Despite pretty much living with my boyfriend's dogs, two golden retrievers, I never fully got over my bias towards dogs, and thinking that they just didn't LIKE me, and that they knew I was a dog virgin having never owned one, until last year. Last spring (2011), it was apparent that 15 year old O'Malley, the oldest of my boyfriend's two Goldens, didn't have much more time here on earth. His hips were going, he didn't get up much, his breathing was labored, and he couldn't enjoy any of the things he once loved, such as shoe stealing, running around outside, food begging, and yes, blanket humping. Lots of blanket humping, particularly when company came over.
It was on that note that my boyfriend's father, a longtime golden lover, decided that just one wouldn't do, and now would be the perfect time to get a new puppy, not as a "replacement" but rather as an addition, to help carry on the joys of owning a golden for another 13-15 years. So one frigid March morning we set out to the "quiet corner" of Connecticut, to a golden breeder's farm to pick out the newest family member.
I had never been to a puppy farm, or breeder, or whatever it is you want to call it. When we walked in, dozens of little fur balls came to attention, jumping up with their front paws on the top of their gates to greet us, all wrangling to be first in line. There were all different types of Goldens, big shaggy Nordics, and your basic "standard" golden. There were girls and there were boys. There were newborns (not yet for sale) and older puppies, who hadn't sold from the last litter. All were adorable. There was no way you couldn't love them. We narrowed it down to a type (we chose the standard) and the breeder released them from the pen so they could meet us. In a blur of fuzz and yippy barking, they came to us, not knowing this was judgement day, and that only one was going to get a home. Instead of feeling nervous as I did with past adult dogs, I was surprised when the puppies actually came up to ME (didn't they know all dogs conspired against me, then laughed about it later?!).
Somehow, we managed to narrow it down to two puppies, after at least an hour of playing and seeing who jived best with us. We eventually went with "Dark Green" (the color of the yarn around his neck). I can't remember the exact reasoning behind it, I guess he just called to us. We paid the adoption fee and got some last minute advice from the breeder, and some supplies. We were then on our way! The puppy went in the back of the SUV for the long ride home. He didn't enjoy it much, and became carsick. The messes were just beginning!
So however, were the joys. I had never seen a dog go from puppy to adult, and I never got what people were talking about when they said their dogs were "part of the family" or "like a little human". I used to be like okay, they have a dog. Its like having a couch you're fond of, or a stuffed teddy bear, or a favorite pair of jeans. Its there, you feed it, walk it, and so goes life. But dog ownership I suppose, is one of those things you don't get until you do it. Oscar as we called him (his name had to start with "O", family tradition), was no sofa. He really WAS a little "person". He was smart. He found ways to break the rules and get what he wanted, just like a child. He was a mischievous rebel, sneaking out of the house to take a dip in the neighbors pool. He didn't always come when called, and seemed to get a good laugh out of it. He discovered the joys of stick fetching in water, jumping with all four feet off the ground and launching himself in. He didn't like being on his leash, and would take it in his own mouth and rip it from your hands and walk himself.
He also understood quieter moments, he loved to cuddle on the sofa, rest his head on your lap, or lay at your feet. Yep, this was no sofa. This was a little Mr. Personality, the only thing he couldn't do was speak English. He still understood life however, and all the moments and things in it. And he never once tried to devour me. Oh, wait, yes he did. But this time I knew he was just playing around, scared was the last emotion I was feeling at that moment. And he ate my hair too. But I can forgive him because I mean LOOK at that face. He didn't mean it!
So in honor of all the pet owners out there who "get it", I decided to offer custom tees that feature your dog (or cat, never had a cat, terribly allergic! But I imagine the attachment is similar). Below is a picture of the tee design I did from a photo of Oscar. These pet images would also be great on tote bags (full of doggy or kitty goodies of course) or mugs, to have your morning coffee while telling your coworkers about Fido's latest funny actions. Or you may want to remember a lost pet in the same manner, and have your morning drink with him right there with you every single day.
Let me know how I can honor the little love in YOUR life! Request your own at www.youreaditshirts.com/Quote.html, and fill out the form and send your pics to get your very own. I get it now, owning a pet can be some pretty special stuff :) At the beginning of this entry, I said I "just" had fish, birds and a frog. But there are no small pets, only small owners! Perhaps your iguana means the world to you. If he does, let me know! There is no limit to what can go on a custom item. Okay, gotta run, Oscar keeps trying to eat the laptop. And with those eyes, I might just let him :D
