The Underdog Diaries 03: IVY
This week on The Underdog Diaries...IVY!
TLRD rescued Ivy – an adorable 6-year-old American Staffordshire terrier – and her 7 puppies back in September of 2017.
On January 8th, 2018, Ivy found her forever home, the Opdyke family.
We are SO excited to share a little bit of their story with you because we've literally watched the Opdyke family put in the work with Ivy. We've had the pleasure of watching her mama, Cindi, blossom into an incredible pack leader for Ivy while battling cancer.
Cindi is a true inspiration as a dog owner and we're beyond thankful she agreed to share how it's been going since they took Ivy home two years ago.
What were some of the challenges you faced when you first brought Ivy home?
How to handle her over excitement for other dogs.
And what were some of the rewards once you adjusted to those challenges?
Seeing her love for meeting new dogs.
What's something unique about Ivy's personality?
Her unconditional love for everyone she meets. She loves everyone
What's your favorite trait about Ivy?
She’s so snuggly and loves to be around us. She always has to have us within eye sight. She follows us around the house from room to room.
How does Ivy match up to your lifestyle? As in, do you both like to hike? Couch potatoes? OR did you have to adjust your lifestyle once you got your dog?
Ivy is very adaptive. When we take her on her 3 mile walks with her adopted brother Koa, she loves that. Her favorite game is fetch with a tennis ball. She will chase that ball until she collapses. She can also be very easy and relaxed on the bed or couch with us and lounge all afternoon. She will literally do whatever we’re doing and fits in perfectly.
How does your dog make you a better human?
Being a cancer survivor and currently dealing with on-going cancer and side effects, Ivy has truly made my life better in many ways. No matter what pain I’m feeling, I can snuggle up to her and drown her with kisses and I automatically feel better. She’s always loving and teaches me to find joy in the little things. Just her excitement when we get home brightens up our day. She really does make our lives so fulfilling. We love when she gets to meet new people, because I know when meeting a “Bully breed” if they’re scared of her breed she really has helped changed peoples minds after meeting her. She is a great ambassador for her breed and seeing people say “oh she’s so sweet!” makes my day!
What would you say to someone who was thinking about going to a breeder to get a dog?
I would beg them to adopt. When you shop you are contributing to the massive problem of homeless dogs, puppy mills and full shelters. Rescue dogs are NOT damaged, they just got let down by humans in one way or another. When you adopt, you’re saving two lives: that dog you’re adopting and also the next dog who will now take their spot in a shelter or a rescue and get a chance at a wonderful loving home themselves.
Anything else you want to share about your pup?
I really hope to help change the stigma on my favorite breed, Pitbulls. Besides the fact that her nature is really just pure love, Ivy is the perfect example of how amazing a bully can be. EVERY breed has their issues, but it takes a strong pack leader and human in every dogs life to raise them the right way. This breed is my favorite ever since I was born. I’ve had nothing but bully breeds in my family and that will never change. I’ve grown up with them and I can’t wait to have children hopefully soon and watch them grow up with Ivy by their side. They can be a little stubborn (lol) but are so loyal, loving and wanting to please.
This is awesome and the Opdyke family is remarkable and inspiring for so many reasons! We were lucky enough to adopt one of Mama Ivy's pups, Bodhi (aka Hermosa) and he has been such a wonderful addition to our family. We keep in touch with 2 other pups from Ivy's litter Peanut (aka Laguna) and Gracie (aka Malibu). Love getting them all together!
ReplyDeleteThanks Little Red Dog for all you do!