Playing Fair and Being Kind

Today I was thinking about dogs. Sometimes I miss having a dog around. The last dog I had living here in my house was Ranger. Ranger got old and was messing himself and sometimes he would be lost in his mind; he appeared to be confused about where he was and why he was. I had the veterinarian come to the house and he injected a drug into Ranger’s front leg that put him into a deep sleep from which he could not return. I petted him while this was going on. That was quite a while ago and I haven’t wanted a pet ever since then.

I’ve given it some thought but I haven’t come to any conclusion why I have not wanted to revisit that ‘having a pet’ situation. Maybe it was because Ranger was such a champion friend and dog in my mind that I’d feel like I was being unfaithful to him by getting another dog. I’m willing now to have another dog animal to take care of and to share space with. I’ve complained that pets are expensive to keep these days. It seems the vet’s can’t seem to charge less than a few hundred dollars for a visit anymore. Having a pet and taking good care of it is only for the well healed now.

Just the same, I might get a dog. I won’t let the financial aspect deter me from living my life as fully as I can. I’ve been toying with the idea for quite a few years. I have been fantasizing, imagining, envisioning what type of dog I’d like to have. One that is loyal and obedient would be the major characteristic I’d prefer in a dog. Large, of course. I like to roughhouse with dogs. Ranger was tall and weighed around a hundred and ten pounds at his most fit condition. That would be a good size. Looks are important. I’ve heard it said that Ranger had a face only a mother could love. I think it was said with some rancor by a guy who was an idiot. I didn’t pay him much mind but Ranger did have quite a mug on him. He wasn’t cute my any means. I’d say he looked rugged.

I often thought about having a Bloodhound around the house. Their characteristics fit my description of a good dog for me. Large, laid back, pretty loyal as hounds go. They have wonderful heads and are big bodied. I like how they are wrinked with lots of folds in their face. Like me, in many ways. Look at that puppy at the top of the page and tell me she isn’t cute with a great face.

Ranger didn’t know what he looked like. He was not upset when the pendejo said he had a face only a mother could love. It went right over his head; no harm done. The little Bloodhound is the same way, I’ll bet. I’ll wager the puppy has not a clue how darling all those folds and wrinkles make her look. She knocks me out! She just stands tall and looks directly at life and says, “Here’s me head, he comes me arse!”

I think I’ll investigate the availability of a Bloodhound. Actually, I have done a little research and I find the nearest one is in Kentucky. A few more in Florida and Texas. There’s a litter in California that seem over-priced. The one in Texas looks really nice. 

I’m looking and I know about dogs so I can find a good one. I’ll have to visit the litter and look and touch and talk to all of them. I’ll have to listen also. That’s important. The right one will show up. Not too yappy or pushy. Roll it over on its back and rub its belly and watch how it reacts. See if it sits off by itself or does it engage with others readily. Pet it and hold it, Smell its nose with my nose. It has to not show fear or aggression. I’m really getting into this business. I can feel it. 

I never allowed Ranger or any dog of mine to sleep on the bed.  I may change that rule. We’ll see. It might be time for me to invest in a good buddy to go walking with and feeding from the table. I sure miss Ranger. I think I will name the new dog Rufus. Especially if it is a Bloodhound because that is the way they talk. “Roof, roof!

Well, there you go. I guess I’ve got something to think about doing when we get off this covid 19 kick. I’ll keep looking at pictures and dreaming about Rufus. Wait. What if I choose a girl dog? Well, there you go. Now I’ve got more to think about.
Gentle George
23 March 2020