Lava the Dog: The Start of the Finale

Let me tell you about an unforgettable cold winter day at the tail end of 2020. Based in the UK and working at a local clinic, I was secretly yearning for a furry companion, having recently lost my beloved dog to cancer. Having always had dogs around, I felt a deep void, but little did I know, my life was about to change dramatically and unexpectedly—thanks to a surprising new arrival.

That morning, after a taxing night shift in Orpington, United Kingdom, my phone lit up with a message from my mum back in Croatia. Attached was a photo of an irresistibly cute puppy, perched atop my brother’s work boots. Perplexed, I wondered whether my family had purchased a dog, especially since we already had four farm dogs—all of which had either wandered into our lives as strays or were gifts from friends. But no, this scenario stuck to the familiar script; the little one, who we’d soon call Lava, had simply appeared on our doorstep, bafflingly far from any neighboring villages.

From her very first day, Lava was a force to be reckoned with. According to tales from my mum and brother, she wasted no time in laying down the law. Despite her meager 10 pounds, she took to pilfering food from the bowls of our much larger dogs—each tipping the scales at around 110 pounds. Her gutsy antics and little growls ensured she quickly won the pecking order battle, establishing herself as the pint-sized queen of the pack.

Naming her proved to be a conundrum, but inspiration struck when my brother suggested ‘Lava’—a nod to ‘lav,’ the word for lion in our language, and a play on fiery molten rock, mirroring the vibrant color of her coat. The name was fitting: she was as fierce as a lioness and as spirited as an eruption of lava. Despite her challenging disposition—or perhaps because of it—Lava became the “worst” but most unforgettable dog we ever had.

As time passed, Lava grew into a stunning dog who grabbed the attention of not just family and friends, but also neighbors and colleagues who frequently inquired about the latest mischievous adventure. With her striking brown-red fur and a majestic yet slightly irritable expression, she was impossible to overlook. By the age of five months, she’d found her best canine friend, Goku, and their escapades became the stuff of local legend.

Adapting to Lava’s ways wasn’t easy, and there were times when she tested every boundary. But as I reflect nearly four years later, I realize how much joy she has brought into my life. Lava taught me resilience and unconditional love, transforming my initial reluctance into a deep, enduring bond that I now can’t imagine my life without.

For any pet parent grappling with a challenging pup, remember that patience and understanding go a long way. And if you’re dealing with behavioral issues beyond your expertise, don’t hesitate to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance. Indeed, every dog has a story, and every challenge a lesson. Here’s to embracing the journey with our furry friends, no matter how rocky the road might seem!

This tale of resilience and unexpected friendship is part of Dr. Maja, Lava, and Hela’s series. Dive deeper into our adventures and learn more about managing spirited pets by exploring related articles here at Dogster. Your feedback is invaluable—let us know what resonates with you and how we can keep enhancing our content for pet lovers everywhere.