This made my dog throw up

If you know me personally, it is no secret that I am OBSESSED with my dog, Jobin! I thought I'd write a little bit about him and his story.

I have always adored dogs my entire life. Unfortunately, my parents were not too keen on adding a pet to their responsibilities. When I was about 4 years old, we did try once. My aunt gave our family a brown, full bred, weiner dog. One day, I had to go to the doctor because I was sick or something, and I don't remember much about the visit except that it happened and that they did some tests or something, but it ended with my parents telling me that I was allergic to dogs, which meant we couldn't keep our dog, Poochi anymore. We ended up giving our sweet dog to my cousins for Christmas, and I remember being devastated that year. Our living room was literally flooded with presents, and all the best toys (I'm pretty sure this is the year I got my Barbie convertible), and that night, I couldn't have cared because I was SO heart broken. All I did on Christmas Eve was lay face down on the couch in a poofy dress, avoiding everyone, and when my mom DID make me get up, I just sat with my face in my hands. There is photo evidence that maybe I'll indulge y'all in someday.

Halloween 2012

So how is it that a girl that is allergic to dogs is able happily live with a dog now? I want y'all to know that I have never taken allergy medicine in result of being around a dog, and that Jobin has pet dander and sheds like nobody's business. Jobin sleeps in my MY bed with me. It actually took me way longer than I want to admit to figure out that my parents lied to me about being allergic to dogs. I was 4 so obviously I believed it and had to live with it - but the following years, NOTHING has happened with my encounter with other dogs and my parents really never brought it up again. I mean I should have figured it out sooner, but I just went with it. So there's a short little story about my parents and how they're terrible and clever and how I lived a lie for most of my life.

Back when I was living in Indiana, I was probably undergoing the most mature and independent period of my life. I felt confident enough to be responsible for a dog. This was a decision that I had put a LOT of thought into. I went to a no-kill shelter, because I knew I wanted to support a place that dedicates their time to an animal no matter how long it takes for them to find a home, regardless of aesthetics, or how damaged/traumatized the animal was.

We've spent a lot of time at the vet.

I paid a visit to the the Southside Animal Shelter, not really thinking I'd find the right dog for me, but moreso to browse and take some steps forward to get the ball rolling on my decision to adopt a dog. I wasn't really sure what I was looking for, except for something that was on the smaller side so that I could carry/hold it when needed. 

Jobin's name comes from a scene in the movie, "I Love You, Man". Back at the shelter, my dog, was then known as Bixler. Bixler is the name of the street that he was picked up on the first time he was sent to the shelter. For who knows how long, Jobin had to scrounge for food and defend himself amongst other animals. Jobin is by no means aggressive, wild, or out of control, but he is very protective over his food and WILL snap if another animal comes near it. He eats everything he is fed and wants more, with the mentality that he may never be given food again.
A couple had adopted Jobin when he was taken to the shelter the first time, but they ended up taking him back to the shelter once they had a baby. Jobin stayed at the shelter again for about a month before I came to visit.

Jobin on his 7th birthday.

When I first approached Jobin's crate, I remember thinking about how cute, but funny looking he was. Jobin is half chihuahua and half pug. The first thing he did was press his entire body along the front of the crate - all he wanted was to be petted! I petted him through the crate, and then he'd turn on the other side. The lady working at the time asked me if I wanted to take him out for a little bit. I felt like things were really going fast, but all I could say was yes yes yes. We took him into a room where we could play and sit down and let him run around a little. He didn't move around much - he just wanted to sit in my lap and gnaw at a rope toy. I immediately fell in love with him because he's a total cuddler, super chill, really loving, and responded appropriately when I talked to him or asked him silly questions. I filled out the paperwork for him that day, and then got to take him home the next (February 6th. 2011).

When I took Jobin home, I was pretty lucky to find out that he was house trained, and that he adjusted to his new home very well! The fact that he didn't pee all over the house, knew some commands and tricks, made for a pretty easy transition for the both of us - him with a new home, and me being a fur mom for the first time.

There's a lot to be said about different changes Jobin has had to endured during my time with him - switching apartments, me getting in and out of relationships (it had GREATLY affected him too - he gets attached easily), then moving back to Texas (away from all of his dog friends) into a house filled with a LOT of people and a lot more space (which he adjusted to far better than I expected), having surgery, and staying behind in Houston when I left for a month. He loves the Texas sunshine, as I knew he would (he used to sunbathe by the windows ALL the time in our old apartment), he loves laying on his belly on a rug in the kitchen and watching my mom cook (my parents totally love Jobin). He is definitely a trooper, and I love him for being loyal and a constant for me when I live in such a crazy crazy world.

My adorable niece LOVES Jobin!

Jobin and I are a lot alike in that we love to cuddle, we love food, we love to lounge, we are both feisty brats, and we are happiest when others are happy with us. I LOVE working with kids because they make me feel loved and appreciated. Jobin is a dog that loves to be loved. When people are nice, kind, and loving, I am definitely wagging my metaphorical tail.

Our one-year anniversary

A few reasons why Jobin is so special:

1. He is the biggest people lover, EVER. Even though he always barks when someone's at the door, as meets or recognizes the person behind it, all he wants to do is sit in their lap! He is obsessed with my mom, and loves my friends. Whenever I leave him at the vet, he gets a LOT of brags from the staff there. (The truth is, he hates other animals and just wants to be with people!)
2. He looks like he has winged eyeliner.
3. He's a little chunky but has a tiny head.
4. He's my little cuddle bug.
5. He likes to give kisses, but on the mouth ONLY. He will never lick you anywhere else unless there's food on you!
6. Sometimes he smiles for the camera.
7. He is a chihuahua pug mix, which means he's brilliant, but super chill.
8. He is a good sport when I want to put him in clothes.
9. He can fashion his own donut bed out of a blanket. It's kind of amazing to watch.
10. He is such a big part of our family - he even thinks he has his own seat at the table.
11. Even though my niece and nephew are unintentionally a little aggressive with him, and I know he hates it, he's super forgiving.