This morning, I woke up to the sound of thunder and saw the lightening strikes through my window. Oh no. Not today, why today? I knew I was still running a little temp from the flu bug and the neverending tooth ache was still there aching in my head. Hus was already up at the crack of dawn reading his Bible by Michael’s picture and had already lit the candle in front of it. “It’s pouring rain, you’re sick, are we still going?†“Of course†I said and I headed out to the barn to do my chores. Everyone was happy, especially Holly, our proud mother who loves her baby Noelle so much. Noelle was bouncing around as usual, waiting for her own little bowl of feed to be served to her. What a princess. Merry Beth of course crapped in hers. Thank you Merry Beth. Looked like she and Glory were playing over the wall during the night again. They both had big ruts along their side walls. Hmmmmm. Timmy was standing up in his feed bucket, making him 6 feet tall and talking up a storm and Sonny was beating his door down, impatiently waiting for me to dump the grain. I told Chrissy where I was going and patted her on her head……see ya later. No one is going out today, so I passed out plenty of hay and checked the water. With everyone happy and secure in the barn, I came back in the house and got ready to roll. This was it. I put on my best pair of jeans, my good dress up sneakers, and of course, my lucky hoop earrings that are turning green. I felt terrible physically, but mentally I was pumped. Grabbed the Tylenol and some snot rags for my purse and hoped I’d feel better real soon.
I loaded up a blanket for the back seat of the truck, the basket full of toys, and remembered for once to get the cell phone. Armed with three pepsi’s and a pack of peanut butter crackers I was bouncing too and ready to go. Hus warned me to calm down too many times but I couldn’t. I turned the radio on to my oldies channel of course, singing along wrong “Ain’t no mountain high enough, to keep me from sticking it to you babe….†Then I guess I fell asleep for a little while.
I felt a lot better when I woke up. This time we didn’t miss the change of interstates. This time we remembered how to get there easily, well, almost. We only made two wrong turns but recovered quickly. Hus wasn’t grumbling or complaining or sleeping. He was driving and I could actually see a glimpse of a smile every now and then. I think he was happy to see me happy. These days, when one of us has a moment to be happy, it makes us all feel good, even if our happiness only lasts briefly. We have to live in the moment and grab whatever smiles we can get and try to prolong them for as long as we can. What a strange way to have to learn to live. Nevertheless, I was on cloud 9 for the time being, so I embraced it. My anticipation was still through the roof, dancing in my seat, and having made 4 pit stops along the way. Finally, the Hus commanded me to quit drinking so much pepsi! We were almost at our destination somewhere near Georgia, to bring home my new puppy.
The last time we were there, I had such a good feeling about everything. The kennels were so clean. Everything was so well organized and run like a well oiled machine. The breeder mentored me, and I was like a sponge soaking up every word. There aren’t many people on this planet that impress me, and I know a snow job when I hear one, but this man was for real, confident, and extremely knowledgeable. He was sharp about conformation faults, and problems in the breed, and working towards improving those problems by selective breeding. But mostly, he loved what he was doing and was incredibly passionate about it.
Dogs derived from this kennel were show dogs and service dogs, and family pets. The last time we were there, we were introduced to each dog, one by one. I think there were about 16. These dogs had more paperwork than the New York Times. One thing was for certain, they were madly in love with their master. This kennel had by far the most beautiful example of the breed I had ever seen, and I’ve seen hundreds of GSD’s. The dogs were jumping up and down and barking like crazy at our presence, but they weren’t barking to warn or frighten. Their bark was a higher pitch, a happy bark to greet me, not to threaten. I knew that bark. It was very easy to distinguish. It was very familiar and I was grinning from ear to ear. Each dog was more wonderful than the next. One by one, they were let out of their kennel for me to observe, loose, not on a lead. They would run right past me, doing laps around the yard and then come to me to say “hi,†and then would volunteer to return to the kennel. They were were happy and so healthy. They had the most healthy hair coat I’ve ever seen on a GSD. We had to talk about their food in detail. I had to know his receipe.
The dog that caught my eye and stood out from the rest was affectionately called “E-Mail.†This boy was a giant weighing in at some 120 + lbs of pure, large boned energy and strength. The most nobel and powerful GSD I had ever seen. A champion many times over with a champion disposition to match. I could not take my eyes off of him. He was perfect. He showed bravery and courage at the same time he showed me his intelligence and friendly side demanding to be petted. He had the traditional black and tan coloration and very expressive amber eyes. I knew those eyes. I had seen them before on a dog that I loved. I zeroed in on E-Mail and asked if there was any chance that there would be a litter available that he sired. Just my luck there was, but they were newborns.
