Friday, August 21, 2009

A Dog Story For Friday...!


They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. the shelter was clean, and the people really friendly.

I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to.

And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.

For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. but it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.

I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.

This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell.

The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on me."

Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter.. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down. With his back to me.

Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.

But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too.

"Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice.".........

"To Whoever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner.

I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls... the more the merrier.

Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them.

He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet.

Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.

Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals:

"back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business.

I trained Reggie with small food treats.

Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening.

Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He's up on his shots.

Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet.

Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time.

I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new. And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....

His name's not Reggie.

I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. but I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.

His real name is Tank. Because that is what I drive.

Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call the shelter... in the "event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that's enough.

I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter.

I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank.

Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me."

Thank you, Paul Mallory

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.

The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright. "C'mere boy."

He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months.

"Tank," I whispered. His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball His ears perked again.

"Yeah, Ball...You like that Ball "

Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room. And when he came back......he had three tennis balls in his mouth!

Nothing I can say after reading this. I thank my cousin for sending it to me.

Now, let's get some coffee, my friends!

25 comments:

Felinae said...

Uncle Hermit, do you have Kleenex on your patio? I'll be needing some after that one.

Thanks for sharing the story and the coffee.

Hugs~Felinae~

HermitJim said...

Hey Felibae...
Hard to keep a dry eye, huh? I'll have to admit to being moved by it as well!

Thanks for the visit...

Ken said...

...thanx Jim,this is one to share for sure...

HermitJim said...

Hey Ken...
Glad you liked the story, bro. Hey, thanks for coming by today...!

Kyddryn said...

Sniff...

Aww, Hell Mister Hermit, sir - you owe me a hanky.

Two hankies.

And a hug.

Shade and Sweetwater,
K

HermitJim said...

Hey K...
Stirs up a lot of those hidden emotions, doesn't it? Hell, it still gets me every time I read it!

Man, I must be getting to be an old softie in my old age...

Think I'll go hug my cats again!

Thanks for coming by, Kyddryn!

Sage said...

Bless Paul and Tank too... I have tears in my eyes for both of them.. xx

vlad said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
vlad said...

Thanks for the beautiful story.
My malamute Wolf was born on my birthday 1971. David was 12, John 9. They grew up together. He was affectionate, no more insubordinate than my other sons, absolutely fearless in defence of the family and loyal unto death. He died Dec 1982. He is buried under the pecan tree in the front yard. I asked my boys to have me cremated, and bury me beside Wolf. He is good company.

Anonymous said...

Morning HJ,
Great story, a real "tear jerker". I hope it all works out OK for Tank.
YeOldFurt

TEAM HALL said...

Awwwwwwwww Jim!! Now I'm a blubbering mess! Great story!
Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

Anonymous said...

Even brought tears to my eyes. A man and his dog make a powerful pair.

Thanks for sharing.

See Ya

JoJo said...

Good morning Special Friend,
What a beautiful story, but it sure ended well for both didn't it?
A pet can be your very best and loyal friend. But you know that with the roomies.
Almost ready to hit the road, had to move the date ahead, having work done in the front of the house, should be done Tues. And off I will go.

scoutinlife said...

Thanks for sharing a tear jerker,,,Have a great weekend Hermit!

HermitJim said...

Hey Sage...
Hard not to feel that way about them after reading this story, isn't it?

Thanks for the visit this morning!


Hey Vlad...
Nice to have a friend like that, and the memories of Wolf will last a lifetime, I'm sure!

Thanks for stopping by today!


Hey Jesse...
Something tells me that Tank will be just fine! Call it a hunch from the heart!

Thanks for the visit today, buddy!


Hey Cath...
I know what you mean. my friend! It had the same effect on me!

Thanks so much for coming by!


Hey Tony...
Hard not to feel something here, isn't it?

Glad you are finally getting to enjoy the dream, and I really do appreciate you taking the time to drop by!


Hey JoJo...
Do you have a special itinerary planned? I know you must be just chomping at the bit to get underway!

Thanks, sweetie, for coming by this morning!


Hey Scout...
So good to see you this morning, my friend!

Thanks for coming by for a visit!

Catman said...

Damn you Old Man,

I hate crying.

HermitJim said...

Hey Catman...
Sometimes a few tears are a good thing! It shows that we are still human and care about things...

The steel in a man's back bone is strongest when tempered with a few tears, I think.

Thanks a lot for coming by today, Catman...I appreciate it!

Meadowlark said...

I was just getting ready to head out the door and thought I'd give this a quick read.

Now I have to wait til the tear-stains are gone.

Thanks anyway. :) Worth it.

Meadowlark said...

Apparently, the same things happen when you read it again an hour or so later.

HermitJim said...

Hey Meadowlark...
Sorry to be the cause of your delay, but I'm glad you found the story worth the read!

A lot of different morals in this story...hard to choose just one that stands out the most.

I'm glad that my blogging frieds were as drawn to it as I!

Thanks for the visit today!

Anonymous said...

Read this 4 days ago, made me cry, unfourtantly it is not true which made me MAD. Supposedly SNOPES cannot verify any of the info.
In my heart I think it is TRUE

HermitJim said...

Hey Anon 6:43...
True or not, it makes for a very heart warming story...

Either way, I really don't care as I think it has a lot to teach about being patient and not giving up!

Thanks so much for stopping by today...!

Frugal Canadian Hermit said...

Nothing I can say either Jim, but good post.

HermitJim said...

Hey Hermit...
Thanks for the kind words, my friend! Glad you liked it...

I sure appreciate you dropping by today as well!

Noki said...

YOU MADE ME CRY AGAIN, DANGIT!!!

Hugs,
Ashley