I told myself it was possible the intentions of the universe were being channeled through our next-door neighbor Kelly.
She is how we learned of a couple who wanted to “re-house” their dog. They knew Kelly as a good soul who was also a dog person and thought she might have some suggestions.
That’s when she contacted us. Becky and I talked to the couple and then with each other and, after a quite short deliberation, decided: “Yes, we should take this dog.” And so, last Sunday was D-Day — Dog-Day — here at our house. That is the day Luna joined our pack.
For nearly four years we’ve kicked around the notion of taking on another animal. We knew we couldn’t replace Sydney, our loyal companion for 15 years. “Replace” is the wrong word. When a companion animal dies, it takes time to accept that another creature might fit into your life. At least, it took me a while.
I kept overthinking the whole idea, thinking I could somehow figure out the best time, thinking I could arrange my world on my own terms. “Is it better to get a new dog in the summer? Maybe winter would be easier. And what about that long trip we have planned? How can we board an animal who would just be getting to know us?” It seems there is no end to the excuses for not taking the big step into the unknown. Still, adding a companion animal to the household was always in our plans.
(I suspect in some circles, using a term like “companion animal” might be thought of as being overly precious or being in lockstep, trendy PC mode. But I agree with the ASPCA which defines a companion animal as “domesticated or domestic-bred animals whose physical, emotional, behavioral and social needs can be readily met as companions in the home or in close daily relationship with humans.” This term accurately describes the relationship Becky and I tend to develop with animals.)
On the phone Luna’s companion humans told us she is four years old; About 60 pounds; Good around children; Likes to go for walks and car rides; and is a bit timid. Oh, she also likes to chase squirrels. They offered to drive her to our house for a meet and greet. We appreciated that and thought they might like to see where she would be living. I like to think that if I were a dog, this property filled with trees, wide meadows, creeks and a variety of critters and their accompanying smells would be Dog Heaven. As far as squirrels are concerned, we certainly have plenty around here to keep her on high alert.
Eventually, they said their bittersweet goodbyes, gave Luna one last scratch and then drove away. Becky and I leashed our new friend and we all went for a walk. Kelly’s five dogs next door were quite vocal when they realized a newcomer was walking on their road. Luna was hesitant about getting too close to the dog pen and I didn’t blame her. This day was full of new, unknown experiences, so we turned back slowly, Luna curiously sniffing on the way toward her new home.
This morning I woke up early and made ready to go for a morning walk. It was chilly and dark outside. The clouds hid any moon that might have been. I could see a slight rain in the beam of the light I was holding. I could see Luna by flashlight. She was the only moon visible as we walked down the driveway.
Norman Knight, a retired Clark-Pleasant Middle School teacher, writes this weekly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
