For the Love of Dogs

The Tig Archives 10 / 24 / 2014

When Ellen Degeneres tells you to do something, you do it. Much like if Oprah suggested a life choice for you. You’d get on that as soon as humanly possible. As such, this is the story of how a sweet little rescue pup, came to be my Bogart. It was two years ago in LA, and as I sat there with this ten week old frisky puppy on my lap, Ellen Degeneres came in and said three simple words to me that changed my life: “Take him home.” I was at SPOT Rescue in West Hollywood, a family run small business that rescues dogs and also has in-house grooming, boarding, and puppy lovin. I had been on the search for a dog, my first dog ever, to keep me company while I filmed far away in Toronto, and to become my sidekick for a very long time. My home of Los Angeles County puts down more dogs per capita than any other city in the US, so rescuing was a no-brainer. And I didn’t need to go to an organization that specialized in specific breeds for adoption because I wasn’t in the market for a pure bred dog. My rationale: I’m a mutt, and I turned out just fine.

So there I am, this five pound ball of ombré fur squirming in my arms, when Ellen says “Is that your dog?” – I’m equal parts in shock at seeing Ellen Degeneres for the first time and hoping this puppy doesn’t pee on me during this I’m-meeting-Ellen-Degeneres-for-the-first-time time. I explain that I’d seen him the other day with his brother, that they were both found at just 5 weeks old in an alley and taken to the pound, and that his furry counterpart was adopted yesterday. Ellen asks, “Did you name him?”

“Bogart,” I said, ” I think I would call him Bogart.” And then she looked at me with such assurance and simply said, “Take him home.” And I did. I didn’t know it then, but I know it now. This animal changed my life. Everyday he teaches me patience, boundaries, and how to share the bed. He comes with me to set, he’s a paw shakin’ fool, and he is more protective of me than any person I’ve ever known. Above all that, I think he preps me for the day I will have lots of wild kids running recklessly in the mud, scraping knees, chasing frogs, and scaring me to death while looking as happy as …well, my sweet Bogart.

If you are thinking of getting a pup – if you can afford it (the time, the responsibility) – then I urge you to go to your local pound or animal rescue, find yourself a new best friend, and listen to these simple words: Take him home. Your life (and his) will never be the same.

Photos via: Meghan’s own, Found My Animal, Henri Bendel, Brika, Waggo, Serena & Lily, Cath Kidston