Running has shown me many great adventures--from snowy Christmas Day runs, to meeting interesting people at different events, to early morning coyote sightings...but I never dreamed that it would bring me a dog.
On the morning of April 28, 2009 I went out for my usual morning run. It was a little bit cool and had been raining during the night, so everything was a little bit damp. I was going 4 miles that morning and passed a man around mile 2. I had seen this man before--an older guy that I called "Safari Man" because he wore a wide brimmed hat and carried a walking stick. I nearly tripped over a small dog as I passed him, which seemed odd. I remember thinking that I had never seen him with a dog before and I carried on with my run. A mile or so later I saw "Safari Man" on the other side of the road and suddenly the little pup darted across the street and began to follow me. This is the main street into our subdivision and the little guy is very lucky that he didn't get hit by a car. I continued running, just ignoring the little dog. Dogs had followed me on runs in the past and typically stop after just a little bit if you ignore him. Not this one!! I could sense that he was still behind me and he followed me all the way to my house.
I cracked our front door to call Erik over to see what had found me. As soon as I did, the dog ran into our house through the crack in the door. He was only wearing a nylon collar, not tags. Soon after he jumped up on the sofa and I shouted "Mr Sir, get off my sofa!" I could hear Erik in the next room saying "Mr Sir...Mr Sir..." It seems that we had found a suitable name.
We worked really hard to find his home and when it came apparent that no one was looking for him, we began to search for a good home for him. Things were difficult around here with our dog Maggie, she is very shy and special and seemed to be retreating more and more. An email to the neighborhood listserv brought a call from a lady who wanted a dog for her mom. Soon enough they came over and picked up Mr Sir and took him home with her. I sobbed as I watched them drive away, but thought that it was the right thing to do. Things settled down around here, Maggie got back to normal, and we went back to our routines.....
Until Erik's phone rang one day in June....things weren't working out with the little lady and Mr Sir. She brought him back the next day and we were back to square one. Still convinced that it just wouldn't work, we contacted a rescue group (A Different Breed) and took Mr Sir out to a couple of their adoption events. Nothing ever worked out there and he was really starting to get the hang of things around our house. It looks like Mr Sir found a home.
It is still hectic at times and I swear that Maggie glares at us sometimes, but I am so glad that he is here with us. He brightens up our day and keeps Maggie young with all the games they play in the yard. It breaks my heart to think that nobody was looking for him. Both of our dogs were rescued and it has become a cause that is near to my heart. Those adoption days at A Different Breed were so hard to handle, just looking at all of those little faces....people had failed them big time and it broke my heart. If you are looking for a good pup, consider adopting from rescue. Those guys really need you!
Wonderful post! I just love it! Everything happens for a reason - that dog followed you home that day for a reason!
ReplyDeleteOh good ol Mr. Sir...I remember how much I wanted to take him in but only if that little leg of his would stay down, I think it might have worked out.
ReplyDeleteThe night that Mr. Sir spent the night for his trial run with Chuy and Chica, went well except he LOVED to mark his spot. Not on the sofa, the wall or even the chairs....only on poor Chuy and Chica's beds. lol He is a great dog and they all got along that night except when it was time to go to sleep. Mr. Sir wanted to sing all night about how much he loved Michelle and Erik and how much of a good time he had at their house. Yup Mr. Sir kept us up all night with his howl and shaking of the kennel. I have never seen Chuy and Chica so tired the next day. Mr. Sir kept them up all night with his singing. BUT it was all good, Mr. Sir just wanted to tell us that he didn't want to shack up with Chuy and Chica. Mr. Sir said it wouldn't be fair to step on Chuy's paws coming in to make the moves on Chica. So it was a great time and even though we don't have any children but our 4 legged friends...Mr. Sir is welcomed anytime over the Apolito's house.
I am really happy that Mr. Sir has finally found his home at the Kennemer's. Great parents you and Erik are. It was meant to be, Mr. Sir and Maggie sitting in a tree K I S S I N G.......