How can something on four legs that poops, pees, eats and chases balls turn a dyed-in-the-wool -- or should I say fur?-- cat person into a much more active and outgoing, not to mention, besotted dog-lover? He came into my world impulsively when I saw his (alleged) Aussie Shep-Corgi mug online. On death row at a California high kill shelter where he languished for a year, saved regularly by caring staff members who had taken him home when his "number came up," Smiley was suddenly mine (and my three cats' -- much to their chagrin) and my quiet and, admittedly now, sedentary life suddenly shifted gears. I became a daily dog walker, averaging 35-45 minutes (sometimes longer) every day.
Inspired by his natural predilection for pirouetting like a So You Think You Can Dance contestant, Tango was renamed. Like Norm at Cheers! the other dogwalkers call out his name now at our local off-leash park. And I ended up joining the rescue group (www.dogbless.ca) and assist in bringing in more needy dogs from shelters where often the crass treatment of beautiful, healthy and loving animals is heartbreaking. Tango and I have now organized two walking teams and fundraised over $2500 for the Victoria SPCA's Paws for a Cause. What's next for this dauntless duo? Now that he's a calmer and slightly better trained Aussie Shep/ Papillon/(and some days it seems) Coyote, our next project involves making doggy tourist videos around Victoria. Watch for us on Youtube! Coz wither my doggy goest, there goest I! Rain, snow, sleet and ... well, you get the idea!
Victoria, Canada
