My husband and I were cat people. Not crazy cat people. Rather, the kind of people that tended to live with a cat or two for just about as long as we can remember. Then, we began to imagine that adding a dog to the mix might be even better. So, we promised our girls almost two years ago that we would get a puppy once we settled in Virginia. Given the job moves over the years, it has been our practice to break the news of an impending move, then lessen the blow by offering up a pet -- not a bad practice but one we ought not need to employ again!
In December, we celebrated our first six months in NARA House and began the search for a puppy. Actually, I would say we waited for a puppy as buying a dog from a breeder seemed rather ridiculous for our needs and rescue kittens of the short hair mix variety have always suited us perfectly. The SPCA tends to offer a range of adult dogs for adoption as rescue puppies are a bit more scarce and tend to find homes more quickly. Then, a litter of 6 hound mix puppies appeared and beckoned for our consideration. Before we could blink an eye, we had one day to prepare to bring our new addition home.
To be honest, I had some of the same jitters as when the hospital was ready to release us and send my older daughter and I home two days after giving birth. My thoughts went something like this: "What do you mean I can leave now? I'm not going. I don't want to leave. How can you send me home with her? I don't know what I am doing! Where is the manual? I could break her! This seems rather irresponsible on your part!" Adopting a puppy was quite similar. Seems almost anyone can adopt an animal even when you have no idea what you are doing which was clearly true for us.
I can't say that I recommend adopting a puppy right before the holidays as it definitely multiplies the chaos. However, I can say with certainty that adopting a puppy was the highlight of the holidays. George (yes, George is a solid name and I challenge anyone to say otherwise) has surpassed our expectations. He is joyfully playful, loving in abundance, eager to please, and smart. George has bonded with the entire family except the cat, but George and Freddy seem to enjoy playing "war" with advance and retreat that ends reliably in a truce on a daily basis. Both need reassurance that there is more than enough affection to go around.
Upon reflection, I think that George has reminded me that a pet (similarly, a child and nature) draws out the most fundamental of human emotions: love and trust, exuberant fun and total exhaustion, curiosity and beauty in its purest form. George listens to me read these very words aloud with the deepest of understanding and resounding applause. To him, my voice is golden, my written words divine. I write lyrics to my puppy's song and win awards of loyal affection. He has expanded my audience and helped sharpen my voice. He may be a mutt, but he is gifted. He is truly gifted. I give and receive with open hands and welcoming heart.
Little
Dog's Rhapsody in the Night (Three)
Mary
Oliver
He puts his cheek against mine
and makes small, expressive sounds.
And when I'm awake, or awake enough
he turns upside down, his four paws
in the air
and his eyes dark and fervent.
Tell me you love me, he says.
Tell me again.
Could there be a sweeter arrangement?
Over and over
he gets to ask it.
I get to tell.
