Our First Anniversary

I say a lot of things I never do.  I never got the Vespa I wanted and may never will.  I never took my sister mini-golfing like I promised.  I wanted to be a zookeeper, but I let my mother bully me into something else.   I said I was going to quit engineering, and I never did.  Hundreds of art projects go conceived, discussed, and unstarted.  My intentions for exercise never quite make it off the ground.  Owning and caring for a Corgi was a dream I always talked about but never really expected to happen.

 

In 2009, after struggling with a festering depression for over two years, I thought about suicide quite often.  On a warm July night, I broke down and thought seriously about ending it all.  I ended up on the beach with a shovel and I dug a hole until I grew exhausted.  I decided then that I would seek help.  Seeing a therapist and being fed medication did little to alleviate the dark cloud surrounding me.  I slept, and when I wasn’t sleeping, I tried to succeed at a field I despise—and when I wasn’t doing either of those things, I thought about nothing.  I was changing my diet, attempting to exercise without aggravating an injury from the previous year, switching medicines, seeing a therapist twice a week, and yet nothing seemed to help.  Then, I decided it was time to do something I wanted to do for a change.  I wanted a Corgi, and God help me, I was going to get one. 

 

 

I exhausted the internet to learn about Corgis and dogs in general.  I learned about puppy training, dog breeding, dog food, and dog health.  I made lists of things my dog would need, when he would need them, why he would need them, and how much they would cost.  During these hours, I felt rejuvenated.  For once, I was doing something I wanted to do without the approval of my mother or my friends, and I was doing it to the best of my ability with much more enthusiasm than you would expect from a chronically depressed teenager.  My therapist, my friends, my family, and, most importantly, I noticed that my mood improved drastically.  I was still on medication, but I was happiest at my computer absorbing all the knowledge I could about my future dog.  Before I even knew who he was, he pulled my head above water and made waking up a little easier.

 

 

A year ago today, I brought him home.  I’m without medication/therapy and have been for some months.  He saved my life. He’s more than a dog—he’s MY dog, and I cannot be more grateful for him entering my life.  No amount of cookies could show him how much he means to me, but he knows, I’m sure.  Sometimes, I still doubt this is really happening.  He’s a literal dream come true.  

 

I love you, man.

 

 

You're the sweetest, most caring animal I know.

 

I'm really proud of you.

 

 

Here's to many, many more years with the best dog I could ask for.  

 

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Comment by Joanna, Rainy and Calvin on May 16, 2011 at 3:26pm
Happy Anniversary to you both, and many, many more to come!  A corgi is always the best medicine, even with skies are blue!  Short legs, big hearts.  Hugs to you and Waffle!  May you always be there for each other.
Comment by Gromit, Sparkle, and Doug on May 16, 2011 at 3:11pm

Congratulations on your first anniversary with Waffle. You're doing great, hang in there.  You have discovered, as many of us have, that a Corgi has some special power that draws us out of our problems and makes us smile just like they do and then life gets a little easier. 

Don't give up on the dream of the Vespa.  I think you and Waffle on a Vespa would be a grand adventure much like "Wallace & Gromit" with their motorcycle and sidecar. 

Comment by Gail and Ashton on May 16, 2011 at 3:09pm
Corgis are great therapists. I'm so happy for you and Waffle on your first anniversary. May you both be blessed with many, many more happy days and adventures. <3 Corgi hugs and kisses from us to you.
Comment by Priscilla, CARLY, and Frankie on May 16, 2011 at 2:31pm
You just made me cry!! Im so happy that waffle has done so many wonderful things for you... i remember you saying God help me and i see that He didnt let you down , you have your corgi..  happy anniversary!
Comment by Jennifer Markley on May 16, 2011 at 2:23pm
I totally understand.  My first corgi mix, Dillon, saved my life more than once.  We were truly soul mates, and he understood me like no one ever had, or ever will again.  There are many days where my dogs are all that make me smile.  I truly don't know what I would do without them!  I'm so glad that Waffle has given you the comfort that you need and deserve!
Comment by Sam Tsang on May 16, 2011 at 12:36pm
Thank you for sharing Rachael, corgi does a body good :)
Comment by Rachael & Waffle on May 16, 2011 at 11:11am

Thanks, everybody, for your well wishes and words of encouragement.  They mean a lot to me, and I'm sure they would mean a lot to Waffle too!

I have to thank you guys too, since "scouring the internet" included reading the MyCorgi archives.  Without this website, I probably wouldn't have the Waffle I know and maybe wouldn't have gotten him from a good breeder, and then I'd be missing out on the friendship I have with her and her husband.  

 

Thanks all around, for everyone! 

Comment by Peggy Woods on May 16, 2011 at 9:45am

<3 <3 <3

to the both of you - Happy Anniversary :)

Comment by Solomon & Naomi's Page on May 16, 2011 at 9:36am
Awww such a beautiful story, I too know what owning a corgi means.  They do bring so much to ones life.  I am so glad that you are thriving and doing so well.  It looks like Waffle is doing the job well. Congratulations!!
Comment by Beth on May 16, 2011 at 9:25am

Corgis are happiest when they have a job, and Waffle's job was to remind you that you do know how to be happy.

 

What a lovely story.  Hopefully Waffle has taught you something that you can now use in other aspects of your life going forward.  Don't ever let other people define you.   The only person who has to live with you every minute of every day from this point forward is yourself.  Continue to be who you want to be and more doors will open for you.

 

Good boy, Waffle!  And Rachael, what you did takes a lot of courage.  

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