I was escorted over to the whelping kennel, which was private. Mother dog Jessica was gorgeous in every way. Again, she seemed very familiar, and she had those amber eyes that I would never forget. Also strong and powerful, yet feminie, displaying her protection for her babies through her body language, but in a kind, trusting way towards me, not a threatening way. With E-mail as the daddy, this litter was perfect. She allowed me to handle her puppies cautiously. I immediately was drawn to one and scooped her up and held her in my arms. It felt good.
The breeder told me he usually likes to wean at 10 weeks, but he might wean this litter at 8 because they are quite large. He would have to wait and see. He never tried to sell me a puppy. He didn’t have to. His dogs speak for themselves and sell themselves to selective customers. I wondered how I could be one of those selected.
Over the weeks, I continued to talk to Gary via phone, each converstation was a learning experience for me. I traveled around looked at six other litters. No one even came close to what Gary had. There was no comparison on dog quality, facilites, or the knowledge that he had.
I tried to talk myself out of this day for a very long time, but I couldn’t. I think no matter how I tried, I was counting the days and the weeks till weaning in my sub-conscience. On Easter Sunday, I made the call to Gary and the appointment time to pick up my puppy of Jessica and E-Mails’ litter was set for April 14th.
So here we were once again on the way to Ottlewah, and this time traveling in the pouring down rain. Gosh, couldn’t this stupid rain hold off for an hour or so? Heck no. Why? Cause this is my stupid life, that’s why. And it’s cold too. Crap. The Love Child wouldn’t go. He’s not interested in a puppy, so he said he was going riding around in town. Forty minutes into the trip, the radio announcer said we were now under big storm warnings and tornado watch, and it’s getting very hard to see the road. Oh joy. Hus can’t see the road and I can’t stop peeing every 5 miles and now I get to pick up my puppy during the storm of the century. How was I supposed to choose a puppy now in the pouring rain when the kennels are outside? We’re going to get soaked. Well, I’m going to get soaked. Hus will no doubt take a nap in the truck while I do my thing. I can see it now, me slipping in the mud trying to get to the kennel area. At least the puppies will be dry. I’ll know her when I see her and she’ll know me. There will be a connection.
As soon as we approached the kennel, the rain stopped. The puppies were turned loose in the exercise yard for me to observe.Two puppies were already sold so I was told which ones I could choose from. Some pups attacked my shoelaces, the others were wrestling with each other and one was running around with a rag in her mouth. That’s the one. I want the one with the rag. I have plenty of rags. She’s the one. I want the rag dog. I can give her rags every single day of her life. She weighed in at 16 ½ pounds and was just de-wormed and they gave me her shot records so that my vet can pick up where they left off. It began pouring rain again, so I wrapped her in a baby blanket and held her on my lap. She groans a lot and makes these cute little noises. It’s really cute.
The ride home was really sad. She cried so much and was shaking so hard. She was so scared. Finally, she jumped out of my lap and crash landed in the backseat of the truck. I’ll be sending her to college to become an aerospace engineer. She crawled up on Hus’ briefcase and just cried and cried her little heart out. She was so sad. I was so sad because she was. This is not good.
We stopped at Petco where the Pets go because I had the wrong kind of puppy chow and the collar I bought her didn’t fit. She hated Petco and of course was scared, so I grabbed what we needed and a few things she didn’t need like a diamond studded tee shirt that said “Princess†on it, and scrammed out of there really fast. Now it’s really pouring down rain and the traffic is all backed up in Chattanooga. Joy.
We finally made it to Dunlap and here comes the Love Child and his boom boom in the car down the highway, waving us down. We pulled over and he asked “Where’s the mutt?†I told him I didn’t get one because the guy had them all sold. I couldn’t believe how sad he was! He got out of his car in the pouring down rain, and said no fair, no fair. Gee, and this is the kid that didn’t want a puppy? Then, she sat up in the back seat and caught his eye. What a smile! “She’s so awesome, mom, I love her!†Awwwww.
Meeting Devin did not go as well as I expected. Matter of fact, it didn’t go well at all. Devin is terrified of females so I didn’t expect a problem. Even though Hus held him back by the collar and leash as I put her in the crate for him to see, he nailed her in a split second; that’s how fast he is. I was so mad at that dog. Then he snarled at the crate and actually tried to nail her through the crate and then I cleaned his clock. It didn’t work and he did it again and again I cleaned his clock yet again and sent him to his bed. He laid down and just stared at her.
