“Why did you get that dog anyway?” a friend asked some time ago as we were eating. We were both exasperated with Louie, who had finally settled down after letting her know he was not happy with her entering my home. “He’s so different from what you’ve been used to.” She was referring to my previous pets, two Bichons, and a Cocker Spaniel.

Good question, I thought to myself. Why did I adopt this seemingly docile pup who was anything but sweet and gentle? As I’m typing, he is trying to “bury” his chewy toy behind the sofa in the family room, and I have to shake my head and laugh.

I can’t help but smile when I think back on the day I adopted him, September 15, 2013. Some hours after I brought him home, he began to display many challenging behaviors that made me question my decision to adopt him. He got up on my furniture, jumped on my bed,

whined and growled, which I took as aggressiveness, but it was his way of playing. He was a totally different dog than when I first brought him home. It ended up being a real struggle to be with him. I loved him when he was a good little dog, and he was sweet. I didn’t love him so much when he started to act out a little bit.

I reached out to Louie’s Legacy, the organization I adopted him from, because, honestly, I wasn’t sure I could handle him and wanted to see what it would entail to possibly rehome him. They were very helpful and asked that I try to work with him and suggested training. They told me they weren’t sure of his background, whether he was abandoned or a runaway. They assured me that they tried very hard to find his family, but no one claimed him. My struggle with him was real, but the more I thought about sending him back, the more I realized I couldn’t do it.

And so began our adventure. At that point, I made two distinct choices:
• I chose to keep him
• And even more importantly, I chose to love him. And that choice meant that, whether I felt like it or not, I had to be very intentional about demonstrating love to him.

I soon realized Louie needed to be loved, known, and safe. I almost missed one of the most incredible adventures of my life. Because I was uncomfortable those first few days and weeks, maybe even months, I could have easily missed what God had in store for me. Besides being Marisa’s Mama, Louie has taught me some of the most remarkable life, love, and leadership lessons, provided the funniest moments, and brought the most tearful times imaginable. When people comment on how aloof Louie can be or how rough he is, I have to chuckle. Before Louie, I was used to soft, fluffy, and somewhat dainty little dogs with tiny mouths. There is nothing soft and fluffy about Louie, and definitely nothing dainty!

Yet, I now realize that if Louie were that sweet, sit-in-your-lap kind of dog, I would have nothing to write about. Louie is a little rough around the edges. But guess what? So am I, and so are you and everyone you meet.

Just like Louie, some people are diamonds in the rough. Give them time and grace. Every interaction we have with others (dogs, nature, and humans) has a purpose. Some people are placed in our lives to refine us. Are we willing to give them our time and invest in them? The refining process brings out the best in others and ourselves.

Don’t miss the opportunities.

Louie has come a long way since that conversation with my friend. And while he’s retired from visiting schools, he still spreads the message of love, kindness, patience, and hope. I’ve spent time pouring into him because I saw his potential and personality, and I am the richer person for giving away my heart and my time! I’m thankful I didn’t miss out on one of the biggest blessings in my life. Make sure you don’t miss your blessing, rough edges and all.

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