After my Silver German Shephard, Dakota was euthanized by my vet on April 18th.
I decided that was the end of my desire to own a dog. Although throughout my entire childhood and early adulthood, I grown up with and owned dogs. I did not think owning a pet at this time in my life would affect me one way or another, however the loss of Dakota’s presence has even after packing away all his toys, collars, leash, combs, and brushes in his Duffy bag.
I was really looking forward to not having to rush home because Dakota had been home alone for an hour or more. Not having to get up early to take him out to potty. Instead getting up whenever I desire, not having to visit every park near our homestead areas because Dakota needed to get his exercise.
Not having to constantly sweep and dust because my Motorhome and clothes are always covered with Dakota’s hair; requiring me to carry dog hair removal brushes in my purse, pant pocket, both trucks and jeep to remove excessive dog hair before entering stores, visiting friends, socializing with associates, or going to see a live play.
Once these opportunities surfaced, I never took advantage of any of them. Though I was free for 5-months. My eyes-only leaked tears. I pushed through my shoulder pain to perform daily tasks around my motorhome, as well as do my rehab exercises. Further, Sioux Falls has over eighty beautifully easily accessible, well-maintained parks. During this time, I did not visit any of them.
During office visits with my Doctors and Physical Therapists, Dakota always became a part of our discussion which usually went as follows: Edith you invested so much money in trying to cure Dakota of the awful disease he was born with for the last three years and instead of getting better he got worst. It was time to let him go.
There is no doubt in my mind, Dakota knew you loved him and tried to make him better. He would want you to get another dog, not to replace him or his memories. But because you need a travelling companion and a protector that would make strangers who might want/attempt to harm you think twice before approaching; an alert from a dog is all you need to call 911 or grab a weapon to defend both of you.
As a result, on August 30, I contact Rod, the breeder to determine if he had any males in the litter. Hello Rod, my name is Edith Brown. My physical Therapist, at Prairie Rehab in Sioux Falls gave me your phone number and address. Do you have any German Shepard and Poodle Puppies left?
Yes, he is, my friend and told me about you and your need for a replacement dog. Also, he has been trying to help me get rid of these puppies. I have one male left. If you want him, I will hold him for you if you can pick him up in the next three-days. Currently I have two litters which totals 19-puppies. I cannot afford to feed all of them. So, the sooner I can get rid of some, the better-off my older dogs and I will be, he replied laughing.
How far are you from me in Sioux Falls, I asked.
I live in Worthington, Minnesota which is an hour drive from you. Once you cross the border, you take the first exit on your right which will bring you to my street, he replied.
This will be my first long road trip since shoulder surgery May. So, it may take me a little longer than an hour, I said.
That is okay. I will be here whenever you arrive, he replied.
I am on my way, I will see you soon, I said.
It was amazing to arrive on farmland and see cows, older dogs, and puppies. A black puppy was out of the pen and running across the field galloping toward a man heading towards him like a horse. The man stopped and the puppy ran and sit at the man’s feet. The man bends down and scooped the puppy up in his arm. At this point I was sure, this was Rod. I parked my pickup truck and got out.
Hello Edith, you made it here less than an hour. That shoulder must be healing well, he said.
Right now, my shoulder and arm feel tired and heavy, I replied.
I am sure that is the result of your tight grip on the steering wheel. On the way back do not grip the steering wheel; you know how to drive so just rest both hands on the steering wheel. If you need to turn, do it gently without pressure. Here is your new furry friend. Wait let me show you this. He put the puppy on the ground and gave the following commands: Sit, lay, stay, come, no, leave it, he said.
The puppy performed every command as spoken. That is good Rod, six things I only need to reinforce I replied.
He is smart when he wants to be. Otherwise, he is a hard-head little boy. So, make him work to remember his commands. Also, he can play ball by himself which keeps him busy for an hour or more, he said.
I had no idea what he would look like. However, I did not expect German Shepherd colors on his paws and legs. Meanwhile there is a strange cuteness about him, I said.
Laughing, well that is a wonderful way to say it. I am curious to see what he is going to look like as he gets older. If it is not going to be much of a burden and you take pictures of him, send me picture and text, letting me know how the both of you are doing, Rod replied.
Did you name him I asked?
Nope why bother: owners will rename them anyway. I am going to put him on the rubber floor mate in the back. Hopefully, he will not get sick on the ride back home. He has not had anything to eat since this morning, he replied.
Meanwhile, I have returned to potty training, dealing with puppy diarrhea, administering doses of Kaopectate, boiling rice and chicken, walking Echo, playing ball, tug of war and obedience training. I find these to be harder than in the past. I might be a little too old for this type of dog training because I am always tired especially when I must pull an all-nighter because of diarrhea.
I hope not. Also, Rod you can expect to get pictures and notes about this furry child from me soon. We shook hands and I left. We were riding for about thirty-minutes. Oh god, puppy dog I smell you. I know you pooped by there, I said.
A Shepadoodle which is a German Shepherd & Poodle Mix
Echo is different from all my pass dogs which were German Shepherds, a Chow Chow, Saint Bernard, and a Dachshund. When I talked to them, they listened and at less attempt to perform a given command. Not this one…. Echo pretends not to hear my voice as he does what he wants. Later, rolls his eyes as to say, “Did you say something to me?”
My doctors were tickled to death to see pictures of Echo. Oh my god how precious. Look at those eyes, ears, and two-tone colors. He is going to be a smart dog. German Shepherds and Poodles are both smart. I bet he will be double smart. Nope, not yet. I think I must be dealing with the poodle side right now. Keep hoping the German Shepherd trait will show its presence soon, I replied.
Upon our arrival for his wellness check on September 2nd, Dakota’s old Vet, Sarah and her staff were captured by Echo’s big brown eyes and quickness to rush into each arm and cuddle while licking arms, hands, and faces. Sarah’s lab assistant just had to take Echo next door so grooming staff could see him. They had the same reactions towards him. Vet, Sarah said, “Echo is going to be a fast-growing puppy. Look at his paws and legs. He will be twenty-seven” to twenty-nine” tall.”
Sarah is right regarding her height prediction. Echo is 6-months old, and he is taller and longer than his cage, and almost the length of my couch.
Meanwhile, when I give Echo a command and he does not respond; if I start towards him, he has no problem running towards his cage; ducking his head as he dives inside. He knows once he is inside his cage, I cannot get him out. Because he is too heavy for me to lift, and too long to jerk out the cage door. So, there he lays while watching me with his big brown eyes.
Echo is stubborn, hard-headed, and always bothering my stuff. I do not trust him to be in the motorhome uncaged. Further, Echo is enchanted by the privacy draperies hanging behind the seats in the driver pit. Therefore, when I take a shower; I ensure Echo is in his cage otherwise I could be exiting the bathroom naked in front of a shocked audience.