I’ve been away from the blog for a while, but I think I have a good reason. On June 21st, I decided to turn my life upside down again by adopting another puppy.
Although I had been thinking of getting another dog for a long time and knew North Shore Animal League was having a three-day adoption event in Columbus Circle, I had no plan to bring home a new one on that particular day. Much like Smokey back in 2009, the new kid was a bit of an impulse.
Any visit to an animal shelter or adoption van is dangerous territory for a dog lover. It pulls at your heart strings and makes you want to take them all. They’re all cute (and all wanting to get the hell out of there). I connected with this one the same way I connected with Smokey: the eyes. There’s a way a dog can look at you. You just “know.”
When this little pup gave me the look, it was almost over. Like most dogs from a shelter, she was a mixed breed with perhaps a bit of terrier in her. I love all dogs, but I have a particular soft spot for a mongrel. This one was tiny, sweet and gentle, like a fawn. I asked to hold her. She was about 10 weeks old and weighed about 13 pounds. After a few minutes in my arms, it was definitely over. With three words, I changed my life again: “I’ll take her.”
Everyone has asked how Smokey is with her. For the first day or so, it was as if he was saying “What the hell is that? And when is it leaving?” But over the past few weeks, he’s really warmed up to her. He does get tired and impatient with her relentless puppy energy and unbridled urge to nip and play, quickly putting her in her place with a snarl and put-down. For the most part, they seem to work it out on their own while I keep a close eye on them. Here’s the thing about bringing another dog into a first dog’s home: It’s all about making sure the first dog’s position in the hierarchy is secure. A new dog is a threat in a way. After me, Smokey is next in the pack lineup and needs to know that. He gets greeted first, gets the attention and affection first, gets treats first and gets a bowl of food first.
When I told people I got a new puppy, I got a lot of wide-eyed “Wow.. a puppy? Good luck with that.” reactions. Yes, puppies are a lot of work. Having raised one already, I knew exactly what I was getting into: peeing accidents (or worse), barking, whining, nipping, teething and other unbecoming conduct that all gets corrected with time, patience, discipline and love. Raising a puppy isn’t for everyone, but in my experience, the joy and reward of taking care of a creature that is completely dependent on you is immeasurable.
When I got Smokey as a three month old puppy six years ago, my life as I knew it was over. The truth is that he ruined my life and gave me a new one I didn’t realize I wanted. After getting sober, getting Smokey was easily the best thing I’ve ever done. Now I have it again, times two. As I write this, I’m exhausted, in desperate need of a nap and eager for her to grow up a little bit. And I wouldn’t change a thing.
Oh, by the way… Her name is Lenore.
7 Comments
Congratulations George (and Smokey)! Lenore is gorgeous! Any idea on her ‘lineage’? GG
Thank you! She looks like a terrier mix. Maybe a little retriever in there, too. She’s pure dog.
Hi George – Congratulations on the new addition to your family! Lenore and Smokey are a handsome pair! And, you are so correct about the dangers that await dog lovers in animal shelters – a dog lover will want to rescue all of the dogs in the shelter! Our youngest, Sarah, had been asking for a dog for years and, once we agreed to get her a dog, she decided to adopt a dog
during her first trip to the animal shelter!! Love you!!
Ahhhh… she looks wonderful… congrats, another ‘pure’ heart in your life. Clever you.
Congratulations on bringing Lenore into your home! She’s beautiful! While some say two dogs brings twice the cost and twice the trouble, I don’t care about the added costs and troubles; there is more than twice the amount of love to share. When Grace joined our family, older sister Daphne understood that she had a full-time job (to train Grace). The dynamics are fun: two Aussies who keep each other focused, always engaged, and sometimes calm at the same time allowing us a peaceful household. Would love to meet Smokey and Lenore. Road trip to Vermont? xo-Maynard
So happy for you. I love dogs, too, and have a cocker spaniel who is 10 years old. I also had a german shepherd, who sadly died a year ago. I miss her daily. Dogs are so very special and I am certain you’ll find your little girl a blessing.
What an adorable dog … what a happy family!