New Dogs

2004

     Allow me to introduce you to Toby and Akita.  They are both four years old and grew up together.  We bought them from the shelter yesterday, and brought them home in the van.  They ride well in the van, for which we are thankful.  It was our intention to buy one dog, but Toby and Akita become despondent when they are separated.  I just didn't have the heart to break theirs.  You know, it's curious; we've never had a cat in our back yard...until we brought Toby and Akita home.  Now, I as type this letter, there is a Siamese cat stuck in a tree in our back yard, having flown there for dear life not more than five minutes after we arrived in said yard.  I haven't once heard Toby or Akita bark, not even then.

     Toby is a black lab mix.  Maybe some of him is German Shepherd, since there are slight brown markings on his back.  His left ear flops over, giving him the distinct impression that he is related to Scooby-Doo.  His honey brown eyes are gentle and sweet, and want very much to trust you. Gentlemanly manners show a glimpse of the character of his previous owners, who taught him to shake hands (or paws, as the case may be).  Easily obedient, he returns when called, and desires to revel in our affection.  The shelter informed us that he was mistreated as a puppy...lavishing him with pats and ear scratches will help him feel loved.  No problem there!  Although we must teach him not to jump up on us, it is rather endearing that he does so with soft paws and then licks our lips.  He was home for a mere one hour when he discovered how to jump through the rails on the deck.  (This is, of course, how we found out that he returns when called.)

     Akita is a black and white Siberian husky.  She considers herself the alpha dog, and reminds whoever is near of her queenly station on a regular basis.  A sweet disposition smoothes over the arrogant behavior, however.  Her ice blue eyes, outlined in black, show intelligence and purpose.  She doesn't miss a trick!  A smart white mask gives her the appearance of a well-dressed wolf.  She and I have bonded as the female rulers of the household.  I know this because she puts her nose against mine and licks my lips.  We are kindred spirits, brought together by our like positions in the world.  She is a runner, so David has gone to the lumberyard to buy two-by-twos to put across the rails of the deck.  Jon made the mistake this morning of eating a piece of toast while NOT sitting at the table - Akita helped herself to it before he knew it was gone.  Toast, I ask you?  Curiouser and curiouser.

     Many of you may be asking yourselves about Shadrach...he is still with us and doesn't seem to mind too terribly much about the new kids on the block, except that he can't keep up with them.  He occasionally has the upper paw, however, since the new kids have to be contained in the laundry room when we leave, while Shadrach has the run of the house.  Hip problems bother him greatly, and sometimes he finds it quite difficult to stand for any length of time.  His eyesight and hearing are going as well...wait, this is starting to sound more and more like me...!  He has been a good dog for our family for over fifteen years, but we are preparing for his departure.  Those of you who know him will miss him right along with us.  Until then, there are three loved dogs who live with the Sinnocks.