Penny’s Journey: An 18-Month Update on Our Rescue Dog’s Transformation
My heart is absolutely full when I think about this wonderfully quirky pup.
How Far We’ve Come: A Rescue Dog’s Progress
Eighteen months have passed since Penny joined our family. What a transformation it’s been!
Today, she’s completely adapted to our daily routines, thriving in every way. She’s in excellent health and brings us endless joy—though she certainly has her unique personality traits that make her unmistakably herself.
The Before: A Troubled Beginning
When Penny first arrived during the holiday season of 2023, the evidence of her difficult past was impossible to miss. Every photograph captured the anxiety etched across her face. Small scabs from bite wounds dotted her muzzle, and she was still nursing from her recent litter.
Her overgrown nails (still a challenge—grooming is definitely not her favorite activity!) were just one sign of neglect. The fear responses were even more heartbreaking. Any sudden movement—someone reaching over a gate, a quick gesture, even a playful ball toss—would send her cowering or running for cover.
The Now: A Gentle Soul Emerges
Here’s what amazes me most: despite everything she endured, Penny has blossomed into the most gentle, loving companion imaginable. Her temperament is remarkably sweet and patient. She embraces every adventure, every new person, every experience—tail wagging the whole way through.
Remember when simply reaching the end of our driveway felt like a major victory? Now she practically leaps with excitement when the leash appears. Talk about progress!
This rescue dog truly has a special spirit.
And yes, she’s delightfully eccentric!
Penny’s Adorable (and Sometimes Challenging) Quirks
Mysterious House Boundaries
Even after all this time, certain areas of our home remain off-limits in Penny’s mind:
- The front hallway? Absolutely not.
- The dining room? She won’t cross that threshold.
- The bathroom? Only during moments of extreme stress, where she parks herself on the bath mat awaiting rescue.
Resource Guarding Behavior
Given her background, Penny’s tendency to guard valuable items makes complete sense. However, she has an interesting habit of never completely finishing her treats. Instead, she strategically stashes partially-chewed bully sticks and dental chews deep within our couch cushions.
The result? Our living room furniture has taken quite a beating from her determined digging and hiding efforts. We’ve had to develop a system for tracking and relocating these hidden treasures to prevent conflicts with our other dog, Stola.
The “Senior Dog” Misconception
Penny’s leisurely walking pace constantly fools strangers.
“Oh, what a sweet older dog!” they’ll coo sympathetically.
“Actually, she’s only three or four—just exceptionally laid-back,” I explain with a smile.
The Maternal Instinct (Maybe Too Strong)
The bond between Penny and Stola is wonderful to witness. They’re genuinely great companions. However, Penny’s mothering tendencies can get a bit overwhelming. She’ll obsessively groom Stola—licking non-stop until we intervene or Stola escapes.
Fair warning to visitors: humans aren’t exempt from this behavior. She has a particular fondness for armpits, so sleeveless shirts are worn at your own risk!
Unique Comfort Zones
Penny’s choice of resting spots reveals her need for security:
- Hot weather preference: Sprawling in dirt patches under direct sunlight
- Everyday favorite: Curled up on a blanket inside John’s office closet (the enclosed space clearly provides comfort)
A Natural Therapy Dog in the Making
I recently documented on Substack how Penny befriended an elderly man at our local library. This interaction perfectly captures her essence.
She has an uncanny ability to find people who need comfort:
- Approaching hardware store employees who are having rough days
- Snuggling with my daughter Violet after difficult school experiences
- Entertaining children at playgrounds with her gentle presence
Penny possesses all the natural qualities of an exceptional therapy dog. When my schedule allows more dedicated training time (currently focused on Stola), I plan to pursue this path. Her stable, compassionate temperament is truly remarkable.
Full transparency: Penny’s personality is so consistently wonderful that I sometimes let training slide. She doesn’t require the constant attention that our other dog needs right now.
Embracing the Uniqueness
She’s truly one-of-a-kind—just happens to be wonderfully weird!
Your turn: What unique behaviors does your dog exhibit? Do you accommodate certain quirks simply because they’re part of your pup’s personality? Share your stories in the comments below!
Exciting News! My new book is available for pre-order, featuring none other than Penny herself on the cover! Click below to choose your preferred retailer. Your support means the world to me!
