Saigon, The Big Blue Dog

Three and a half years ago, when my mom told me my younger brother was getting a pit bull puppy, I pretty much flipped. Ignorant comments such as, " Are you crazy?!" and "I'm never coming over to visit now!" flew from my mouth. There was no way that I was going to accept this new puppy into our family. Luckily, I was living in BC at the time and therefore, wouldn't have to "risk my life" around this new dog.

Fast forward to present day, and Saigon, the blue-nose pit bull is sleeping soundly snoring next to me and I love him with all my heart.

Saigon loves to sleep.

If I could take back all the mean, naive thoughts I had about him, I would. But I can't, so instead, I've chosen to educate myself and those around me, on the true nature of pit bulls. But I'll save my lecture for another time.

When people share their stories on how they got their dog(s), they've either chosen the dog themselves, or "the dog chose us". For Saigon, he didn't choose us, and my husband and I definitely did not choose him. In September of 2010, my mom came out to visit us in BC and brought along Saigon and her dog Lacie, a chubby, yellow lab. My brother, who was now living with my Dad, wasn't allowed to have a dog, so my mom had taken over ownership. My mom's visit turned into several months, and we fell in love with Saigon. HARD. To sum up how Saigon weaseled his way into our lives and our hearts is best described by the following: 

When my mom had to return to Edmonton, and neither her nor my brother was in a position to be responsible for Saigon, Jim and I agreed to "foster" him until a home for him could be found. But then Jim didn't want Saigon to leave the family. And then before you know it, Saigon was on #10 of the above list. We found ourselves staying home more in order to be with Saigon (who we also refer to as Saigs and Pip at times). We take pictures of him at the same speed as first-time parents. And videos. We buy him expensive chew toys even though they don't last more than a few weeks. We love him to bits.

Best Friends, Saigon and Jim

We couldn't imagine our lives without him and we like to think he feels the same. So here we are, a year and a half later from the time my mom first arrived in BC, and this big blue dog is here to stay. Jim and I have since moved back to Alberta, and remain Saigon's parents.

How can you not love this face?