If you asked me how I felt about dogs 3 years ago, I would have adamantly told you that I am a cat lady. At that time, I was a proud mom to four purr-fect cats: Kit Kat, Granite, Sophia, and Rose. They are gray, gorgeous, and the queens of my home.
Three years ago, around this time, I started dating my husband, Ryan. Just three weeks after we started dating, Ryan told me he wanted to get a dog and my response was quick and firm. “Four cats!” I said. “No need for a dog! I have four cats!” Ryan insisted, however, that he wanted a dog. Though we were very early in our relationship, Ryan and I both had a feeling about each other, so I asked him to please pick a dog that would get along with cats. Ryan chose to get an Alaskan Klee Kai, a small, smart, and energetic dog that looks like a miniature version of the Siberian Husky.
The process was quicker than I thought, and just two months later, we were picking out our dog from a breeder in Virginia. I say “our dog” because it was supposed to be Ryan’s dog, but I quickly fell in love and, well, we all know how that goes. We picked the cutest little guy there and named him Rocky. He’s gray and white and such an intelligent pup. In months, I went from being a cat lady to being a gushing dog mom. I trained Rocky to sit, shake, wait, high-five, jump, and so much more. He’s such a great jumper that he can even jump onto my lap when I am fully elevated at iLevel on my power wheelchair. In fact, hopping onto my lap while I am sitting at iLevel on my power wheelchair is one of Rocky’s favorite things to do.
Rocky is a fast runner and he loves to sing. He barely ever barks, but goodness, does he HOWL! He would talk to you all day if you let him. And since the pandemic started, I have been working from home which Rocky LOVES! We go on walks every morning and he lays next to me as I work all day.
But there’s one thing that’s missing. For a while I have felt like Rocky needed a doggy best friend. Rocky loves me, but I can’t always play with him when he wants to play – especially when I am working. Rocky tries to play with the cats, but the cats definitely do not want to play with him. So, for the past year, I have asked Ryan if we could get another dog. Ryan kept telling me no. Ryan said it would be too much work and it was not a good idea, but two months ago, on our wedding day, Ryan surprised me by telling me that we could get another dog! He told me that he even started applying for another Alaskan Klee Kai so that Rocky could have a best friend that could keep up with his energy level!
Now, two months later, I am writing this blog with our new puppy sleeping next to me. We have named him Bullwinkle – that’s right, Rocky’s best friend is named Bullwinkle! We brought him home yesterday and Rocky loves him. They are already playing together and napping together. I think this pair will have a lifetime of fun together and I cannot wait to witness the adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle!
About Stephanie Woodward: Stephanie is a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab® and works as a disability rights activist. She has received many awards for helping communities become more accessible, as well as for her actions in fighting for the rights of disabled individuals as it relates to Medicaid and other support services. Click here to learn more about Stephanie.