Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Corbin's 3rd Gotcha Day

A post from the momma:

Today is a special day in our house hold. It's a day that changed our life
just 3 short years ago.
 
12/19/09
 
When I think of how many ways a life can change, I'm ever so grateful for the ways they change for the better. With all the sadness in this world and the knowledge of how quickly your life can be taken away, it's an amazing moment when something wonderful happens. This day, 3 years ago, was definitely a change for the better. It brought into my life something wonderful, something opinion changing, something that gave me a new outlook on life over these past years.
 
Summer 2011
 
Three years ago, a four legged, hyper, brown dog flew through our door, sprang off of our couch and sprinted down our hallway. They called him "Corbin." In the brief moment when I thought "Oh, dear Lord... what did I get myself into," I was honestly afraid of my Christmas tree getting knocked over, a dog going through my window or this crazy dog injuring himself slipping and sliding all over our hardwood floors.
 
Our first night.
 
However, it didn't take long for him to settle down, curl up on the couch and take a deep snooze. As he relaxed, I relaxed. He had some time to re-energize chill out before Adam came back. We went out and got some toys for him and quickly learned his love for fetch. Corbin was to be our first foster dog. We were hoping he'd be our first of many until we found the perfect dog for our home -which, by the way, in my mind was a 40lb border collie mix. Adam was smitten within 48 hours of our new found friend. He took his first trip to the mancave for the Giants football game, and quickly became the love of everyone we knew. We tried to get someone we knew to adopt him, but... he was, after all, a Pit Bull, and no one wanted to own one of those.
 
 
December 2012
 
I came into Corbin's life knowing only media based information on Pit Bulls. Not that I believed it, but it was the only thing I knew. Corbin molded my mind. After two months of fostering him, we officially adopted him, knowing he would never fit in so well with any other family. Now looking back, I don't believe he would have ever survived with any other family. Corbin has been a challenge, but one that we so very willing accepted. We have done lots of training with him, and although he's not perfect and will always have his quirks, he's perfect for us. I cringe thinking the possibility of him being adopted and returned and passed around from home to home. It would have killed his spirit, and in turn, would have most likely killed him. There was a brief window when Corbin was 10 months old, where he could have gone either way... towards the way he is now as a decently trained, friendly dog, or the other way, towards an aggressive, uncontrollable maniac. We're glad that through training, love and patience, Corbin went the friendly route. But, there's little doubt in my mind that left in the wrong hands of someone unwilling to put the time and training into him, he would have been euthanized for aggressive behavior. Hard to believe, huh? I try not to think of that... it breaks my heart thinking how often it does happen, and warms my heart that it wasn't the fate of my dear Corbin.
 
Summer 2012
 
Through him I have learned so much. I've learned the importance of rescue and fostering, and not only has it become my love and passion, but it's become a deep part of my being. I'm thankful for the opportunity to help other dogs like Corbin, and make sure their fate is the same as his. I've learned so much about dog training, a passion of patience that I enjoy exercising on Corbin and our foster dogs. I've learned about canine health and medicine - probably more than I ever would have imagined. But, the most important thing I've learned from Corbin is about love. The unconditional love that he gives me could never be put into words. He is all forgiving when I make a mistake, all trusting when he's unsure and all the comfort I need during a time of tragedy. He's taught me that no words need to be said in order to feel the comfort of another living soul. During my grief over my dad's illness and his death, there were few people I could stand to be around. My mother was the side I never wanted to leave, Adam was always a welcome site, but nothing could compare to the quiet peace of being around Corbin. Being able to sit in silence, stroke his soft fur and welcome tears that hadn't shed was the way I began processing all that had happened. He knew his job and he took it seriously. He was there for comfort when I needed comfort and he was there with his upside down silly face when he knew I needed a laugh. It's an amazing bond, that of human and canine. Things are understood that could never be spoken out loud.  Though I've had many dogs in my past, all of which I love dearly, the connection with Corbin brings owning a dog to an entire different level.  It's not an ownership... it's a partnership. 
 
My heart dog.
 
I remember reading a quote on Hound Girl's blog as she talked about her beloved Fred: "We don't get the dog we want, we get the dog we need." I'm not sure where the quote came from, but it couldn't be more true. Although Corbin wasn't the dog we set out to find, he was the dog we needed in our life, to teach us, to heal us and to guide us to being better people. We are proud to be Corbin's family, proud to share his life with people who love him, even those who don't physically know him. Corbin and I are proud to be connected through our blog to this group of amazing animal people. We're grateful for the support on both Corbin's issues and my life obstacles, for the laughs I get from reading your blogs and the tears I shed when each pet makes their trip across the bridge. It's a strange connection, this blog world... but I'm very lucky to have stumbled upon it and become a part of it.
 
In his newest Sirius Republic collar.
 
Today, although he can't have any of his favorite treats, we celebrate Corbin and the wonderful dog that we have been lucky enough to have in our lives.  Thanks, buddy... you truly make this life a wonderful place.

