This is the story of how rescuing the dog Casey changed the life of the Rona Maynard family.
At first, they were not “us” but Casey and them. Eventually, they started discussing the things they had in common, and it became apparent that they were a couple.
Her husband encouraged her to adopt a dog rescue, but she worried about the disadvantages, such as fur everywhere and fights on walks. They should be planning to travel abroad when they are 65 years old. All Paul wanted, though, was a dog. She doubted she could love any dog, much less a ragged-eared mutt, but she agreed for his sake.
The dog told a fascinating story. In a program for adoptable puppies, inmates trained him after being abandoned at birth in Ohio. After that, he went to a shelter, and volunteers saving dogs from extinction brought him to Toronto.
They named him Casey. When he first got there, he peed all over a chair. After sniffing every corner, he settled his hot muzzle against her thigh. Perhaps she could love him after all, she thought to herself.
Their First Walk Together
Casey temporarily forgot they had a dog that morning. Still tired, she padded out of bed and found another creature lying on the TV couch. It had happened before, but the monster had always been her husband, sound asleep in the same place where she’d planned to curl up with a cup of coffee and the New York Times. Paul liked to sleep anywhere but in bed, frequently falling off in front of the television.
It was amazing that there was a dog—our dog. Casey appeared to have grown since they had hugged up with Grey’s Anatomy the night before. Now, with his limbs spread wide, he almost filled the couch. One of his ripped ears lifted, while the other fell off the couch. She settled into the little area he left and stroked his flank; in return, Casey raised all four paws and bid her good morning. With Casey in it, it was a lovely morning.
#He is an expert in the art of sleeping.
Casey temporarily forgot they had a dog that morning. Padding from bed, she found Casey lying flat on the TV couch. Her husband, Paul, had usually occupied this space to take frequent naps. Casey’s presence was a wonder now.
Casey had grown since their last cuddle, his limbs almost filling the couch. One ear, torn off, popped up, while the other fell off the edge. He raised all four paws and greeted her with a good morning as she massaged his back. With Casey in it, it was a lovely morning.
Casey spent his perfect morning snuggled up in his pajamas, reading the internet, even though he needed his walk. His foster mother, Liz, had told her to take him out as soon as she finished breakfast. Unlike Liz, who had a backyard, she lived in a downtown condo, which called for makeup, eyebrow liquid, and appropriate clothing.
Casey had challenging morning walks. The streets were in disarray as he dragged her toward anything tasty or perfumed. He got angry with the squirrels, and people swerved to escape them. Eventually, after a long walk, they returned to their building. In the lobby, Casey ran across Betsy, a neighbor’s lab. The neighbor observed Casey’s status as a rescue and mentioned his participation in a jail training program. “Who’s a good boy?” Paul asked Casey as he excitedly greeted him back at home.
#The comfort together is unique, which makes it much more delightful.
“Casey!”
They had a nice boy, but they both needed to walk more confidently. Paul was at St. James Park when Casey started making a lot of noise because of a squirrel. Paul receives a rude message from a man who wants to keep Casey out of the park until he learns how to behave like the quiet little dog that sits on its owner’s knee.
Casey pulled and snored on his couch that night. Not long later, a young dog trainer named Laurie showed up. She recognized Casey as a full hound after watching his squirrel-chasing activity. Laurie put some effort into showing them how to regain Casey’s attention. This endeavor brought back to memory their previous work with their couples counselor, Annette. Laurie delivered precise instructions; therefore, she encouraged shouting. Even though she had always hated yelling, she decided to try for Casey’s benefit.
Following their initial meeting with Laurie, she practiced yelling, “Hey!” whenever Casey showed signs of a thief. Casey reacted when he received a reward and a neck rub. Casey had a brief but severe fit of rage at the squirrels, but he had no anger in comparison with people.
An old woman and a young dog, each in their own universe, strolled alongside one another. At first, she did not consider them to be “us.” She eventually started talking about their shared places, including Casey’s, hers, and ours.
Despite their differences, Casey and his owner enjoyed each other’s friendship. They avoided patient squirrels as they strolled through Toronto’s streets. Casey’s owner coordinated their stride and learned to release Casey from the leash. Their relationship became closer and stronger, and they easily endured minor conflicts. Encouraging Casey home, they accepted their “Us-ness.” Together, they found harmony, accepting the oddities of life, learning a new rhythm every day, and finding serenity in harmony.
Every day, Casey’s owner would sweep waste and find comfort in the routine. They formed a close relationship as they strolled across Toronto, avoiding obstacles and squirrels. Casey’s endless enthusiasm for life made their walks enjoyable. His owner desired to discover peace in repose by his sound sleep. She found solace in his company as she learned to breathe slowly. She tried to sleep perfectly, but Casey’s ease of going to sleep taught her. As their bond grew, it became apparent that love and companionship were the most important values.
