SHARING MY LIFE WITH A DOG NAMED BUCKY

All dog lovers have a story about a special canine companion who shares their life. Here is my story. What's your story?

Dog Mom and A Dog Named Bucky

“You’ll never get the dog that you want. You’ll always get the dog that you need." - Cesar Millan

Why A Dog Named Bucky?

I have always considered dogs to be members of the family. A Dog Named Bucky was adopted into my family from Heavenly Hearts, a rescue group in Wisconsin. I first met Bucky when Heavenly Hearts visited the Dane County Human Society to help their dogs find forever homes. I was working at the shelter on weekends, trying to do my part for homeless pets, when I noticed him. Although he was still a puppy, he towered over many of the other rescue animals waiting to be adopted. I suspected this puppy was going to be a rather large dog. Like a baby, Bucky would sometimes roll when he tried to move. His paws were massive and he was just beginning to understand how to coordinate his legs in order to move from one place to another.

At the time, we already had two chocolate Labrador Retrievers at home. My husband was expressing a desire to get a St. Bernard, but I wasn’t entirely sold on the idea because I did not want a dog that drooled. When I saw this distinctive dog I knew instantly that he would be a good match because he resembled Bucky Badger, the mascot of our alma mater. So A Dog Named Bucky became another connection to that special place where we both when to college. In addition to the education that was the basis for our careers, we were also frequent fans at Badger sporting events, members of the Wisconsin Union, part of the Alumni Association, and active boosters. My husband’s Badger Nation claim to fame was being pictured in the April 4, 1983, issue of Sports Illustrated as a Badger Fan. Bucky’s adoption added being the proud parent of A Dog Named Bucky to the “You know you are a Badger fan when…” list of distinctions.

We eventually ended up with a fourth dog named Chelsea, a dry-mouth St. Bernard, from the Wisconsin St. Bernard Rescue. My husband saw her photograph on the internet and fell in love with her. We adopted her after completing an application, participating in a dog interaction, and finalizing the process with a home visit. Chelsea became Bucky’s best pal from the very moment they met. She needed guidance recovering from a traumatic past in order to become a family dog and Bucky was her role model. Because Bucky was the bridge with the other important parts of our lives, he had a famous and relatable name, and he possessed special healing powers, this blog is named in his honor. However, the blog is really about the lessons learned from all canine companions encountered throughout my journey as a dog lover.

What Kind of Dog Is That?

The breed information for our other dogs was obvious, but Bucky’s background was less clear because he was a rescue dog with multiple breeds in his bloodlines. We were told that his mother was a herding dog and that his father was a, “big white dog.” Looking back, it is unclear if the volunteer who made these comments was serious, speculating, or joking. What did become clear was that Bucky was unique and he had a way of attracting attention. Whenever he visited places with him, people asked a lot of questions.

· Is that a (insert breed guess)?

· What type of dog is that?

· Where did you get him?

· How did he grow sideburns like that?

· How do you keep his fur so clean?

These inquiries were usually followed by a request to pet him or take a picture with him. Bucky was friendly, inviting, and very gentle with all the people he met. He was also a beautiful and unique dog. His white fur looked soft and comforting so most people he encountered wanted to touch him. When Bucky knew he was being noticed, he turned on the charm. As an adult dog he had learned to move deliberately, like a runway model, so that his fur flowed in just the right way to impress people. During one particular visit to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care Clinic, twenty-two different people inquired about A Dog Named Bucky.

We received so many inquiries that we decided to submit his DNA to Wisdom Panel for more detailed information on his breed history. The canine DNA test was conducted and the lab replied within a few short weeks with a report to help solve the mystery. This information could also be used to better care for a dog’s health over the course of their lifetime. Tell me what you think about Bucky’s breed background. Checkout Bucky’s Family Tree Worksheet and submit your ideas on what makes him so special.

Why Rescue a Dog?

I love to hear stories about how previously unwanted rescue dogs paid a debt of gratitude to their new owners. Two stories that have always stuck with me include how a dog named Duke alerted his parents that the baby was not breathing and how a dog named Khan protected the toddler in his new family from a poisonous snake attack. In both cases, the children’s lives were saved because of the rescue dog’s actions.

The situation was not as dramatic for my rescue dogs and me, but it did feel miraculous all the same. I have struggled with depression for a long time. My dogs could cut through all of those struggles and there was nothing that warmed my heart more than seeing Bucky peeking through the door window when I drove into the driveway after a long day’s work. He always waited for me and was excited to see me. He may have been thinking about his impending dinner, but it sure felt like he saw the sun rising and setting on me like I was a goddess. He developed special relationships with each human and canine member of the family. Any debts, have long been paid in full!

The Right Dog?

I am often asked by other people about how to find the right dog. The conversation typically begins with questions related to how I found my dogs and then moves to advice about finding the right dog. For me, I have been partial to Labradors because I grew up with them. When I found my chocolate labs named Maddie and Nessa, I discovered Duke of Flambeau (a dog I had growing up) and the parents of Laura’s Topaz (my first dog) in their pedigree. I instantly felt connected to them as the right dogs. I happened to meet Bucky while working at an animal shelter and he turned out to be the best dog that we ever had. For my husband he knew from looking at a picture on the internet that a Saint Bernard named Chelsea was the right dog for him. We made a few mistakes along the way, like ending up with littermates and four dogs, but I cannot say that I would change things because I am grateful that each dog was a part of my life.

If you do not have experiences like these to draw from, I urge you to do your homework to make sure the breed of the dog is a good match for your life style. In other words, avoid an active breed if you are a homebody. The American Kennel Club has a list of dog breeds and resources to match you with breeders or rescue organizations. Information explaining the following is presented to help you explore the best fit.

· Temperament and Popularity

· Height and Weight

· Life Expectancy and Breed Group

· Background and History

· Breed Comparisons

I also learned match making tips while working in an animal shelter. All human and canine family members in the home should meet the new dogs and interact with them. New dogs tell you who they are and show you if they are a good match. It is important to pay attention to these and other signs. Training and treatment of the dogs influences who they become and how they fit in your life. It also takes a commitment to the dogs for their lifetime. After our adoptions, we had to work through several issues that surfaced as a result of blending littermates and two rescue dogs into our family. Now when I have that conversation with people about finding the right dog, it starts with “sometimes I found the right dog and sometimes the right dog found me.”