esrosedotblog

DOG TAG

Franklin has been with us 6 years.

We went to "look at him" on March 12, 2002.

The idea was that there were two puppies left in the litter and we could come take a look.

We had not decided on getting an airedale but we still took along the wire crate. "Just in case".

We had a test procedure with a bunch of metrics related to personality and matching up.

Choosing the Right Puppy Dog--Test

He passed on all counts.

The big test was that he stayed with us and walked all over our laps as we sat on the ground. They say that "letting the puppy choose you" is not an ideal way to make the choice but I have to say that the cuddles we got were convincing.

We looked at each other and the deal was sealed. I went to sign the papers and the check and John picked the puppy up and held him in his arms.

His brother, who was very cute, was not even under consideration. Funny that the breeder had thought we would take the other one and had given him a bath and all. We chose the stinky one.

The puppy who instantly became "Franklin" clutched John as hard as a puppy can.

On the way home we took turns holding him. He held on tight. So did we.

It was a big day. The first car ride. We stopped at a rest stop. His first grass pee.

We met a lesbian couple who had a white poodle. His first non-airedale. He has liked white poodly dogs ever since.

And so on.

He has been a member of the family ever since he came into the yard and staked his claim to the territory and our lives.

Non-dog people are probably gagging by this point. Gag away. I know what you are thinking. We were never really dog people until Franklin. We took a leap of faith. He helped us across.

The reality is that he has changed our lives and our relationship in many wonderful ways.

We didn't have a party or anything special yesterday. But we gave him an extra hug. 6 years is a long time. And not long enough.

Labels: Franklin