July 17, 2013: Contractual obligations! And an almost addition to the pack!

Akemi has “the” worst sense of direction.  And that’s really saying something coming from me, someone who HAD “the” worst sense of direction prior to my meeting her and relinquishing the crown.  Every time she takes the dogs out for a walk, I experience an uneasy sense of foreboding, sort of akin to what the loved ones of pre-colonial explorers must have felt as they watched their significant others disappear into the wild.  ”Pack a snack!”I want to say as she heads out the door. “And some water!  And this handy compass and map of the neighborhood!”

This afternoon, we took Lulu out for a not-all-that circuitous stroll around the block.  As I took a right, down our street, Akemi hesitated. “Oh,”she said.  ”I thought we had to turn left.”

“Well, YOU have to turn left,”I told her, “because that’s the way to the airport.  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for three wonderful years and wish you all the best.  If you need a letter of reference for your next relationship, I’d be more than happy to – “

“Oh, no,”she interrupted matter-of-factly, turning right and leading the way toward home.  ”I’m going to stay for another three years.”

“You are?”

“Yes.  It’s in the contract you signed.”

“Hunh.  I don’t recall signing a contract.”

“No.  You were probably drunk.  But I remember.”

Well, there you go.  Not great with directions but excellent with memories, phantom or otherwise.

Lulu wants it to be clear: there are boundaries, especially when it comes to chew toys.

So, hey, the other day I was perusing facebook for invitations to play Farmville when I happened across a post via the Pugs in Canada page. A family had moved away and surrendered their ten year old pug. Rather than dropping the dog off at the local SPCA, a concerned neighbor took him in and was looking for a new home for the poor little guy.  Now, as many of you know, I’ve been considering adopting a senior pug – one of those old-timers who everyone else has given up on.  I’ve been vacillating for months now, checking out the local (and not so local) pug rescue sites on a nightly basis.  And when I read the aforementioned post, I was torn.  On the one hand, I wasn’t sure I was ready to make an addition to the pack.  On the other hand, I’ve been thinking about a certain pug I was considering adopting months ago – a portly black fellow who reminded me of my late pug Maximus.  I considered, re-considered, decided against adopting – and the dog ended up going to another home.  I was happy for the little guy – until I read an update that he had disappeared from his adoptive family’s back yard.  They suspect coyotes, but who knows?  I can’t help but think that if I had made up my mind and acted sooner, I could have saved that pug.

Realistically, there are many dogs in need out there and I can’t save them all.  But maybe, I thought after reading that facebook post, I could save THAT one.  So I contacted the poster who informed me that she was already talking to a family that had expressed interest in taking him in – but if those discussions fell through…

Alas, I was informed this morning that it’s a happy ending for the little guy who has been placed with a loving family.  I’m both relieved and…well…kind of relieved.  But also a little sad.

Maybe next time?

A quick shout out to Pet Safe Coalition Society of Canada, a non-profit registered group, all volunteer-run, some of who were trained under Noah’s Wish in the US. During a disaster, they will retrieve/shelter/ feed pets and then return them to their families. They services the Quesenl, B.C. area but will assist other communities if invited to do so, working with any pet in a safe working relationship (horses-  to kittens—and more): Pet Safe Coalition Society of Canada – Our mission is to save …

Pssst. I here someone may be moving in.

Today’s entry is dedicated to blog regular Bilo&Kasper – and a second dedication to Joanie!