Friends of ours went away for the weekend and asked us if we would want to take care of their dog while they were gone. They knew we had dreams of having a dog, but didn't know if a dog would really "work" with our lives right now. So, it would be a perfect "trial run". We of coarse said, "yes"... because you see... this dog of theirs is the stinkin' cutest dog. Gracie.
So, Gracie's parents dropped her off with food, goodbye kisses, and directions (complete with poop schedule). The first few hours with Gracie were touch and go. Not that Gracie wasn't a GOOD girl... just that Tenderheart and Braveheart were a little apprehensive to say the least. While the dog lay down... the boys would trot over to her... and yelp. "La!" (I love you)"Bla!" (your incredibly cool) "Wooh" (which is short for "woof"). The dog was a prized possession while she lay. She was lathered with kisses. She was rubbed, pet, snuggled. BUT then... when the dog stood... they would head for the hills (well... the couch that is). And the yelping was now just short of "bloody-murder" screams.
Needless to say, the first couple days we camped out on the couch, watching old-school Sesame Street featuring James Taylor, Paul Simon, and John Candy. What could be better?? After Daddy got home from work (day 2)... we headed up to my parents' house... which is basically... in the woods... on a lake.... and perfect for a doggy.
The "bloody murder" yelps started to fade into "just murder" yelps... and then finally to just "yelps". Period. And then... laughter. And then kisses... not just laying down... but standing up. Paw shakes. Snuggles. Holding her tail. (Wanting) to ride her like a horse. Little boy tackles.
Gracie was amazing... never snarled. Only loved. And I think that a dog is in our near future. Sure, you gotta take it out to poop. Sure, you gotta feed 'em... train 'em... care for 'em. But the joy is worth it. So, thank you to our friends. Thank you to Gracie. And thank you Tenderheart and Braveheart... for coming off the couch.
