HAPPY NATIONAL DOG DAY! This is Django, my pitbull boxer mix. I adopted him from a rescue in 2017, during my 2nd year of vet school. Specifically, second semester of 2nd year, which as all my vets know, is the hardest semester. The first few weeks were hard, as it is with any new pet - you get used to them and they get used to you. Still, Django was an angel. He connected to me on a level I'd never experienced with another pet. He kept me sane thru the rest of vet school. In terms of what I needed as a student at that time and even now as a vet, he is wonderful. He's amazing every time I leave the house (in school it'd be for crazy hours on end to study in the library). When I get back, not a single item is out of place. He doesn't bark excessively, doesn't tear things apart, and has a very durable bladder lol Now we're in NYC and he continues to be my #1 That's not to say he doesn't have any issues - he's very protective of me, esp on the street, and he takes time to warm up to people but with training and setting proper boundaries, he's doing great. You and I aren't perfect - we don't like every person we meet (and esp wouldn't want them randomly touching us), we throw tantrums, we make mistakes, we have physical/mental health issues. Why is it that we want a pet that's: good w ppl, good w dogs, good w cats, good w kids, doesn't bark, doesn't have separation anxiety, has good energy levels, is trained, etc. We're accustomed to this idea that companion animals were made for us (and with breeders and puppy stores, in a sense they are) but that doesn't mean we can create them with no flaws. Only a toy can promise that. If you're thinking about a dog, be open to imperfection. I urge you to #AdoptDontShop. There's so many dogs of all ages and breeds that desperately need homes.There's many rescues that have breed variety, it's not hard to find what you want. Nothing against reliable breeders, but why continue to bring dogs into this world when millions are just sitting in a cage, waiting for the right person to come by? Adopt a dog! It'll bring a special happiness to your life. For anyone interested, I got Django from @diamondsintheruffdogrescue