I know what you might be thinking. Hold on. We are not saying that she’s a human, a super dog or a baby. She’s just so much more than a pet dog. We’ve both had several dog pets in the past; shepherds, retrievers and cockers come to mind. But I tell you nothing compares to a Weimaraner and nothing compares to OUR weim, Halle.
She calmly entered our life at the tiny age of 8 weeks and we’ve been touched by her beautiful presence and curious soul ever since. We had just lost a loved one in the last year and her bouncy innocent energy was a total joy. As a puppy she was very energetic, playful and curious. Attentive, cautious and very social, she knew how to turn heads everywhere we ventured. She loved being in our company and we loved being in hers. We knew that we didn’t just purchase any dog, we purchased a very unique dog.
We humans get touched and affected by all animals, especially domesticated ones because we share our homes and lifestyles with them. Pet dogs and cats are still the most popular companions in our modern world. Their natural presence just makes us feel good on many levels.
Our Weimaraner Halle definitely transformed us psychologically, physically, spiritually and socially on a powerful level.
Psychologically
“The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” } Andrew A. Rooney
Being business owners and partners, engaged family members and friends, curious with many interests, (maybe too many) we are extremely busy. On the go all the time with very little time for ourselves or any R&R. Halle entered our life with all her wonderful puppy naughtiness including potty training, playtime, walks and the works. So, after a few days of being tired and on a puppy-high we suddenly realized that we had a lot more time than we had originally thought. It was just allocated in different things. Hmmm, we thought. So then for the first time in our business career, we actually started taking some REAL time off. To play with Halle! Nah, just kidding. We always make time to play with Halle – so much fun! But I mean to relax and let go. To calm our body and mind. To watch movies, read books, play video games (hockey) and take nice long walks with, and sometimes without, our beast. Our pet dog showed us how to calm down and enjoy the present moment by observing her play, curiously tracking and examining her surroundings. We fine tuned our natural instincts. We now follow her lead when we need a time-out. Just to make it clear, we are STILL her pack leaders ;)
Physically
“A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk.” } O.A. Battista
When we are not working or spending time with family and friends, we are quite the relaxed-urban-outdoorsy types. We are busy bodies. We always need to move both physically and mentally. Because we mostly work from home, we sometimes need a change of scenery so we just go out. Because we love any type of physical activity the next step for us was to get an active pet dog we can share our outdoor adventures with. And of course we gravitated towards the sporting breeds. We landed an absolutely perfect Weimaraner who is the strongest most energetic dog of its class. A lot of work but we happily comply everyday. Because of her high energy level she needs to be vigorously exercised daily. Since we already exercise every day it was a win-win situation for all of us. Luckily Halle only requires 1 to 2 hours of physical and mental activities per day. Compared to other Weimaraners we know in the area, they need at least double that or more. We are happy that Halle is the most non-energetic-Weim. :P It works out for all parties plus at the end of the day, we get a very happy, calm and balanced pet dog. Halle always reminds us that it’s time to go out. We will talk about games and all the fun activities we do with our super pet dog in future discussions.
Spiritually
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they do make our lives whole” } Roger Caras
As I mentioned earlier, our puppy entered our house at a time where our lives were turned upside down by a great loss in the family. Her joyful presence was so appreciated and loved. She helped us move forward everyday without looking at the past. We learned that all dogs live in the present moment. They never worry about the past or the future. They just are. So every new day is a fresh start to a new adventure. She gave us exactly what was missing in our life – some tranquility, love and compassion. We are very passionate with everything we do so raising Halle was no different. We jumped right into it giving our 200% and kindly learning from each other. When Halle approaches us with her favorite ball with her enchanting deep blue eyes and soft silver coat and her cutie tail going faster than a wiper blade, it’s an invitation to play and enjoy the present moment for a few minutes. Priceless. Everyday we are grateful for Halle being part of our lives.
Socially
“If your dog doesn’t like someone you probably shouldn’t either.” } Unknown Source
I could tell you this, we have made more friends and acquaintances in the past 2 years than I can remember. Whenever we go for a walk Halle becomes the people-magnet, instantly, and she loves it. We have taught her to sit and wait until we give her the ‘ok’ to greet people, kids and other dogs. Everyone wants to touch her, and cuddle her. Her loving energy just jumps at you and you can’t resist. We have a very strong bond and good communication with our pet dog that we have developed and established from the very beginning. She knows her role and rank in the family which is good for everyone. We will definitely talk about pack leaders and pack structure in another post because that it is the foundation of your relationship with your dog. Halle has helped us become more aware of people and their relationship with their pets dogs. Whenever we go on a road trip and go through drive-through with the windows down it becomes a petting zoo where in our car where everyone pets dog LOL. Halle’s sympathetic demeanor freely gives out lotsa love.
We love all living things. We would take a pet dog any day. Scratch that. We would take a Weimaraner any day.
Halle has turned us into the better people that we are today.
We are not over-glorifying her. We are simply saying that we have been blessed by the Universe to be able to share every delightful day in her presence. We often say this to ourselves when we are having a quiet present moment “She’s only been on this earth for a little over 2 years and she’s already given us a lifetime of special moments and extraordinary memories that we will treasure in our hearts forever.”
