I have always been drawn to dogs; it’s just the way I’m wired. My sister-in-law joked one time, that walking down the streets of Nantucket, she would be looking at the cute babies, but I would be looking at the dogs…
Yesterday I parked at the grocery store and was walking toward the door when I spotted the most beautiful Husky sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked car…talk about a healthy dogs world example – he was beautiful! I kept walking, but forgot my shopping list and headed back to my car. By the time I passed the car again, the owner had returned and was loading up his groceries. Of course, I had to remark on the beautiful dog. He said ”He thinks he can drive” and told me his name was Bandit. He was only a year old and was a small Husky; the man said he was surprised at how petite he was for the breed, but that the size was perfect for him (and frankly for his car). I asked if I could meet him, and the dog hopped into the back seat of the car. Through the hatchback, he could smell my hand; he was so sweet and gentle. I was taken with how calm he was…first of all for a Husky, and second for a dog only one year of age.
His “dad” said they named him Bandit because when they got him as a puppy, the markings on his face looked like a mask. As he grew, the markings changed and he said now he looks like he has a penguin drawn on his face. I looked more closely, and he was right. The silhouette of a penguin with the flippers was there alright.
The man invited Bandit to hop out of the car. The young dog was so rubbery and agile, graceful in his movements. I had become so used to being careful of old fragile bones, it rather took me by surprise, and the words “don’t let him jump out of the car” were in my mind. Not a problem for Bandit though. I enjoy a precious few minutes with him. He was sweet and gentle, and as I said before, surprisingly calm for a Husky. To feel my hands on a dog, patting him and having that connection was such a treat.
I miss my Chloe every day, and while I’m not ready to adopt another dog yet, the need to have a dog in my life is there. The loss of her will take a while; once I can write like this without tears, maybe the time will be right.
For now the Bandits of the world will have to sustain me. He was a special pup, and I loved meeting him!
To Your Dog’s Good Health!
Cheryl Major
