Yesterday was a big day, because, true to our word, I drove Jackson down to the Town Lake Animal Shelter, where we saw many dogs who lolled in their cages in the 100-degree heat, some of them perking up as we approached. Others just lay there, looking like deflated balloons in the shade of their pens.
We walked several dogs, large and small, deciding finally on a 50-pound female shepherd mix named Allison, or “Ally” for short. She has a sweet demeanor, and I fell in love with her immediately. Jackson was a bit reticent due to her size at first, but quickly warmed up to her, saying, “I think she likes us, Daddy.”
We were ready to take her home with us on the spot, but she was not yet spayed, so they needed to that the next morning.
We’ll be picking her up after I get off work today. And then our lives will change for the better.
Getting a dog is equivalent to adding a new member to the family. I’ve written already about the various dogs I’ve had in my life – really only two to speak of. This is my first pet since Gnarly, my antisocial cat, passed away back in the late 1990’s, so it’s a big step for me too.
I haven’t mentioned Diego because like his mother he is ambivalent about having a dog in his house. He’s never really dealt with one much, unlike his brother who has always approached animals without any fear or hesitation. It will be interesting to see how dog ownership changes Diego and my wife.
My sleep was a little fitful last night, as I lay there imagining how my life will change as a result of taking Ally on as our fifth family member. It’s probably an exercise in futility, but here goes:
My 5:30 a.m. morning bike ride will become a morning walk, with Ally. My morning pages will likely move indoors, to the office, with Ally at my feet.
Jackson will be very excited and want for Ally to sleep with him in his bed, and this will be our first dog-related conflict. The counselor at the TLAC informed me that allowing your dog to sleep in the bed sends confusing signals to them about their place in the family and can cause anxiety for the dog – especially a herder breed like a German Shepherd, who like to make sure everyone is where they should be.
Walks will be fun, but she’s a large dog and Jackson will want to hold the leash on his own. I’ll need to be firm about this one, to keep everyone safe.
Okay, Dan. Enough. You can’t predict life. Ally is going to be great and she will be loved.
‘Nuff said.
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