Though I love harvesting with The Urban Farmer and turning those hard-earned vegetables into a loving meal, there are nights when picking those veggies or working on other projects means dinner doesn’t happen until laaaate, when we are tired and admittedly, a bit lazy. We are human, and we too partake in modern conveniences, but the only fast-food sort of modern convenience we enjoy is Chipotle because of the company’s ingredient transparency and support of non-gmo food. Today is a win-win because we love our Chipotle routines, and we LOVE dogs, so….
Eat Chipotle for a Good Cause:
Go to any Western and Central PA Chipotle location, TODAY, Tuesday, August 23rd between 11:00am and 10:00pm. Tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 50% of the proceeds will be donated to Western Pennsylvania Humane Society. It’s that easy!
In the spirit of transparency, I have to confess Julep is not a rescue dog. Julep was an “oops baby,” (or what my family affectionately calls “blessing babies”). Julep is what happened when one Amish farmer’s dog (an Australian Shepherd) “loved” the neighboring Amish farmer’s dog (a Labrador) very much. I bought her from one of the nice Amish families, and I raised her from a puppy to the three-year-old best friend she is today.
I felt guilty buying a dog, knowing so many dogs were in need, but I also believe we need to find our own, specific approach to dog ownership, so we don’t end up putting another dog into the system. Julep has fully converted me into a crazy-dog-lady, and I know adoption is on the horizon. This is my dog story.
My Own Dog Story
I had tried and tried and TRIED to adopt an Aussie mix through one of the many breed-specific shelters, but I was denied over and over again. Aussies are smart lads and lasses, so the rescue organizations tend to be overly cautious and pre-screen potential adopters with to a laundry list: ownership of an Aussie in the past, lots of land and/or a fenced-in yard for starters.
It may seem a little selfish to be so headstrong for a specific breed, but I had my reasons. I had my heart set on an Aussie mix, since the first dog I ever truly loved was a geriatric Australian Shepherd, who I revived with long walks and lots of attention. Knowing I felt comfortable with that breed was an important factor when I finally decided to find a dog for me.
Not having grown up with dogs, this level of comfort and history was really important to me. I do not believe any breed is inherently good or bad, but each breed has its own set of traits. Sheepdogs inherently look for constant direction. I knew I could deal with that, but I knew a full-bred Aussie would be too much energy for my urban lifestyle. I also believe everyone deserves a puppy at least once in life, especially if you’ve given your all to an older dog at least once.
The older dog in my case was an ex-boyfriend’s. We were completely wrong for each other, but it broke my heart to part ways with the old dog. Since I hadn’t technically owned my older Aussie love, and I had only my legs and long walks to offer a new dog, not a fenced-in yard, I didn’t look good in the eyes of the Aussie rescues. The rejections were so heartbreaking, but on the other hand, I understood how too many people adopt these smart, task-driven dogs, then fail to understand them, fail to challenge them, and then, they become “unruly” returns, or wind up at shelters.
I was on the verge of giving up on dog ownership when I discovered a special pup online. After months and months of searching, I took one look at her shy face in the picture above, and I felt this immediate connection. This was my dog! This was my Julep!
And thanks to The Urban Farmer entering our lives, today Julep fulfills her innate need to be a working dog. One day, while soaking in the happiness of our smiling, blissful dog chasing butterfly shadows at the farm, it dawned on me- we now fit the laundry list of qualifications to adopt a sheepdog mix. One day, I hope to add a companion to Julep’s life, a true rescue dog, but we’re not quite ready yet. Dogs are a huge responsibility, not one to be taken lightly or made because a cute face is too irresistible.
So if you are truly ready for the responsibility and commitment, consider adopting one of these pups in need from the Western PA Humane Society (or your local shelter), and no matter what, if you’re local, go eat at Chipotle today and make a difference in an adoptable pet’s life!
On that note, here’s a helpful guide:
There’s One Right Way To Eat a Burrito on Thrillist (Note: I break all these rules)
And if you already have a dog, or are welcoming a dog into your home, try one of my homemade dog treat recipes:
Grain-Free Dog Biscuits
Icy Treats for Dogs
Here’s to burritos & dogs!
