It’s nearly two months since we bid farewell to Hudson. We buried him down the hill from our house, next to Beorn, Boris, Reggie and Larry, our previous dogs. His memory will live within me forever.
I’ve since cancelled my subscription to Porcupine Monthly. I will miss the centerfolds.
Life goes on. A week ago we learned of a dog at a local rescue facility in need of a new home.
I didn’t have a very high opinion of “rescue” organizations. We’ve tried in the past to “rescue” dogs that would fit into our lifestyle and rural location, but they all denied us because we don’t have a fence. The fact we live on ten acres out in the middle of nowhere with hundreds of forested acres behind us where we hike daily with the dogs was meaningless. Nor did they care we live a half mile from a quiet gravel road (a direction the dogs never venture). And it meant nothing to them we treat our dogs so well it never even occurs to them to wander. Even sending a photo of our unfenced “front yard” affected no response.
"We don’ need no stinkin’ fence!"
It’s safe to say I was doubtful it would happen. But The Missus made the application, and after a few persuasive emails back and forth, I’m pleased to report that Second Chance Pet Rescue of North Idaho relented. We set up a time to go meet the dog.
Of course, I knew exactly what would happen upon meeting him.
This! This is what would happen!
His name is Zeus. He’s a 2.5-year-old Mastiff/Great Dane cross. At 112lbs., he’s super relaxed and friendly. Nothing seems to bother him. He comes with software pre-loaded: Come, Sit, Shake, Lay Down, Spin, Wait, Guard, and probably more.
Zeus and Winslow immediately became best friends. They spent the whole first day playing. All day long. I’ve never seen dogs bond without even a short period of standoffishness, but these two didn’t hesitate at all.
Play. Hump. Rest. Play. Hump. Rest. Etc.
They told us Zeus had been a mostly outside dog, which worried us a little. But we haven’t had one accident yet. It’s outside for both One (Zeus-Sluice), and Two (Zeus-Deuce).
I can’t imagine a better fit. It’s like we’ve been waiting for each other our whole lives!
Zeus is now a happy inside/outside dog
About the Author
Topdog is Steve Merryman, a retired graphic designer and illustrator. He can usually be found working on a portrait commission or some other artwork. Steve fills his days painting, writing, shootin' guns, cuttin' trees, and hiking with his dogs, all while searching for the perfect cheeseburger. He generally avoids social media and is occasionally without pants.
Comments 3
Congrats! We lost one last year, and ended up with a psycho CoJack. Fits our family perfectly.
Author
By that do you mean a Jack Russel Terrier mix, or a bald, lollipop-sucking, crime-solving pooch?
COrgi/JACK.
A retarded little dog. Will steal your sandwich and wag while it does it.