Pet of the Month - August 2015 - Rayne

I just lost my Doberman Breezy who was my best friend for the last 10 ½ years very suddenly and it was just a shock to everyone and I was having a hard time accepting the fact that Breezy was gone.

Then on May 8th I started a new chapter in my life.  I started the 500 mile drive to go and pick up a new puppy.  I drove all night and only had 25 miles to go when I stopped to get a few hours’ sleep.   Rayne’s name was fitting for the puppy as it was really  raining that Sat. morning when I picked her up.  The first time I held her she was terrified of me.  She kept trying to push me away with her paws and squirming so much I thought I was going to drop her.  After about 5-6 minutes of me soft talking to her she settled down.  Then when I was ready to start the long driver back home I started my car and again  Rayne was scared but within 5 minutes she was fast asleep in my arms and that is where she stayed until we got home and it was then that I knew the bond was there.  Rayne adapted very quickly to her new home and that once little scared puppy I held earlier that day was gone and the fearless Rayne emerged.  Rayne is scared of nothing even her first visit to Taylor Vet Hospital with Dr. Smith she was prancing around and ready to play with anyone.    After the Vet. visit I took Rayne to Pepsi to show my boss and co-workers and she was again prancing around and ready to play.   She goes right up to anyone and tries to play with them.

I had Rayne for 5 days when I could call her by name and tell her to come and she will run to me.  She is so smart and very eager to learn new things.  Right now I am working on “no bite” as my feet are one her favorite chew toys.  Her other favorite toys are her stuffed Dracula and my big black cat, Spook.  Spook doesn’t like being one of her toys so he just jumps on the bed and teases her.

Some of my favorite times with Rayne is when we are in the chair and she snuggles herself into my arms and I look at her and I am amazed just how much this little puppy of only 6 weeks old can have such a positive effect in my life.

Breezy was my service dog for 10 ½ years and now I am working with Rayne to be my next service dog.   I am limited right now on where I take Rayne as she is still receiving her puppy shots.  I have had her in public places already as she has done great with the new sounds and people all around her.  Once she has received all her puppy shots and I know she will be safe I will also start exposing her to more dogs so she will be dog friendly.