Let the parade of dogs begin ... Part III

So, it was time. 

I'm not going to tell you that I wasn't nervous or that I knew what to expect.  My mind was blank, my brain was open.  The only thing I had an inkling of an idea about is that, although I'd came to adopt one dog, I was prepared to take two dogs home.  Not that that was in my plans, just that something, one of those gut feelings I get now & then told me to get two dog tags made up instead of one the night before I left.  I didn't question why I'd need two tags, I wasn't sure why,  I just followed my gut.  No dog is allowed to leave the Gentle Giants Rescue without a dog tag.  No tag, no dog.  Period.

  I left Galen & Izzy in the SUV parked beneath a huge Oak shade tree with a breeze blowing  through rolled down windows and the open sun roof, water bowl filled in the back.

I found myself a bit hesitant because I never leave my dogs in the SUV without the air conditioner  running, but Burt and Tracy assured me it was cool enough, they'd be ok.  Burt gave me that friendly little boy grin of his and promised  he'd check on my kids, don't worry.

I walked up the slope of a hill, following the road that wove around and led to the Gentle Giant entrance.  Dark wrought iron fencing at least 7 or 8 feet high hugged around a terrace area that flowed with ponds and pools of water and landscaping showering little purple flowers in greeting.  The young family that had adopted before me were waiting to sign the final paper work on the midnight black Great Dane they'd adopted.  Their restless 4 year old son proudly informed me, "His name is DUKE!" 

We discussed how quickly  my adoption process had happened (they were surprised, too) and how happy they were with the Great  Dane going home with them, he was exactly what they wanted.  The young mother was a trainer, so the family had dog experience on their side.

And then it was my turn.

 I was escorted into the meet and greet area.  A completely enclosed, but large space, much like an outdoor room except gravel glittered across the floor.  White benches sat waiting in a half circle to sit on, holding the energy of the unexpected and anticipation of a parade of dogs to begin coming through the large castle like door.

I quietly took a deep cleansing breath, closed my eyes and turned my face up toward the afternoon sun shining it's blessing down upon my day and had my little talk with God, asking for his wisdom and grace. 

And that I choose wisely. 

I have two awesome dogs and I didn't want to do anything to screw that up. This was more than about an adoption for me.  This was about a journey in life, one that hadn't always been easy.

Tracy Ward, Burt's wife and owners of Gentle Giant Rescue first sat and talked to me for a few minutes, getting the feel of me and what kind of dog I was looking for.  Studying the kind of person I was.

My mind went blank, I took an invisible breath and pushed my shyness away.

I told her how I'd fell in love with Great Dane's when I'd help rescue my neighbors run away dog, but that in looking at her site (which she informed me is old & not up to date) I also fell in love with Borzoi's.  I knew they didn't allow first time adopters or just anyone, for that fact, to adopt them, but that didn't keep me from being fascinated by them.

Finally my brain started to work. "I was interested in Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Grey Hounds, the mixed Deer Hound/Wolf Hounds & any other mixed breeds they had, and yes, if I could, I would love to see the Borzoi."

And then the parade of dogs began.

First she brought in a jewel eyed Harlequin Great Dane pup about a year old she's just gotten back.  A rock star and his girlfriend had adopted a St. Bernard & a Great Dane, but when they broke up, the rock star found it hard to handle both dogs in his travels.  An awesome pup, who promptly sat on my lap despite his gangly huge puppy body.

Next a seven month old playfully happy Blue Merle Great Dane puppy released by his family because the husband didn't want a big dog. (which makes you wonder why they got a Great Dane)  A unique and happy puppy, busy with a capitol B!  He hugged me, he sat on my lap, he checked the entire area out.  I loved him!

I had heard Tracy mention Fostering to the young family who had adopted before me and something about that tugged at my heart.  Before she left to get the next dog I told her that I might be interested in Fostering as well. 

What I hadn't told her yet is that I knew there was a reason I was there and I knew there was a reason I'd brought two dog tags instead of just one.  I was following that gut feeling.  An intuition built on love.

Tracy jumped right on the idea of my Fostering, telling me she had an older Great Dane that would be hard to adopt out because he wasn't perfect and may never be able to walk normal again.  He'd been rescued last month from Taiwan, she hadn't introduced him to anyone, would I mind if she took a video of him with me?  "Of course not, I'd love to meet him .. "

I waited a few minutes and Tracy was back, "This is Benny," she said, "We flew over to Taiwan and rescued three Great Danes, one died on the way back.  He was kept inside of an apartment for most of the 12 years of his life, when we rescued him he could barely walk.  He'll probably never walk normal, but he's very sweet and is a really good dog."

From the minute Benny came through the castle like door, his eyes glowed with a happiness I can't describe.  One that says, "life loves me" even though, obviously, his life had not been easy.  Although slightly bent over, with a walk that shuffled like an old mans, he pulled at the end of his leash and rushed over to the white bench I was sitting on, greeting me like he had known me all of his life, "I'm so happy to see you, where have you been?"

He danced in a hobbled excited way, licking my face with so much enthusiasm he knocked my straw hat off which I picked up and placed back on his head. He loved that.  He wore such a grin he looked like he was laughing and having the best time of his life.  He was a big boy with a bent ear and a muzzle that said, "I've aged in life, I'm wise but I'm soft.  Pet me, love me, you won't regret it."

"makes mental notes"

A wheaten Irish Wolf Hound, so very timid and shy, came through.  A sweet, beautiful little girl that wasn't sure if she really wanted to be there.  I wanted to calm her, to let her know that everything would be all right.  It was moments like those that I was so grateful that these beautiful Gentle Giants had Tracy and Burt Ward looking out for them.  The love and care they put into these dogs is so extremely obvious.  Then a Deer Hound mix, a tiger striped Mastiff that had just had puppies (the most AMAZING coloring on her perfectly black and fawn striped body).

"making mental notes"

Then came Lava, a black and white year old Borzoi puppy.  Quietly, carefully walking through the castle sized door to the meet and greet area.  Tail wagging she came up and gave me a kiss.  Calm, a bit timid, but not overly so.  A gentle energy flowed around her, more watchful than busy.  Tracy joked about drawings she did as a child and how she secretly thought Borzoi were the real Unicorns with the way they always held one ear up.

I was surprised but pleased to see the Borzoi's since they were really picky about who adopts them.  Tracy brought in long hair, short hair and, like Lava, a medium hair Borzoi.  She brought in an older Borzoi to show me how big Lava would get. (big!)

My mind was spinning with dogs and it was getting late.  I needed to get back down to the girly-girl SUV and take care of my two Ark Kids... I couldn't decide.  I wasn't sure.

I was torn between the 7 month old Blue Merle Great Dane puppy and Lava.  One so busy and into everything, the other calm and watchful.

There wasn't any question about Benny.  He was coming home with me, but I kept quiet about it.  I needed to think everything through.  We'd decided I'd take a rest, find my hotel and call her by midnight to let her know which dog(s) I'd be taking home with me ...

to be continued ...

Comments

[Kris]

What a great story and I LOVE the pics. There is a special place in heaven for you, my love!

[devBear]

waiting eagerly for more of the story!

[Sugar Jones]

What an experience! I have always wanted a dog in our family, but I want to make sure that we are in the right place for one. I don't mean just our house, but making sure the kids are ready and that I am able to handle the day-to-day stuff. We've been thinking that it's time, but knew we'd have a busy summer. Once the fall comes, we may be going to a parade of dogs, too. I'm nervous...

[Kat]

Wonderful story! I would have wanted all of them! Very generous of you to adopt them. I know they'll be getting a good home!