Newslin (Newsie) adopted her sleek-black Labrador, Buttons, after being violently stalked by an ex-boyfriend.
Her previous dog had passed, she lived alone and no longer felt safe.
“Buttons had a mission and he accomplished it. He made me feel safe,” said Newsie. “With him by my side, I was once again able to do simple things like answer the door and go for walks! He had been previously
adopted and returned twice to the shelter for resource guarding. My roommate told me that our local shelter is required to euthanize animals if they are returned three times. So, we both were facing life-threatening circumstances, this is why I adopted him.”
Buttons must have also been abused. His fear level matched mine. At first, we didn't like each other very much. His resource guarding episodes were terrifying. The glimmer of shame and remorse in his eyes once he realized
what he had done during an episode assured me that I needed to be patient with him. For the first two months, he wouldn't let me touch him. Instead, he’d stare at me from the next room over. It took six months before he allowed me to rub his belly.”
Today, two years later, Buttons loves cuddles with his loving and patient Newsie, wearing matching sweaters, and is comfortable with company in their home. He hasn't exhibited any resource guarding in over a year. Their trust and
friendship are unmistakable today. Their devotion to the other is inspiring.
The only problem she has with him she added is, “I wish his high velocity tail wags didn't send drinks flying off my coffee table.” He also steals whole sticks of butter when I'm cooking!
We play Hide and Seek while walking through wooded areas: when Buttons isn't looking, I hide behind a tree, peaking out to see his tail and moving to avoid him until he finds me. You should have
seen how much fun Buttons had on our trip to Alaska!
“I love my red Adidas outfit, so when I heard they made baby clothes, I checked to see if they made dog track suits,” said Newsie. “They did! Now we wear matching jogging outfits. We both feel free and liberated while running and mentally and physically stronger since becoming a family.
Buttons is so athletic that he jumps five feet off the ground when he's excited! My friends compare him to the recent movie,
Cocaine Bear. CB is wild and reckless in a hazardous way much like Buttons.”
When the couple heads to a coffee shop baristas and customers smile when Buttons puts his front paws up on the service window. He looks like a furry paw-son standing waiting for his treat. Which he is! He pitter-patters his paws impatiently, like a human tapping their nails and starts whining waiting for his order. Once it's ready gentle-dog Buttons sits staring at his pup cup as drool pours from his
mouth, he waits until Newsie joins him with her coffee before devouring his delicious cup of whipped cream and dog treats.
“Last month, Buttons had a lavish 4th birthday party,” said Newsie. “Eight humans arrived with awesome gifts, including stuffed toys and an XL Kong toy. His favorite part of the party was playing in his new kiddie pool filled with balls, he had a blast, and I am still picking up colorful balls!”
