Dogs have a magical way of touching our hearts and teaching us valuable life lessons we never expected. I am Exhibit A, the beneficiary of the wisdom these remarkable animals have to offer.
When we think about our pets, it’s often about what we can teach them—how to sit, stay, or fetch. But if we take a step back, we’ll see that it’s more about what we can learn from them. One lesson that stands out is the power of second chances, and I always thank Frenchy for taking me to school.
In February 2023, our family adopted Frenchy, a three-year-old mixed breed who had spent a staggering 827 days at the shelter. Before Frenchy, we had a German Shorthaired Pointer named Buddy, who was the epitome of a sweet and obedient dog. Losing Buddy to lymphoma in 2018 was devastating. For a long time, we weren’t sure if we could open our hearts to another dog.
Then Frenchy came into our lives. Unlike Buddy, Frenchy– on the heels of two-plus years in the shelter– was not charming and calm. She didn’t like strangers, especially men, and was wary of my six-foot-tall brother and my boisterous dad. Before she found her way to us, Frenchy went on multiple doggie playdates and sleepovers with other families, but none of them felt right to her—until she met my mom.
My mom first saw Frenchy in a viral video the shelter had posted on social media. The shelter urgently sought a home for Frenchy, and my mom felt moved to help. She and my brother drove to the shelter and met her for the first time. Frenchy was the shelter’s longest resident, having spent all that time without a home. She was anxious and skittish, but she took a liking to my mom. It was as if Frenchy recognized the goodness and knew that my mom was the one who would give her the second chance she needed.
When I first met Frenchy during my spring break in April, she wasn’t exactly the warm, welcoming dog I was hoping for. As I walked through the front door, Frenchy went into full guard dog mode, barking and growling at me. Initially, I didn’t like her and questioned how we’d ever get along.
But as I spent more time with her, I saw her in a new light. I realized how brave she was to stand her ground and protect her new family from what she perceived as a threat—me, the stranger in her home. I saw that beneath her tough exterior was a shy, anxious dog just trying to figure out her place in a world that had been so uncertain for her.
Frenchy still prefers my mom over anyone else, but I like to think that I’m a close second. Even my dad, who isn’t much of a dog person, has developed a soft spot for our silly girl. She’s still shy around strangers, but seeing how safe and loved she feels with our family is heartwarming. We gave her a second chance at a better life, and in return, she taught me not to judge by first impressions
One of my favorite days of the year now is America’s celebration of this great species, the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day. Our wonderful canines deserve that spotlight, and it’s so appropriate that it comes every year on Thanksgiving, our country’s most family-centric holiday. I’ll be watching on NBC with Frenchy by my side, feeling better about myself because of what she taught me about life.
My story with Frenchy is a reminder that everyone deserves a second chance. It’s a lesson that applies not just to dogs but to all of us. The National Dog Show is a celebration of these incredible animals, and it’s a chance to appreciate the lessons they teach us every day. So, if you’re in the Greater Philadelphia area on November 16-17, come see these amazing dogs in person (www.nds.nationaldogshow.com for tickets). And if you can’t make it, be sure to tune in to NBC on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 2 pm to watch The National Dog Show Presented by Purina and see these lessons come to life on screen.
Remember, whether in person or on TV, the dogs you’ll see at The National Dog Show aren’t just competing for ribbons—they’re sharing their wisdom and reminding us of the simple yet profound truths that we sometimes forget in our busy lives. Let’s learn from them, embrace second chances, and appreciate the unconditional love that only a dog can give.