My nieces love a true, real-life bedtime story. This is one of their favorites. I'm not sure how many times they have asked for it.
Years ago I dreamt of a yellow lab frolicking in the front yard of my parents' former home. The feeling of the dream was utter happiness and joy. Watching the dog chase and play, throwing the ball over and over and over.
After I moved into my home, I decided I needed a canine companion and wanted to rescue a dog. I visited an animal shelter, but wasn't sure what type of dog I wanted or how to select one.
I came up with a plan. The first dog that sat when I told it to sit would be my dog. Then I entered the area in the shelter where the dogs lived. It was a cacophony of noise and movement. And smells.
There were numerous dogs of all shapes and sizes. It was a bit overwhelming. So, I did what any rational person would do. I started with the small crates and kennels, stopping before each dog and commanding them to sit.
Proceeding around the room, I stopped at each dog. Extra small, small, medium, medium-large, large, and extra-large. I had envisioned taking a small to medium-sized dog home with me. The extra small and small dogs yipped and yapped and circled their kennels. A few of them bared their teeth or charged their kennel.
The slightly larger dogs were similar in nature. A few cowered in the corner. My anxiety and anticipation grew. The larger dogs made me nervous.
In disbelief, I continued on to the Huskies and Malamutes and Great Pyrenees before starting over. Circling the room twice, the only dog that sat on command was the yellow lab.
We went for a walk. The yellow lab didn't tug or pull or jump up on me. He loved scritches and scratches. His tail wagged heartily. He was eager and gentle and sweet.
After a waiting period, I signed the papers, paid his fees, and took him home. Adoption complete!
He was the best dog ever! You could put your hand in his food dish while he ate, and he wouldn't snap or growl. You could play with his paws and hold on to his tail. He was patient and gentle. When he tired of being bothered, he simply removed himself from the situation; that is how he told you he had had enough. Toddlers could take him for a walk on leash. He didn't pull them off their feet. He thought all dogs and all people were his friends and that everyone loved him. And, we did.
He really was the best dog ever. Adventure buddy. Camping friend. Friend. Protector. Everything.
And, I named him Cambridge after the yellow dog in my dream.
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