Waggleview with Eileen Foster, Happy and Retired

The Dog Owner: Hi! I’m Eileen Foster and I’m retired. I’ve held many different jobs and I’ve moved often. Being a military spouse, I took whatever jobs were available. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to follow a career path from college through retirement, but I don’t regret not having that life. I have worked in retail, hospitality, and for the Ministry of Defense, which sounds like something from Harry Potter but was much less exciting. I also worked as a remedial reading teacher, a librarian and in the field of mental health. Due to the many jobs I’ve had, I have known so many different kinds of people and feel I can be a friend to anyone.

 

Dog type and Name: Golden Retriever/German Shepherd Mix -Tucker

Q: Why did you choose this dog?

A few months out from my stem cell transplant and facing mortality, I decided I wanted my husband to have a companion for when I was gone. My friend April and I went to Orange, and looked at a litter of Shepherd/Retriever puppies. April picked him up and he didn’t stop “talking” to us, so he was the one. He threw up in the car on the way home, which is a memory neither of us can erase.

Q: Do you talk to your dog? If so, what do you talk about?

I talk to Tucker all day. I spend a lot of time alone so he bears the brunt of both my sadness and joy. The first few months he heard a lot of pitiful sobbing as I struggled through recovery and the idea of dying soon. Later, as I got stronger, and the realization that maybe I would be around a bit longer, he had to deal with the, possibly worse, sound of me singing.

Q: If he could talk to you, what would he say?

“Stop singing please.”

Q: If your dog had a job or career, what would he be doing?

Squirrel catcher. Only problem is that he is heartbroken when they inevitably have a heart attack and expire. Then the guilt kicks in… he needs professional help.

 

Q: What lesson in life has your dog taught you?

I have decided we should all live like Tucker. One day he bounded into the woods and flushed out two turkeys that then flew over him. He was super excited and pelted after them until the ground dropped away. Instead of being disappointed he simply turned around and happily chased a couple of chickadees in the opposite direction. Don’t be sad about the turkeys, be happy about the chickadees.

Q: How does your dog inspire you?

He gives 100% no matter what he’s doing; in this busy, crazy world we are spreading ourselves too thinly, never fully engaged with one thing. Give 100% to each task or pleasure and it will have more meaning to you.

Q: Where is your dog’s favorite place to go with you?

In the woods where the squirrels are…until they die. Also on 90% of our bed after all we humans only need a small part of it.

Q: Who or what does your dog find the most interesting?

Our grandson, Benjamin. They have been best friends since they were both puppies.

Q: What is the most annoying thing other dog owners do?

There is no such thing, dogs own their humans.

Q: What does being a responsible dog owner mean to you?

Remember that dogs love you unconditionally so act like you deserve it.

Q: Do you ever dress up your dog? If so, as what?

Bunny ears at Easter and once, a birthday vest. Tucker let me know it shouldn’t ever happen again.

Q: How has your dog changed your life?

If I was ever in any doubt, he just confirmed that life is worth fighting for.

Q: Does your dog have a philosophy of life?

Like the T-shirts say “Life is Good.” Unless a car ride is involved.

Q: I love my dog because he loves me more.

Q: Have you ever made dog treats for your dog? If so, please share your recipe.

I haven’t but my husband makes jerky, which he shares, 50/50 with Tucker.

WAGGLEVIEW®: These interviews are focused on leaders in business, the arts, the community, or at home. My hope in doing this is to present remarkable and respected people in their community with their beloved pets. Who can resist reading about pets and what these people do? This is a platform for people to display their talents; their own business, a new book, a deeply loved passion for a charity or their own job. It also shows their love for their pet!

Thank you Eileen for taking the time to participate in the Waggleview®.

How has your dog changed your life? I really want to know. My dog has completely turned my world upside down in such a positive way!

Please comment below.                                

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To read more waggleviews, click HERE for one with author, Alexis Paige or HERE for one with artist, Nina Gaby.