The biggest and best decision we made in 2012 was to Adopt. Growing up, we always adopted adult or mature dogs who were lovingly given a new lease on life in our home. In adulthood, once you wake up with that flicker in your heart that says "it's time for a dog, I'm ready" it very soon becomes a fever that you just can't shake. Your heart feels and knows that there's something missing, and that something has four paws, a wagging tail and a panting energy that only dogs can bestow upon a household. If you've known that feeling in your childhood, it resurrects itself later in life, no question.
After a year of researching, learning about the realities, reading blogs, pining, living vicariously through others, browsing and preparing, it was time, my teeming heart could stand it no more (and neither could patient Doberdad, my supportive friends and family....did I mention there was a lot of pining?)
People say when it comes to dogs, you always end up the one you were meant to be with because of the things they teach you about life, and vice-versa. I found solace with this philosophy and carried this notion in my search.
And then there was Loki. I picture him essentially being Annie from the 1982 cinematic musical. Only he's a doberdog. You could recast the entire show with dogs, and switch up a few lyrics. Is that weird?
Loki in his kennel at the shelter:
Maybe far away,
Or maybe real near by.
He may be pouring her coffee.
She may be straightening his tie.
Maybe in a house,
All hidden by a hill.
She's sitting playing piano.
He's sitting playing a bill.
Bet you they're young.
Bet you they're smart.
Bet they collect things like ash trays and art.
Bet you they're good.
Why shouldn’t they be?
Their one mistake was giving up me…..
So.....maybe now its time
And maybe it’s when I wake
They'll be there calling me baby
Maybe…..
Bet you he reads.
Bet you she sews.
Maybe she's made me a closet of bones.
Maybe they're strict,
As straight as a line.
Don’t really care as long as they're mine…..
So…..maybe now this prayer's,
The last one of its kind
Won’t you please, come get your baby?
After a year of researching, learning about the realities, reading blogs, pining, living vicariously through others, browsing and preparing, it was time, my teeming heart could stand it no more (and neither could patient Doberdad, my supportive friends and family....did I mention there was a lot of pining?)
People say when it comes to dogs, you always end up the one you were meant to be with because of the things they teach you about life, and vice-versa. I found solace with this philosophy and carried this notion in my search.
And then there was Loki. I picture him essentially being Annie from the 1982 cinematic musical. Only he's a doberdog. You could recast the entire show with dogs, and switch up a few lyrics. Is that weird?
Loki in his kennel at the shelter:
Maybe far away,
Or maybe real near by.
He may be pouring her coffee.
She may be straightening his tie.
Maybe in a house,
All hidden by a hill.
She's sitting playing piano.
He's sitting playing a bill.
Bet you they're young.
Bet you they're smart.
Bet they collect things like ash trays and art.
Bet you they're good.
Why shouldn’t they be?
Their one mistake was giving up me…..
So.....maybe now its time
And maybe it’s when I wake
They'll be there calling me baby
Maybe…..
Bet you he reads.
Bet you she sews.
Maybe she's made me a closet of bones.
Maybe they're strict,
As straight as a line.
Don’t really care as long as they're mine…..
So…..maybe now this prayer's,
The last one of its kind
Won’t you please, come get your baby?
Hard to believe this was the very first time we met. To me, he looks like a completely different dog. It's in the eyes. Apparently, he was overlooked because of his large size, insecurity around other large dogs, and energy level when first greeting new people. Ironically, he settles right down after having a sniff, and curls up into the smallest of circles when at home.
The way to a dog's heart is through butt scratches. That's me giving introductory massages. That's him with the expression of confused bliss "Man, this ladygirl is so nice. Better enjoy this while I can because they always leave me behind, but maybe this time it will be different"
A million tail-waggy emotions are running through my head, and a million smells are running through his nose during our meet and greet and play and run and play. He would end up following me around the field, bringing me toys, and sitting at my feet while I was on the phone. "I like you ladygirl, can you please look after me for the rest of life please? I'll stay right here. Thanks"
This was the best Friday the 13th ever. The day we brought Loki home and learned he looooves the car. "Guys, this is great, ohhh this is so great, omg, where are we going?"
And this is what happened a few hours after bringing Loki Doberdog home. If it were the musical, we would have just wrapped up the "I think I'm gonna like it here" number from Annie. Seriously, you all should watch the video but picture Annie as a doberman husky "Zzzzzzzz zzzzz zzzzz Zzzzzz zzzzzzzz blissss"
A little confused, but a very brave and happy boy, this is one of the first walks of a trillion thousand we are about to take for the rest of 2012. This is also the first time he realizes that I'm a furious member of the doggerazzi and capture pictures of everything. I assured him I wasn't a stage parent.
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!
Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck in a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!
Happy New Year to all four leggeds, two leggeds and anything in between :)
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!
Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck in a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!
Happy New Year to all four leggeds, two leggeds and anything in between :)