My kids are, like, my life. And my kids are my 2 cats and a dog. They really bring me so much joy. I am trying really hard to make up for past mistakes. This pains me to talk about, actually.

My sisters know the guilt I carry with regard to how I (we) treated Duke. Dukey was our dog from when I was about 10 to about 17. I remember when we picked him up at the shelter. He was called a “husky/collie” mix. He was an ivory long-haired handsome puppy. I remember the ticket on his crate saying “Owner Did Not Want.” We took him home and I remember being really happy at first.

But from age 14 on, while I fancied myself an animal lover, I did not help take care of to Dukey in the least. Looking back, Dukey had behavior problems which were largely caused by our neglect.

We didn’t walk him because he pulled so hard on the leash. He was tied up outside all the time. He was never inside. And I was so self-absorbed, as most teenagers are, so I just didn’t notice him. From what Cesar Millan has taught me now, I know that we as a family did nothing for Dukey’s well-being. We weren’t armed with the knowledge of what would make Dukey happy and balanced. Mom fed him, but that was basically all.

I don’t blame anyone else but myself, but now that I have pets of my own, I want to make sure that I don’t fail them like I failed Dukey.

I remember when we picked him up at the shelter. He was called a “husky/collie” mix. He was an ivory long-haired handsome puppy.