Meet Rebecca Inch-Partridge, a multifaceted individual working as a freelance editor, author, and writing instructor. Her passion for writing dates back to her childhood when she penned her first novel, “Saver Rebecca Meets Captain Kirk,” in 3rd grade. However, life took her on a different path, where she worked as an EMT on an ambulance and later pursued her bachelor’s degree while raising a family. Rebecca’s journey eventually led her to serve as a service coordinator at Alta California Regional Center.
In this exclusive interview with Dogoppo, Rebecca shares her heartwarming tale of becoming a dog mom. After the loss of their beloved canine companions, Rebecca was initially unsure about welcoming a new furry friend into their lives. But when her husband proposed the idea, she embraced it wholeheartedly, little knowing how much joy and love their new companion would bring.
HELLO REBECCA INCH-PARTRIDGE, WELCOME TO DOGOPPO. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A DOG PARENT?
Actually, I didn’t decide to adopt a dog. Our two dogs had passed away just about a year ago. They were beloved members of our family, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for another dog to enter our lives.
However, when my husband brought up the subject, I didn’t want to deny him the unconditional love of a canine. So, I fully supported the idea, even though I thought McKracken would be his dog and not our dog. Boy am I thankful for how wrong I was.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR DOG AND HIS/HER PERSONALITY?
We had never been around a Belgian Malinois for any length of time before. We really lucked out that McKraken is not as hyper as most of that breed. While he is high energy and “go” is his favorite word, he is not frantic. He is also the most affectionate dog we have ever had. He always makes sure you know how much he loves you. And his abundance of joy brings us joy.
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR DOG’S NAME?
As I said, he likes to go, go, go. So, one time he wanted out again in order to go run around our acre of land. One of us made the joke about “Release the Kraken” and since it was St. Patrick’s Day, the other added a “Mac” and it stuck.
WHAT’S THE MOST MISCHIEVOUS THING YOUR DOG HAS EVER DONE?
Oh my, limiting it to one this is hard. He is way too smart for his own good. I would say learning how to open the screen door to the backyard, so he can come back in when he wants and not just when we let him in. He’s very proud of himself.
WHAT’S YOUR DOG’S FAVORITE TREAT?
Pupperoni.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A SPECIAL MOMENT YOU’VE SHARED WITH YOUR DOG?
McKraken is very used to morning snuggles, where he gets onto the bed and cuddles with me and my husband, Ernie. One morning we were crying over the loss of Ernie’s mother. McKraken came and laid down at our feet, facing us instead of snuggled against our chests. He stared at us with puppy dog eyes that seemed to sympathize. He listened intently to us talk about how much we would miss her. Then he suddenly sat up, ran out of the room and came back with his little stuffed lamb. He jumped onto the bed and crawled right up to Ernie and dropped the toy on his pillow. He looked from the toy to Ernie as if to say, this will make you feel better.
WHAT’S YOUR DOG’S FAVORITE TOY?
That little stuffed lamb. It’s the only toy he doesn’t tear apart.
WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT BEING A DOG PARENT?
Why he doesn’t tear apart. McKraken is a very active breed of dog. We have to give him a lot of time and attention. We also have to come up with new things for him to learn constantly. Fortunately, I work from home and my husband is nearing retirement. Otherwise, boredom would drive him to find trouble.
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR DOG HEALTHY AND HAPPY?
Follow the vet’s advice not to give McKraken table scraps and to hire a professional trainer to train us about how to work with him and his breed.
HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE BECOMING A DOG PARENT?
Trail walks. Neither of us can claim to be into “hiking” but we love strolling along a trail in the woods with McKraken. Doing that as often as we can has really helped us reduce the stress in our lives
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S CONSIDERING BECOMING A DOG PARENT?
Dogs make wonderful companions. But they make incredible family members if you take the time to find the right dog for your situation and then spend the time to train the dog. You want your new pet to feel confident and know what you expect of them.
