I flew home today. Given what happened with Our Big Disappointment the night before I left, I felt rotten about leaving and everso glad to be home. Not that anything has changed. We did hear from the architect and will see her later this week (oh joy). We also got a wonderful letter from the man who might be our builder, who happened to be at that HDC meeting, cheering us on and offering his help — in one of the best written letters I've seen in a long time (which registers with me most high).
Because 'life' cannot be planned, not really, we were sitting on the porch, catching up, minding our own business when Pete levitated out the door. "There's a dog in the middle of Main Street!" he said, or words to that effect. (I was on the phone to my sister). He grabbed the leash, I put Cajun inside (anticipating possible mayhem) and signed off with my sister. Then there Pete was, being walked onto the porch by this massive red golden retriever. He was frantic, stank of the river and was a force to be reckoned with (I'd judge well over 100 lbs of nervous dog energy). Although he had a nice leather collar and behaved nobly when commanded (he knew sit, lie down and was ready to offer a paw to shake at any moment), he was one desperate dog.
To backtrack, Pete heard people shouting out near Main Street and went to investigate. And there was Big Red, floundering in the middle of the road. When Pete called him, he simply lay down and rolled over on his back, so relieved was he to be rescued. And lucky he was. Pete called the police, who reported it to the Dog Officer, who called and then came by to pick him up. Which worried me. No way was I letting this dog be sacrificed to the needle.
But Jennifer, the dog officer, showed up in an SUV, not a white truck with cage openings. She reassured us that they don't put dogs down anymore. They will keep him for 10 days and, if he is not claimed and he cannot be adopt out by them, they will turn him over to a rescue operation called Buddy Dog. She said she would call us one way or the other. And I said, OK, because I could find a good home for him, if they couldn't. So, Big Red may spend a few uncomfortable days but, if he is not rescued by his (obviously loving — this well trained, neutered, pure-bred) family, we will step in.
It is good to be home. There's so much to recommend it. Beginning with Pete and moving along to such wonderful features of life in the Northeast as enlightened public dog recovery. OK so I'm quoting insipid Dorothy, so forgive me, but indeed: "There is no place like home." Munchkins aside.
Truffle: Seeing my spice girl waiting on the lawn for me this afternoon. She's not very good at giving greetings yet, but she is improving. I got the impression (for the first time) she was both amazed and glad to see me again.
Quote of the day: "Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man himself will not find peace." (Albert Schweitzer)
Oh, how I love dog story with a happy ending.
Posted by: vicki | July 21, 2010 at 03:58 PM
Dont know for sure IF its a happy ending or not. And what would BE a happy ending for the dog — to be reunited with his family, Id think. But who knows? We havent heard anything today so I have to believe he has not yet been claimed. :-(
Posted by: Kate Stout | July 21, 2010 at 04:03 PM
For me, it's a happy ending because he is in good hands and will, eventually, in one way or another, get to a good home and out of a cell or worse.
Posted by: vicki | July 22, 2010 at 08:09 AM