The Gifting of the Dog

Another bath. Another trip in the not so clean car.
"Mama we brought on old gentleman for you to meet."
"Did you bring him for me?"
"If you want him he's yours"
(dog licks hand of future owner, lays down and asks for a belly rub. smart move dog!)
The introduction continued for a couple of hours. During which time he managed to steal some food off the kitchen table and tolerate a walk outside to water the azaleas. The final outcome was this...
"I would like to keep him but do you mind taking him home with you until I get things ready for him here?"
"No problem" we reply. We take dog home, still nameless at this time.
Bedtime, dog is in lockdown in our utility room, we are asleep. Phone rings.
"TAKE THE DAMN DOG BACK!"
"grunt, groan, what did you say?"
"Take him back to the shelter, she doesn't want him, blah blah blah..."
Nightmares can happen when you are awake! We go back to sleep, seems safer.

Because of the Christmas holiday and the weekend the animal shelter is closed for the next 5 days. Dog gets another bath. We buy dog food. We buy a red leash and collar. We walk the dog, but evidently not enough. Wet surprises are cleaned up and the scolding begins. We prepare for the homecoming of our only child, her husband and her chocolate lab.

2 A.M. they arrive. The dogs are introduced outside and love each other. Romping ensues.

We learn we are to be GRANDPARENTS!!!! YIPEEE!!!! Good news! What a gift!

"Wanna dog for the new baby?"
"No, you need him."
"No I don't."
"Yes you do."

Christmas comes and goes with all the usual bluster. Visiting, eating, gifting, and this year a new activity. RE-WRAPPING gifts. It seems that having a tree in the house with a not too indoor dog creates all kinds of issues. Luckily our guest are doggy people who laugh as they help clean up dog's mess.

The 5 days are up and the decision is made. WE DO NOT NEED TO KEEP THIS DOG. But I cannot take him back. For days I have been so critical of whoever abandoned this dog and here I am considering doing the same. Did I mention Santa left him a new leash and some treats? He doesn't seem to want the treats, nor does he require play. He sleeps, eats, eliminates and asks for belly rubs.

Parker had Dan get a battery for Pete's electric dog collar, he fixed the wire.

Riley gets a second chance.