We all have a special “super power” we’re born with. It’s something that comes naturally, that we don’t have to work at. It’s often the aspect of our personalities that people remember most about us; if we’re lucky, it’s a positive (ok, so some of you fall on the other side of that equation) quality. Even my furkids have them. That’s right. I said it. My furkids have super powers.

You ain’t ready….

It took me a while to see Owen’s super power, because he had to grow into it, I think. Owen is a rescue, although I use the term loosely. It’s more like he’s the rescuer. We’re very grateful to Kelly Morrison, and Kim Kleeman, who brought him to us to foster and allowed us to formally adopt him.

I don’t think Owen was ever abused; he just hadn’t ever been anyone’s companion. He was a throw away. That experience goes a long way towards the forging of a canine’s character. He was

shy, until he got to know us, and you could tell he was uncertain of his place in our “pack”- or if he was even welcome to be a part of it.

Mr. Owen had spent the majority of his life being a square bully peg trying to fit in with round bully pegs…and we all know how that story ends. He just needed to find his “fit”. I think it’s safe to say that he found it, with the Wilson/Aaron clan…and all our extended family.

Owen is like a teenage boy, that’s why he loves our guys so much. He’s got knobby knees. He’s clumsy. He likes girls. He’s sorta sloppy. He’s a wee bit A.D.D., (ohlookabutterfly!) O.C.D. and he eats A LOT. And will eat ANYTHING. Nothing is safe. Not Nerf darts. Not flip flops. Not even a leaf that blew in through the front door. Meat, bread, cheese, cookies, pretzels, pineapple, banana, broccoli and cauliflower, raw or cooked makes no difference, just about any fruit or veggie, really. You’ll frequently hear “hey- what’s he GOT?” as we chase him through the house…He’ll worm his way under our covers and commence to snoring so loudly that on several occasions I have had to turn the T.V. up to hear it because he’s snuggled up under my arm and right in my ear. He’sincredibly athletic. His feelings are easily hurt, and all it takes is a “Mom is REALLY upset with you” look andthe lesson is pretty much burned into his brain.Well, except for the cat lesson. The cats are still working on that one but he is making progress; Rome wasn’t built in a day and he is, after all, a D.O.G…they make certain allowances for that fact because they tell me he shows promise.

What’s fascinating to me is that Owen’s super power is…drum roll please…

(Ta-Da!)

He’s a clown.

That may not sound like a super power, but trust me- if you haven’t seen him in action then you can’t imagine what life with him and Rae is like. We’ve discovered in the last year that Rae laughs, and

actually has a pretty healthy sense of humor. She laughs at us, at the boys, her kitties, Owen, and most of all, at herself. Rae and Owen are just like a big sister and a little brother…he’s always following her around and she manipulates him right into trouble but comes out smelling like a rose herself, and laughs about it- unabashedly.

But Owen? Owen can make you laugh so hard you cry.

And he does it without even trying…It’s what comes naturally, and the thing that defines him and sets him apart. He’s so much personality crammed into that little bully body! Unbelievable that someone didn’t realize the treasure they had in him. He’s unique in the way that natural comedians are, and even when he’s not trying to “clown” around, he still is. The happier he gets, the more clownish he becomes. His happiness grows every day. Having found his niche in our pack, (andour bed) he’s safe and secure. His confidence has been bolstered by all the new people and experiences we’ve introduced him to, and his exuberance is contagious.

I even know his secret now.

Owen’s a “giant”. Mr. Wilson told me the other day that “giants” used to roam the earth, but their bodies got smaller…and their spirits got larger; that’s how you recognize one. I see him for what he is, on the inside. He’s such a quick learner it’s amazing…and what I find so interesting about his learning process is that the more you laugh, the quicker he gets it. The bigger a fool you play, the faster he learns. Owen isn’t motivated by food, although don’t ever forget that he LOVES his cauliflower.

* I mean, seriosly; isn’t that a face that says “I’m a dude who’s serious about his veggies!?”*

His true motivation? Simple. Your joy.

I think Owen and I are going to work towards his Canine Good Citizen this year, and perhaps some agility. He loves to run and play, and he’s a fetching MONSTER. With his stunning good looks (yes that was a joke) he’s quite the head turner…

Of course, when I look at him all I see is our bully boy who clowned his way into our laps and lives, and made himself a home within the shelter of our hearts.

Tracy Wilson | Pooler GA
Full Bowls, Inc. | http://www.fullbowls.org