I grew up with dogs. Suki and Suki the Second. Loved them dearly. But after leaving home, other things took priority
Fast forward: married with two kids under 5 I felt the need to add more chaos to my life..
This pooch was hanging with two dogs I already knew. A lanky black 5 month old, new pooch, I learned, was a stray who’d been sniffing at baby carriages as they went by. There is some dispute as to whether or not I kidnapped or saved this puppy.
I promptly offered to take puppy and try and locate her owners. I hadn’t realized how much I missed a doggy companion until at life’s busiest, that my dream seemed it might be a reality. I lured pup, and got her into my car to pick up youngest from kindergarten. Together, we brought pup into the house, knowing this would be met with less than enthusiasm.
“No dogs” said hub. “There’s too much going on”. He was absolutely right. I Regretfully put up signs and called the local vet. Nothing. I had to keep my elation in check. But then, within a couple of days I caught husband making nice. Seizing the opportunity, I reminded him and kids that the name Woof had been put forward. “I am not going on the street calling for Woof”, huffed hub. The next name proffered was Rufus.
And Rufus it stayed, even when we realized he was a she. She was a highly untrained 6 month old, and she tested our patience. But the fullness of time she claimed her place in the family for the next 12 years. By the time she died, to quote author Barb Taub: Life begins When the kids have gone and the dog dies.
