There is nothing quite like going home — even those times that you don’t really know that is where you are headed.
I went home for the first time a little over 8 years ago. I can’t remember a lot of the details personally but Momma and Daddy tell me the story over and over and it all seems about right.
I was born on a little farm close to Albany, Texas. That was the day I met my new brother, Jeremy. He came to the pen I shared with my canine family, took one look, said something to the farmer, handed him some green paper, and the next thing I knew I was in an open cardboard box. I thought it only fitting and proper that I should climb out and introduce myself. So I proceeded to do that multiple times. Jeremy tried to explain to me that he needed to concentrate on driving his truck. Being new to such things, I didn’t understand the concept of a truck or that we were flying along at almost 5 times the speed of dogs. And while I was a little offended that he didn’t let me stay outside the box, I was just thrilled at this new adventure.
On the way, Jeremy told me that I was being adopted by his family and that I was going to be a big surprise to a couple of people who needed a puppy. I found out later that those two people were Momma and Daddy. When we got to their house, they weren’t home. So Jeremy and I teamed up to decorate the dog igloo on the back porch with a big bow. In just a little while, Momma and Daddy came home. And when Jeremy led them out to the back porch, I did my best to impress them. I think I barked a little bit and maybe whimpered a bit. I was a little scared. But I learned quickly that they were very nice people who really did need a puppy. Since I was one, it was a match made in heaven.
In just a little while, I knew I was truly home. I had a lot of itchy places when I got there. Daddy told me that I had fleas. That seemed to be a matter of concern for him but since I had always had them, I didn’t think much of them — until Momma and Daddy took me to a big white trough inside the house and gave me a bath! I don’t really like baths and I think that I was successful in conveying my feelings to Momma and Daddy in the splishy-splashy moments that followed. But that was the end of the flea problem. The event was probably written up in some flea-historic journal somewhere as a great tragedy. Personally, I liked being itch free for the first time in my life. No disrespect intended to the families of the fleas who lost their lives that day.
There were several other new family members to meet over the next few days. I learned later that I arrived on Christmas Eve and so my other new brother, Justin, was already there. A few days later, Grandmother, Papa Joe, my great-uncle Carl, and my new niece, Landrye, arrived for holiday celebrations. We had a lot of fun over Christmas. Daddy put on his washable ski jacket and would lie down next to me on the floor and let me snuggle in close. He still has that jacket and now he only wears it when he’s with me. Did I mention that it is washable? He says that is an important feature when it comes to spending time with me.
I sure enjoyed getting to know my new family. Momma told me that we had a lot of things to do in the very near future. Sure enough, on the day after Christmas, I had my second ride in a vehicle and we went to see Dr. Jim. He picked me up and plopped me on a shiny metal table to get a better look at me. I was pleased. I was also able to get a better look at him. I always liked going to see Dr. Jim. After looking in my ears and pushing on me with his fingers, he looked at Momma and said, “You know this is a wolf.” Momma and Daddy didn’t say much to that although Daddy did ask how big I would get. (By the way, Daddy stuck a q-tip in my mouth just this past year and then mailed it to a scientist. The scientist figured out that I was 11% grey wolf. I’m not sure which part of me that is but I think it is just mixed in with the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. That’s a whole lot of dogs to have running around in one body. But that’s who I am.)
When they filled out the paperwork at Dr. Jim’s, they announced to the world that my name was Togo. I was named after a famous sled dog. It was a proud moment. I may have peed a little.
Right after that, we drove over to a pet store — the kind where pets can go in and walk around. Apparently, they can also pee in there when they go in. I joined in. It seemed to be a theme for the day. Momma escorted me away as Daddy was cleaning the floor. The nice pet store lady said that it happens all the time and not to worry about it. I thought about going back and explaining that to Daddy but he seemed preoccupied and was talking to himself.
After we shopped for a harness and a leash and a dog bed and some other great stuff, we went to the checkout line. I was so tired that I just laid down on the floor. The nice lady told Daddy to set me up on the counter while she checked us out. So that’s where I curled up and took a nap.
Then, we went home — just my second time. And I’ve come home hundreds of times since. There’s no place I’d rather be.
A beautiful story!
We forgot to talk about those superb ears!!!