About an hour later, I let her out of the crate while Hus contained Devin telling him what a great dog he is (barff) but he already has her so scared, she won’t stay on the floor. She wants up on my lap or Hus’ Can’t blame her! This is going to take a lot longer and be a lot harder than I ever could imagine. After a while, she got down on the floor and went inspecting and Devin tolerated well, as long as she kept her distance. No problem. She’s not stupid being college bound and all. She will have to be crated if I am not here because I can’t trust Devin with her alone for a second. Little does he know that in a couple of months, she will dominate him.
It’s still pouring down rain, lightening and now getting cold. I have had her out to potty 8 times within an hour. She marches right back in and pees and poops at my feet.
This is going to be a lot of fun.
She has no name at all so go for it. I was thinking of Beyonce’ but the Hus said nope. I kinda like Hallee or Jet. One syllable names are good. Anyhow, without further adue…….here she is……
Pictures are used with permission by the owner.
I loaded up a blanket for the back seat of the truck, the basket full of toys, and remembered for once to get the cell phone. Armed with three pepsi’s and a pack of peanut butter crackers I was bouncing too and ready to go. Hus warned me to calm down too many times but I couldn’t. I turned the radio on to my oldies channel of course, singing along wrong “Ain’t no mountain high enough, to keep me from sticking it to you babe….†Then I guess I fell asleep for a little while.
I felt a lot better when I woke up. This time we didn’t miss the change of interstates. This time we remembered how to get there easily, well, almost. We only made two wrong turns but recovered quickly. Hus wasn’t grumbling or complaining or sleeping. He was driving and I could actually see a glimpse of a smile every now and then. I think he was happy to see me happy. These days, when one of us has a moment to be happy, it makes us all feel good, even if our happiness only lasts briefly. We have to live in the moment and grab whatever smiles we can get and try to prolong them for as long as we can. What a strange way to have to learn to live. Nevertheless, I was on cloud 9 for the time being, so I embraced it. My anticipation was still through the roof, dancing in my seat, and having made 4 pit stops along the way. Finally, the Hus commanded me to quit drinking so much pepsi! We were almost at our destination somewhere near Georgia, to bring home my new puppy.
The last time we were there, I had such a good feeling about everything. The kennels were so clean. Everything was so well organized and run like a well oiled machine. The breeder mentored me, and I was like a sponge soaking up every word. There aren’t many people on this planet that impress me, and I know a snow job when I hear one, but this man was for real, confident, and extremely knowledgeable. He was sharp about conformation faults, and problems in the breed, and working towards improving those problems by selective breeding. But mostly, he loved what he was doing and was incredibly passionate about it.
Dogs derived from this kennel were show dogs and service dogs, and family pets. The last time we were there, we were introduced to each dog, one by one. I think there were about 16. These dogs had more paperwork than the New York Times. One thing was for certain, they were madly in love with their master. This kennel had by far the most beautiful example of the breed I had ever seen, and I’ve seen hundreds of GSD’s. The dogs were jumping up and down and barking like crazy at our presence, but they weren’t barking to warn or frighten. Their bark was a higher pitch, a happy bark to greet me, not to threaten. I knew that bark. It was very easy to distinguish. It was very familiar and I was grinning from ear to ear. Each dog was more wonderful than the next. One by one, they were let out of their kennel for me to observe, loose, not on a lead. They would run right past me, doing laps around the yard and then come to me to say “hi,†and then would volunteer to return to the kennel. They were were happy and so healthy. They had the most healthy hair coat I’ve ever seen on a GSD. We had to talk about their food in detail. I had to know his receipe.
The dog that caught my eye and stood out from the rest was affectionately called “E-Mail.†This boy was a giant weighing in at some 120 + lbs of pure, large boned energy and strength. The most nobel and powerful GSD I had ever seen. A champion many times over with a champion disposition to match. I could not take my eyes off of him. He was perfect. He showed bravery and courage at the same time he showed me his intelligence and friendly side demanding to be petted. He had the traditional black and tan coloration and very expressive amber eyes. I knew those eyes. I had seen them before on a dog that I loved. I zeroed in on E-Mail and asked if there was any chance that there would be a litter available that he sired. Just my luck there was, but they were newborns.
I was escorted over to the whelping kennel, which was private. Mother dog Jessica was gorgeous in every way. Again, she seemed very familiar, and she had those amber eyes that I would never forget. Also strong and powerful, yet feminie, displaying her protection for her babies through her body language, but in a kind, trusting way towards me, not a threatening way. With E-mail as the daddy, this litter was perfect. She allowed me to handle her puppies cautiously. I immediately was drawn to one and scooped her up and held her in my arms. It felt good.
The breeder told me he usually likes to wean at 10 weeks, but he might wean this litter at 8 because they are quite large. He would have to wait and see. He never tried to sell me a puppy. He didn’t have to. His dogs speak for themselves and sell themselves to selective customers. I wondered how I could be one of those selected.
