I need to write an article for a magazine about pets. It should be something about myself so here is what I came up with.
I would be glad to hear any recommendations, corrections and advises :)
TIA
"Road of Heart"
One philosopher said: "There are thousands of roads and all of them lead nowhere. But there is one road-way of the heart. It also does not lead anywhere, but it is fun to follow ..." from myself, I would add that if the road of the heart you are going, with a devoted friend, then it is not only merry but easy.
Russia, Moscow 1975, I'm 15 years old. Parents for the first time trusted me to get my first dog. Together with my brother, and he was 11 years old, we went to the animal market to choose my friend. A lot of people, lots of animals, many dogs. We stopped our choice on the Shepherd puppy - Shepherd coat, thick paws, and loyal eyes.
In the subway all admired our puppy, everyone approached, stroked, and said that it is a real German Shepherd. That evening father's friends came to see the puppy. All were pleased with purchasing.
After half a year puppy grew, paws become much thinner and tail became curly, but the same loyal eyes.
And when my father walked her on a leash, my friends made fun... "Why to lead her on a leash, if she still be running after you." Everyone knows that stray dogs the most dedicated.
We loved her less for the lack of breed? Of course not! School years were passing, I was accompanied by my best friend.
Moscow, 1979. I graduated with honors from the Medical College. And entered Moscow Medical Academy.
Parents decided to get me a gift. And we buy a Newfoundland (Landseer) puppy in Moscow's cynology dog club but with passport and pedigree. This dog requires me to participate in all the dog shows. Visiting and examine training courses. Student years are flying fast and with fun. Youth - is the power and speed. I had a reliable defender. In the woods, or on the street at night, no one could come up to me. In the summer on the water I had my own living boat. I held onto the collar and was not afraid of depth, or distances. Many times she defended me from unwanted guests.
In 1986 I got a son. And in 1990 bought a bigger apartment and decided to have a little friend for my son. My heart trembled for the American Cocker Spaniel. All black with just a few red spots on her feet and above the eyebrows. Cheerful friend for small children, just like children they like to act out their owners. Cocker Spaniels - love to eat and come up with anything just to get themselves an additional treat.
Once I had breakfast with my son, our dog suddenly ran to the door and started barking courteously. We hasten to open the door, but there was no one outside the door. And then we hear breaking sound of the plate by a fork. My son and I laughed so long on how skillfully we were punk'd. Son spoiled his friend all the time and so dog was always forgiven. As soon as we leave the kitchen this little thief could climb onto the table and steal something.
One day my husband and I entered the kitchen and see his long Basset Hound on the kitchen table. We were numb for a while and could not understand what was happening. A basset hound stood silently and looked as he was saying .. "Why only small ones are allowed?".
Time passes and I got a daughter. Since 1996, I opened a series of stores in Moscow, "Pet food" and started my studies at Lomonosov Moscow State University in the psychological department.
Love for animals passed on to my daughter. Every day she went with me in our stores, playing with rodents, fed them, cared for them. And very, very much asked to take home a small house rat.
I promised that if she'll read her first thick book then she will get a house rat. In several days the book was read and summarized. That's how motivation creates miracles!
At this time temperature became cooler in Moscow, and in one new store heating was not turned on at night. In the morning employees came and a rat's nest is frozen. Manager put them on radiator and 5 rats came alive. My daughter took home a small black and white rat from that nest. Now my daughter is 18 years old, but I think such loyal friend she never had again. Olya ( my daughter) immediately started training her new friend, taught her to walk up - down on a ladder. They slept on the same pillow, ate same lolly pop together. And if Jessy ( so-called the rat) found money in the house, then brought them into the Olya's table. And bits of apples would put on the son's computer, because he lifted her tail.
In University the zoo psychology was led by professor N. Stepanova, who wrote many books about the habits of rats. We could have spent a long time sharing information and could talk for hours about dominance and sub dominance in rats.
Since 2005, I work in Dubai and is now director of Netconnection University. We have free animal assistance therapy program for children with disabilities. Although everyone is in need of it. I believe that those who work in Dubai distant from their friends and relatives. Dubai is a modern city - in building of a career, high-speed life, emotional stress requires from a man of more strength, and our furry friends replace psychologists, do our emotional life richer. And our children - play tennis, ballet, music, painting, etc. Do they get enough warmth, love and attention? After all, we all want to see our children healthy, happy and successful.
