Funny story... we got another dog

On Tuesday, April 10^th all of the following happened:

• Hell froze over

• Pigs sprouted wings

• We got another dog.

That’s right. If you’re keeping count that means that we now have TWO dogs. In case you forgot about my last post, let me remind you that I’m not a “dog person”… and that’s putting it lightly.

A few weeks ago we got Lyle from the pound. So far it hasn’t been the nightmare I’d imagined. He kept to himself, didn’t bark, didn’t seek any attention at all, and slept all day long. Lyle was actually pretty close to my dream dog... virtually non-existent. Unlike me, Steven was worried about the mental well-being of Lyle. He began to research. Turns out dogs can be depressed, especially if they are used to being around other dogs and are suddenly by themselves.

The Phone Call: Tuesday, April 10^th, 3:15pm

Hey babe, what's going on?

OK, I know I'd mentioned it before in passing but I was wondering what you thought about adopting Lyle's brother, he's still at the shelter.

I knew it! I knew you were buttering me up for this! I knew this was coming with your, "Oh, poor Lyle, he's sad." and "Poor Lyle, I bet he misses his brother."

Well I did some research and I think he's depressed. I think he needs his brother.

Whine... complain... whine... I don't wanna... etc. Wait, you want to get him today, don't you???

Well... yea... I mean I was kinda thinking that...

Fine. I'm never going to be excited or happy about this and it's important to you so I guess I'll say yes.

Thanks babe! I'll even let you name him! You could even name him Hanson if you wanted! Or Zac, or Taylor or...

Isaac. The third one is Isaac. Holy cow, you must really want this dog if you are willing to let me name him Hanson. I'll think of some names let you know.

And that's how dog #2 came to be. Did you see what Steven did there??? He went for the mental health/family bond approach. So smooth. Have I mentioned I'm a family therapist????

After a little thinking I decided to name dog #2 Chipper- after Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves. It's Chipper's last season, he hit a homerun the night we got the dog, and the Braves won the game. It's a good omen. And it comes with great nickname potential like "The Chip Clip"

Steven said their reunion nearly brought tears to his eyes. Lyle plays all day now rather than sleeping. And by "plays" I mean he pins Chip to the ground by the throat while Chip yelps helplessly. Turns out Lyle's a bully. We also bought Chip his own bed. Lyle took over Chip's new bed. Again, bully. Apparently I need to do some family therapy with these two.

Lyle

The unthinkable has happened. I am a dog owner.

Firstly, let me explain my position on dogs. I am not a "dog person." Ok fine, I'm not an "animal person" in general. It's not that I don't like dogs, they just aren't for me. I only see the negatives of owning a pet and don't understand the positives.

FAQs:

Did you have a dog growing up?

• Yes. A border collie named Maggie. I felt the same way about her, though it took me a long time to admit it. A lot of people are eager to hate on you if you claim to not like dogs.

Have you ever found a dog that you've liked?

• No.

What would your ideal dog be?

• Small, doesn't bark, doesn't lick, doesn't require attention, doesn't shed, doesn't expect me to pet him, can take care of himself.

So why the heck did you get a dog?

• Because I love my husband, and my husband loves dogs.

I know, I sound awful. It's not that I don't have a heart. I like going to the zoo. I like watching funny pets from afar. I like shows about animals. I don't want to see any harm come to any pets. I just don't want to own one... which brings me back to the original point of this post...


Meet Lyle. A 1yo boston terrier from the local Human Society. I'm pretty ok with him. He was abused and neglected in his former life and thus he is incredibly fearful. He is scared to death of anything and cowers in fear with any new noise, person, or interaction. I feel so sorry for the guy. (Remember, I said I had a heart.)

We got him 4 days ago and he has yet to bark. So that's great with me. He also keeps to himself as he's too scared to venture out to do anything in our house. Again, this works well for me. My husband takes care of everything Lyle needs. So, so far so good between me and Lyle.

He's a completely different dog in the yard. He'll frolic like a little deer or lamb. It's pretty hilarious. I'll try to post a video soon.