I opened the front door to see a long-legged black animal being led toward me. Our new dog had arrived with wagging tail and friendly eyes. She was bigger than I expected even though I’d been told of her size. “Oh my, she’s big!” was the only thing I could think of to say.
Our new dog’s name is Abby. She’s a black lab mix and a real sweetie. After only one night, she easily adapted to our lifestyle. She learned which sofa she liked best for napping and which floor rug was softest. She followed Dick around the yard as he performed Sunday morning chores and contentedly lay on the ground nearby when he stayed in one spot.
After 13 months of being an only dog, Mr. Magoo, the pug, faced the reality of sharing his house with another canine, and right now, if he could talk, he’d probably tell you that he’s not excited. He liked being an only child. He hasn’t exactly been pampered over the past year but has been getting a lot of attention in a one-dog household. Without a big dog to force Dick and me to take long walks, we became lazy, and Magoo didn’t argue. Exercise fell by the wayside. As long as he was fed, he cared a fig less about staying in shape. Pugs can’t be bothered by worrying about expanding waistlines or cardiac arrest.
All that ended yesterday, when we brought Abby into our life and took the two dogs for their first walk together. Mr. Magoo was forced to move fast in order to keep up with the new dog, and from the sounds of his huffing and puffing, he needs to get in shape. Time for doggie boot camp.
Although I’m happy to have another big dog as part of the family, I’m realistic enough to know the drill. The exhausting tasks of housebreaking a puppy and putting up with naughty puppy behavior are non-existent, but I see the ultra-easy pattern of my life fast fading. I’ll need to make more veterinarian appointments, buy 40-pound bags of dog food again, sweep more dog hair off the floor, and pay attention to dogs going out to do their business.
It’s okay. Crazy as it sounds, I’ve missed having a big drooling dog complete with the large wagging tail, big head bumping my knees for attention and the large heart capable of much love.
There is an added benefit to owning a big dog. The deer have been much bolder without one, and my garden has suffered. Somehow, they know when a big dog is around and stay away even when the dog doesn’t run free.
I’m putting the neighborhood deer on notice. We have a big dog again, so forget about prancing through the potato patch.
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