dogs bring to our lives, I am grateful.