Snacks Time :
Snacks Time : My First Column
Rescued and Recovering ... Well
Snacks Sanchez
Snacks is a sevenpound silkie Yorkshire terrier with the attitude of a 100-pound pit bull . Formerly known as Mia , she is a recovering rescue dog who found her new and loving home in 2013 when she was unexpectedly dropped off at her new mom ’ s place of work . Her new dad — a seasoned empty nester , was not a fan initially . A six-year battle of wills ensued , which Snacks eventually won . In the process both Snacks and Dad gained a clear understanding of who the real Alfa in the pack was — Mom .
Welcome to my first column ! My name is Snacks and I am a rescue dog . My road has not been an easy one . I spent a few injury prone early years in a non-animal friendly home . In my new home , I regularly had bouts of snapping and fighting with other dogs . I wasn ’ t naturally aggressive , just fearful from past experiences . I have had major trust issues with humans — especially the males — and restless nights due to anxiety and general fear . These are just some of the things I am working through even after all these years of being in a loving home .
Mom and Dad are proud of me . They have done their best to make sure I socialize with other dogs , like my two best friends , Snoopy and Murphy . Snoopy is an 80-pound sheepdog , and Murphy is an 80 pound … brown dog . The three of us are famous friends . We play , take walks , and go on hikes together . Murphy moved to Arizona last summer — so lately it ’ s been just me and Snoopy . Snoopy is a herding dog by nature , and I don ’ t do too well with being “ herded .” He and I sometimes have … disagreements . Our humans jump right in and save the day … for Snoopy , and before you know it everything is calm again and we ’ re lying around watching our humans interact .
I love both my pals . Snoopy is like a brother , always looking out for me … unless we are having a “ disagreement .” Murphy is more like the boy down the street , you know , the one with the cool puka shells and skateboard . He ’ s the one that got away — even though we see each other every week on zoom calls . I love our zoom
calls . I also love bacon . More on that later .
Another thing Mom and Dad do to help me learn good behavior is to praise me when I do good , and gently instruct me when I do something not-so-good . They do their best to instruct me patiently and consistently — something they ’ ve had to pay close attention to due to my history . Occasionally over the years I have pulled a doozie or two , and in those “ rare ” cases , I receive a little more “ loving discipline ” as needed to fit the crime , er , uhm , the deed . At the end of the day , even at my worst moments , when I need a whole lotta loving discipline , Mom and Dad still remember I am doing my best and learning my way through life . They always make sure I ’ m okay and that I know I am loved .
I have so much to share but Mom and Dad insist I keep my articles short , so stay tuned — there ’ s lots more to come ! For now , I will leave you with a reminder : it is tick season . I know this from personal experience . I go on hikes every weekend with Mom and Dad , Snoopy , and his parents . Just about every weekend lately I have picked up an insect hitchhiker or two . Thankfully , I get a thorough combing before we hop in the car , and a bath and second combing with a full inspection when we get home . To date , my personal best is six commuters in one hike . How are you doing this tick season ?
If you have pet related questions or tips and would like to share your story with us , please email me at : snacks @ gmhtoday . com . I ’ ll be happy to answer , share your story and tips , or just give you a shout out in an upcoming article .
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN SPRING 2021 gmhtoday . com