By KAREN MADORIN
When we said good-bye to a beloved elderly pooch five years ago, we didn’t plan to re-enlist in the pet brigade. Getting older ourselves, we worried a pup would be too much. However, time has a way of changing thinking.
A year ago, I observed intriguing changes in my husband. He decided our granddog that visited infrequently needed a dog house and not just any dog house—an insulated, heated dog house. Fortunately, he found the perfect fit for his vision on a buy sell trade site with the added blessing he only had to drive a few miles to pick it up.
I knew our world had shifted when he suggested we enlarge the fenced area we installed for our granddog’s visiting pleasure. According to Gramps, we needed something higher with more space. Then he started talking Jack Russell mixes…our favorite pet was a brindle Jack Russell cross who left a hole in our hearts when he crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
At first, we intended to rescue an older JR x. Evidently, those are in short supply so we searched puppies and found a Jack, a Bea —½ JR and ½ beagle — close by. She was already five months and on her way to understanding appropriate potty protocol. That minute she crawled first in my lap to snuggle and then crossed to his to stare deep into his eyes clenched the deal. We were back in the dog business.
Like new dog parents, we had to restock, adding a kennel, little bed, leashes, collars, food, bowls, treats, and toys. Our other JR arrived with a calm nature that didn’t require chew toys and squeaky balls. This little gal craves chewing and squeaking objects and dismembers poorly made ones in a flash. She also loves walks with Grampa followed by a chicken/sweet potato treat hidden in a Kong Ball she hasn’t yet destroyed, delivered by Grandma.
Recently, Gramps left the house early for an appointment in his deer stand. While I still slept, he walked her and gave her her customary treat so she wouldn’t awaken me. Ha! You know what they say about best laid plans.
I did sleep until 6:30 when I felt a cold, pointy nose pressing mine while two black button eyes stared hypnotically, compelling my eyes to open. To reinforce her powers of suggestion, she shoved her empty Kong Ball in my face. Groggy, I didn’t wonder why she had the Kong Ball, which we hide once she finds her goody. Like good grandmas everywhere, I padded to the treat cupboard to fulfill her desire.
That afternoon, when Gramps and I reflected on our day, he shared how he’d given her her treat so she wouldn’t awaken me early. What?! Yes, Miss Naughty Pants snagged two treats and never acted one bit remorseful. Gramps now leaves a note to tell me she had a walk and her prize when he leaves early.
Though we didn’t plan to love another dog, this scamp keeps us on our toes and communicating regularly.
Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.