I know the post sounds a little mushy and romanticized but we just had to honor our Beautiful-Barbarian-Weim. If Halle had not entered our lives, essentially HalleBalleDog.com wouldn’t even exist. So aside form everything that I have mentioned and more, Halle has also managed to find a way to become our Internet partner! ;)
I’m sure that you have many personal stories about your pet dog and we truly want to hear them. Share your wonderful moments below:
Kittyluver (2)
Pamela (2)
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
your Halle “Weim” is so cute! expressive eyes, isn’t it?! amazing!
best wishes from Brazil!
The last thing my husband and I wanted at this point in our lives was another dog! Kids were getting older and we felt it was time to have our freedom back. My daughter, who was 15 at the time kept bugging us to get another dog…and finally wore us down! My husband always wanted a Weimaraner, so after some research we found Faye. Life has not been the same since…in a positive way! Three years later with Faye in our life, I couldn’t imagine not having her around. She is so smart and such a part of the family, I sometimes forget she is a dog! Weim’s are a HUGE committement in terms of their social needs and the need for excercise, but worth every bit. She has definitely brought this family closer together.
There is no doubt about it…Weim’s are special =)
hey Luzinha, thanks for stoppin’ by – her eyes are definitely one of her most appreciate physical qualities. ;) With Weimaraners, eyes often change color as they get older but Halle’s have remained the same so far, 2 years in….
Halle says thanks for the compliments! ;)
Can’t agree with you more Karen, Weims are an incredible commitment but are definitely in a class of their own.
Really means a lot that you came by and shared your story with us. Love how you mention that Faye is such a part of the family.
Halle is the same way – her nose in everything!!! She’s in everyone’s business. Really involved member of the household. Quite amazing. :)
How wonderful that you see Halle for the beautiful being that she is! I don’t think you are over glorifying her. One of the reasons I wrote my book, “MAGGIE the dog who changed my life,” was to lift dogs up where they belong. What a gift you are giving Halle by recognizing the blessing that her presence is in your lives every day!
I LOVE THIS PIC!!! My 2 ‘Weims” are Bailey and Shoelace…. They are my heart–along with my rescue dog, Lexie!
I don’t have a Weim, however, I do understand completely about how a dog transforms our lives. I got my first dog two years ago. I was a little skeptical and my family and friends were a lot skeptical. I was never the pet-owning type. But once I got Ruby (a 6 lb. Maltipoo) I fell head over heels in love. I’ve become one of those dog owners that I used to roll my eyes at. LOL! So I GET IT! This is a great website. I already signed up for your newsletter.
Hey Dawn, Thanks for taking a moment to drop in! We’re looking forward to reading your book.
Maureen – Halle told me that she would love to play chase with your Bailey and Shoelace … giggles :) and Lexie is sweet too.
Paula S. we’re so happy that Ruby became your pet dog, animals have such unique precious souls and the loving imprints they leave on us everyday are priceless! They ground us and bring us back to the present moment whenever we forget to and they offer their love selflessly – well almost … Halle tends to cleverly use a loving opportunity as a “lets play ball” invitation LOL! Love her lots :)
Thank you for sharing your special 4 legged friends with us!
i have two weims and i wouldn’t trade them for the world!
My wife and I moved out together a year prior to our marriage. The first two weeks we were on our own, she just “HAD” to have this “adorable” “beautiful” grey puppy that she saw at the local pet shop. The pet store (no longer in business) said that Weimaraner’s are docile, and quite calm. So we brought Tucker home. I should have known that the first night when he wouldn’t be crated (he barked himself into a foaming, urine soaked frenzy) when he curled up and slept for 8 hours in the bed next to me, that it was all over. Tucker would control our lives. He is now six and a half years old, and still sleeps in our bed. Aside from his food aggression, that we solved by feeding him outside (he’s good with rawhides, cookies and toys) he’s a little angel with a very childish side. Smart doesn’t sum up his intelligence, as he climbed over baby gates to get to us, figured out how to open cupboards and pantries etc. But his “dumb moments” are just hillarious, and seem to outnumber the smart moves. He chases lazer pointers with the cats, got wrapped up in the bed sheets and fell off the bed, burned his nose quite a few times on the stove, been smacked hundreds of times by the cats, got stuck putting his head under the fence… should I go on? Tucker… he craves his mom’s attention ever since our daughter came 19 months ago, and he drives her crazy because she pays more attention to her, but knows that I still show him the attention he deserves. Our beautiful daughter just loves this mut, and climbs on him, pulls his ears, puts her hands in his “yucky” mouth and then eats her food with him. When he does something bad, he knows it and lowers his head, when he’s praised he comes over wiggling that stubby tail of his. Lanky and lopey! Tucker is surely a part of the family that I would not want to see go any time soon, no matter how much a pain in the arse he is.
Ryan thanks so much for posting your Weimaraner story!
Tucker sounds like such a “weim”.
Yup, that very 1st night gave everything away LOL!
I sooooo agree with ya, Weims are such babies. It seems like they never wanna grow up.
And for all those incredibly cute “dumb moments” that you mentionned, we always wish we had the camera ready to catch some because it’s just to hilarious!
We love your story and thank you for being such a patient Weim owner.
Sounds like Tucker’s got your family’s heart ;)
Would you ever consider throwing another one in the mix?
Danielle I totally feel you.
Halle stole my heart from the moment I spotted her and she has gotten a tight hold ever since. Growing up I’ve had many dogs, but Halle is our little angel :)
What do you love most about your silver cuties?
Weims are notoriously goofy, I can’t imagine having 2 goofs at home :)
How is it having 2 Weims in da house?
Is it like “double-the-trouble” or more like “double-the-love”?