Over the weeks, I continued to talk to Gary via phone, each converstation was a learning experience for me. I traveled around looked at six other litters. No one even came close to what Gary had. There was no comparison on dog quality, facilites, or the knowledge that he had.
I tried to talk myself out of this day for a very long time, but I couldn’t. I think no matter how I tried, I was counting the days and the weeks till weaning in my sub-conscience. On Easter Sunday, I made the call to Gary and the appointment time to pick up my puppy of Jessica and E-Mails’ litter was set for April 14th.
So here we were once again on the way to Ottlewah, and this time traveling in the pouring down rain. Gosh, couldn’t this stupid rain hold off for an hour or so? Heck no. Why? Cause this is my stupid life, that’s why. And it’s cold too. Crap. The Love Child wouldn’t go. He’s not interested in a puppy, so he said he was going riding around in town. Forty minutes into the trip, the radio announcer said we were now under big storm warnings and tornado watch, and it’s getting very hard to see the road. Oh joy. Hus can’t see the road and I can’t stop peeing every 5 miles and now I get to pick up my puppy during the storm of the century. How was I supposed to choose a puppy now in the pouring rain when the kennels are outside? We’re going to get soaked. Well, I’m going to get soaked. Hus will no doubt take a nap in the truck while I do my thing. I can see it now, me slipping in the mud trying to get to the kennel area. At least the puppies will be dry. I’ll know her when I see her and she’ll know me. There will be a connection.
As soon as we approached the kennel, the rain stopped. The puppies were turned loose in the exercise yard for me to observe.Two puppies were already sold so I was told which ones I could choose from. Some pups attacked my shoelaces, the others were wrestling with each other and one was running around with a rag in her mouth. That’s the one. I want the one with the rag. I have plenty of rags. She’s the one. I want the rag dog. I can give her rags every single day of her life. She weighed in at 16 ½ pounds and was just de-wormed and they gave me her shot records so that my vet can pick up where they left off. It began pouring rain again, so I wrapped her in a baby blanket and held her on my lap. She groans a lot and makes these cute little noises. It’s really cute.
The ride home was really sad. She cried so much and was shaking so hard. She was so scared. Finally, she jumped out of my lap and crash landed in the backseat of the truck. I’ll be sending her to college to become an aerospace engineer. She crawled up on Hus’ briefcase and just cried and cried her little heart out. She was so sad. I was so sad because she was. This is not good.
We stopped at Petco where the Pets go because I had the wrong kind of puppy chow and the collar I bought her didn’t fit. She hated Petco and of course was scared, so I grabbed what we needed and a few things she didn’t need like a diamond studded tee shirt that said “Princess†on it, and scrammed out of there really fast. Now it’s really pouring down rain and the traffic is all backed up in Chattanooga. Joy.
We finally made it to Dunlap and here comes the Love Child and his boom boom in the car down the highway, waving us down. We pulled over and he asked “Where’s the mutt?†I told him I didn’t get one because the guy had them all sold. I couldn’t believe how sad he was! He got out of his car in the pouring down rain, and said no fair, no fair. Gee, and this is the kid that didn’t want a puppy? Then, she sat up in the back seat and caught his eye. What a smile! “She’s so awesome, mom, I love her!†Awwwww.
Meeting Devin did not go as well as I expected. Matter of fact, it didn’t go well at all. Devin is terrified of females so I didn’t expect a problem. Even though Hus held him back by the collar and leash as I put her in the crate for him to see, he nailed her in a split second; that’s how fast he is. I was so mad at that dog. Then he snarled at the crate and actually tried to nail her through the crate and then I cleaned his clock. It didn’t work and he did it again and again I cleaned his clock yet again and sent him to his bed. He laid down and just stared at her.
About an hour later, I let her out of the crate while Hus contained Devin telling him what a great dog he is (barff) but he already has her so scared, she won’t stay on the floor. She wants up on my lap or Hus’ Can’t blame her! This is going to take a lot longer and be a lot harder than I ever could imagine. After a while, she got down on the floor and went inspecting and Devin tolerated well, as long as she kept her distance. No problem. She’s not stupid being college bound and all. She will have to be crated if I am not here because I can’t trust Devin with her alone for a second. Little does he know that in a couple of months, she will dominate him.
It’s still pouring down rain, lightening and now getting cold. I have had her out to potty 8 times within an hour. She marches right back in and pees and poops at my feet.
This is going to be a lot of fun.
She has no name at all so go for it. I was thinking of Beyonce’ but the Hus said nope. I kinda like Hallee or Jet. One syllable names are good. Anyhow, without further adue…….here she is……
Pictures are used with permission by the owner.
