The Adventure Begins

The adventure began on March 10, 2012 with a long drive to Mankato, MN.  I had been informed that this dog was a great "starter" dog; "laid back"; "goes with the flow", sleeps when there's nothing else to do; doesn't bark much and doesn't soil her kennel or the house.  In spite of not having even a small portion of my home prepared; I was determined to finally "adopt" a dog - THIS dog.  Actually, based on the description I'd received, I felt so certain; that I told myself if I don't adopt this dog, I would just stop looking for a dog!

The night before my trip, excitement kept me from sleep.  So, frankly by morning, I wasn't thinking straight!  The long drive did not clear my mind; it only gave me a case of "road daze"... the hypnotic state one gets into from the heat of the sun and the freeway lines passing at 70 miles per hour.  Still, I was determined.

When I first arrived and saw her; she was panting like a mad animal and jaggedly pacing as far as her leash would allow.  The very moment I approached and introduced myself, the foster lady handed me the leash and said, "Here, walk her around the store, talk to her, get used to her and see what you think!"  Naively grabbing the leash, we started to walk!  She was so strong, and I was so tired, that she pulled me everywhere, wagging her lethal tail!  With some small muster of fore-thought, I realized I would need a few dog things; so we made our way to the leash and collar aisle.  EVERY passer-by exclaimed how adorable she was and helped themselves to a moment of head petting - causing even more intense panting, tail wagging and pulling!!  The presence of other dogs was another threat - while much to my surprise this "laid back - go with the flow" dog wanted to sniff and bark at every four-legged creature!

Her large tail, wagging with innocent happiness managed to knock down a few shampoo bottles on the way and when a large Golden Retriever came along; this "good starter dog" at the end of the leash (which of course was attached to my arm) went ballistic with loud piercing barks and fierce attempts to get closer to the Golden Retriever.  With all the distractions, the strength of the dog, and my own state of road daze combined; it took me a good fifteen or twenty minutes to "come to" long enough to realize... I was completely overwhelmed.

The couple from the humane society - called a foster family - who cared for the dog continued to be reassuring.  Telling me it was the excitement of the new place and all the activity going on that was making her anxious and excited.  They knew my situation fully and repeatedly told me they had no qualms giving me THIS dog.

I, however, wasn't so sure.

In a rather short time, she had displayed little to no interest in me, had nearly attacked a very large dog, and had showed no restraint or obedience to my commands.  When I expressed my concerns, I was offfered an opportunity to "foster" her for two weeks as a trial.  I immediately said, "I'll take her!"   (While I am indecisive and non-committal by nature, I will nonetheless jump right into "commitments" that come prepackaged with an "out".)

Paperwork completed; food and leash purchased; and WE were on our way...HOME!