44 comments:

  1. Happy Gotcha Day to Corbin's Humans!!!

    We always love when we 'trap' another one into our khanine web-of-good!!!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra
    PeeEssWoo: AND HAPPY HUMAN RESKHUE DAY HANDSOME!!!

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  2. Happy happy gotcha day Corbin ....you are so very lucky to have a mom who loves and adores you and that was a beautifully written post....and yes we agree...you find the dog you need.

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  3. Happy Gotcha Day Corbin! I am so very happy that you have been loved for three years by your wonderful Family!
    I love the photos, the "our first night" is so very cute and your Momma kissing you is just adorable! Its nice to see your handsome face smiling and happy in every photo!
    We love you Corbin! Have a great day!
    Love, Licks and Hugs from your Furiend Frank xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  4. Happy Gotcha Day, Corbin! This is the most beautifully written post.

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  5. Happy Gotcha Day Corbin! You lucky dog!!

    That is a beautiful post. We can relate to a lot of what you wrote, having rescued our entire pack and being together through the ups and downs of life.

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  6. Happy Gotcha Day Corbin! And no worries, none of us is pawfect, we all has our quirks, but that keeps our peeps on their toes, BOL.

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  7. Aww. I think I gots something in my eye. Happy Gotcha Day, Corbin!!

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  8. This is a fantastic post. The love just pours out of every words.

    HAPPY GOTCHA DAY, CORBIN!!

    :)

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  9. Happy Gotcha Day Corbin! You and your parents are lucky to have found each other.

    Millie

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  10. Aw, I love this post! Happy gotcha day Corbin!

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  11. Oh why you not tells me to has my snot rags furs dis post?
    Dis was a beautiful, heart felt post. It be hard to imagine what fate Corbin would has had if he not has founded ya'll...I knows it happens. I am so thankful dat ya'll founded da Corbin and wanted to make him a part of your family no matters what his issues was. Dat takes a beautiful soul to do dat.
    Damn, I just so thankful furs ya'll. And thank ya'll fur bringin' da Corbin to us through da blog. He has taught us a tremendous amount and I just loves him and you and Adam.

    HAPPY GOTCHA DAY CORBIN!

    Puddles

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  12. Happy Gotcha Day! Great job making me cry at work. ;)

    What a lovely post - I always knew Corbin was special and it's wonderful to know his story and how he wiggled his way into your hearts. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. I like the part where you say it's like a partnership. Congrats to you guys!

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  14. Awww, Corbin! What a Most Beautiful letter your momma wrote abouts you! I kinda think she likes you or somethin'. Heehee! My momma luvs that quote about getting the dog you need, too. I'm so glad you got HER and showed her exactly what she was missing out on in her life. You all are so very much lucky to have each other, don't you think?

    Happy, happy Gotcha Day, Corbin. May you have many, MANY more with your Most Perfect Home That Ever Was.

    Wiggles & WAgs,
    Mayzie

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  15. What a beautiful blog post. We all want to wish you a happy gotcha day...... Celebrate.

    hugs, Max, Bugsy and Knuckles

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  16. Beautifully said. Happy Gotcha Day Corbin, you all are so very lucky!

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  17. Wow- this is a beautiful post! You brought tears to my eyes! Corbin is so lucky to have a family like you who saw his potential and helped him to be a very happy and loved dog. The part about Corbin possibly being aggressive in the hands of someone else makes me think about what would happen if Athena would have ended up in someone else's hands. When we first adopted her she was a MANIAC and I'm sure many of her awful behaviors would have ended her back in the shelter if we didn't decided that we could push through and help her to succeed. The second we left the shelter one of the volunteers said, "watch out-she's alpha." This was very apparent in the beginning. Athena thought she ruled our world and that she could just do whatever she pleased. But, with LOTS of training and love I can happily say that Athena now knows her place and she very happily obeys her parents rules (without biting us anymore) =)

    Happy Gotcha Day, Corbin! So sorry that you can't have your favorite treats today. Hopefully your mom and dad will give you TONS of them when you're all healed up!

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  18. Happy gotcha day, Corbin!

    We feel similarly lucky that we were the ones who adopted Badger. He's excitable, stubborn, strong, and toothy - qualities that could easily have earned teenage Badger a trip to the shelter. One good thing that came of his difficult personality was that we looked into positive reinforcement training, and we haven't looked back.

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  19. OMD... What KHYRA SAID... SOOOOOO PAWFECT. Esp. coming from HER since her mom helps with transports... EVERY Sunday!!!

    OH HAPPY DAY... THe Sun is Shining OH HAPPY DAY... We have CORBIN and he is here to STAY.... (Sing along with us..)
    The Sun is Shining On CORBIN's DAAAAAY...
    He is our furend and is here to STAAAAAAY.

    Happy happy HAPPY GotCha DAY Buddy!

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  20. Happy Gotcha Day, Corbin! You are one loved boy! What a beautiful post!

    Love ya lots,
    Mitch and Molly

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  21. Happy Gotcha Day Corbin!! You are one of a kind & a lucky dude being with your family!!

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  22. Wow!! You brought tears to my eyes. I have had dogs all my life too, and my Lola, is like your Corbin, when you say "Though I've had many dogs in my past, all of which I love dearly, the connection with Corbin brings owning a dog to an entire different level."

    And it is so true when you say, there times when nobody can comfort you and all you need is your dog. Sometimes their comfort is the best your can find. It is their love that is amazing.

    Happy Gotcha day to all of you!!!!!

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  23. Beautiful tribute. You were all happy to find each other. We love the Corbin.

    Happy Gotcha Day to all of you!

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  24. Very cool Corbin!! Your Moms tribute made Ma leak.
    Happy Gotcha Day!!

    Kisses,
    Ruby

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  25. What a lovely tribute for your gotcha day, your mummy and daddy are so lucky to have you Corbin!!
    Milo :)

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  26. Woof! Woof! Happy Gotcha Day Corbin. Just 3 years and you brought great happiness to your family and to us. Hope you are feeling better too. Wishing you and your family Happy 2012 Holidays. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  27. Happy Gotcha Day Corbin!!! That was such a beautiful post and the love is purrfect!

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  28. Happy Gotcha Day !!!! Yippee
    Benny & Lily

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  29. Nice to meet you Corbin on this very happy Gotcha day for you. What a pawsome family you have, they love you very much!

    pughugs,
    Bailey, Hazel & Greta

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  30. Happy happy 3rd Gotcha Day to you Corbin. Gosh, your Momma sure did sum it up well. Especially the part about grieving a loved one and how our pups are the very best, and sometimes only, balm for us. Cheers to you buddy. Mom says I am her heart dog too.

    Kitty (and Coco)

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  31. Loved reading this. Happy gotcha day to you all.

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  32. Oh my gosh, what a great post. Happy 3rd Gotcha day Corbin, we are truly honored to know you. And it was your momma pushing the awesomeness of volunteering, that I am on day 3 of volunteering at a rescue( don't tell my dogs, but it's a mastiff rescue)the hardest most rewarding thing I think I've ever done.

    The silvers and more

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  33. Happy Gotcha Day, Corbin! You know what, we think you are one very loved pup:)

    Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

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  34. Happy Gotcha Day, Corbin! I'm so glad that you and your family found each other. You love each other like crazy... and that's the best thing in the world!

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  35. Happy 3rd Gotcha Day, Corbin & Corbin's family! I am really glad you found each other. Some pups can get by just about anywhere, but others pups (like me too) need a special kind of family to love them help them become the very best pup they can be. Corbin definitely got just the right family for him!

    PS: Cesar Millan is the one who always says that about getting the dog you need instead of the dog you want :)

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  36. What a fantastic tribute! I feel a lot of those same things about Morgan. I don't think she'd have made it with another family. We got her at eighteen months old, and she'd already lived in four different homes. She can be neurotic and nutty, but we love her and we're committed to working those things out. And I feel that I have a partnership with each of our dogs, but especially with Bunny. She just seems to "get" me, more than anybody else! Congratulations to you and Corbin on finding each other!

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  37. Such a pawfect posty fur a pawfect dude in our opinions, Wee lovs Corbin hims is such a pawesome guy.
    Happi Gotcha Day Dude,
    Hope yoo had a goodly one even wivs yor sore tail

    Lovs
    Da K Krew
    xxxxxxxxx

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  38. Happy anniversary to your family and Corbin :) I always enjoy your blog and was sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. We have a "pitbull type" dog too, and his name is Buddy.
    We live in Memphis so it was no surprise when this very happy, 6 month stray pitbull mix showed up in our front yard to visit with my husband. Fast forward three years later, Buddy is now 70 plus pounds of wiggly, loves everyone and everything boy. He's one of four rescues we have and tolerates his "sisters" picking on him and bossing him around. I have never heard him grump at anyone. I try to love all of ours equally, but for some reason Buddy holds a special place in my heart. I think, like Corbin, in the wrong hands he could have been a problem dog. He's in agility training, competed and has won his first blue ribbon and qualifying round at his first trial. I couldn't have been prouder :)

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  39. Corbin, happy 3rd anniversary. You look like you landed in the right place for sure. We love the quote from Hound Girl as we felt that same way with our girl Cleo - ATB. She showed us the true meaning of "rescue". Hope you had a great day! Sniffs, The HoundDogs

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  40. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful dog! We're happy you guys are in the blogosphere and that we get to hear all about what a wonderful partner Corbin is.

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  41. Corbin,
    Your humans are totally smitten. That's the way it should be. I think all three of you lucked out.

    Kisses,
    Dexter

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  42. Happy Late Gotcha Day!!!

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com

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  43. What a happy day, thanks for such a lovely read!
    Corbin is stunning! And so quirky. We love it.

    best,

    Loki and Laura

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