This week I got to go over to the Vero Dog Park, right on the lagoon, to yap with Walter Greenaway, a Peki-Tzu with a terrific, fluffy tail and some really exciting news to share. We arrived about the same time and parked right next to each other.
“You’re The Bonz, right?” he hollered. “I’ll be right over, gotta go kinda slow ‘cuz of my Mom, y’know.”
I thought maybe she’d stubbed her toe or something. After the on-leash Wag-and-Sniff, we walked to the double gate, Walter talking a mile-a-minute. He’s black and white, little, but with a BIG personality.
“I am one lucky pooch,” he said, scanning the Little Dog field. “Hang on, I’ve gotta go say Hi to some pals.” Off he zoomed. Well, pranced. It was cool. He throws his little front legs out like one of those white dancing horses. “Hey, Sydney! Whazzup! How’re the pups, Lucy? You’re lookin’ good! Yo, Duke! When didja get back? Good to see you, Dog!”
He was popular, for sure. And his tail is amazing. He looks sorta like a little black boat with a big, fluffy white sail.
He came prancing back and plopped down beside his Mom. “This is my Mom, Jen. She’s gonna have puppies. Well, not puppies. Babies. Well, Just one. And I’m gonna be a big brother. Isn’t that awesome? So I have to make sure she doesn’t run around or fall over or anything. Dad’s at work. He’s Brad.“
“Congrats, Walter!” I said. I had noticed that his Mom’s tummy was very round, but didn’t want to say anything in case it was just too many treats. I got in trouble with a poodle named Elsie once, so I’ve learned not to assume. Elsie didn’t speak to me for weeks.
“Can’t wait to hear your story, Walter,” I said.
“I was a stray, on the street, covered with fleas, hair all matted. I’d had a good home once, but then something bad happened. It was so awful I blocked it all out. Anyhow, a nice human found me and took me to the Humane Society. They got me all spiffed up and healthy, but I had to have all my teeth out.”
Oh, wow! “That is Soggy Dog Biscuits,” I said.
“I know. But you get used to it. Anyway, my Mom and Dad decided to go to the Humane Society on a whim, after they watched ‘Pitbulls and Parolees,’ on TV. Weird, right? Dad is a big jock, Mom says, and no way was he getting a little mop dog like me. They wanted a big dog for him and a dog with hair, not fur, ‘cuz Mom’s allergic. The only thing Dad said when they walked by me (without stopping) was that I’d be great for his parents.
“I was on a leash walk with a volunteer at the time and, when I saw them, I just had this feeling, y’know? So I stopped and stared really hard at Mom. Then this amazing thing happened: The volunteer walked up to Mom and handed her my leash and said, ‘Here is your dog.’“
“No Woof!” I said.
“Dad was like, ‘no way! I need a bull dog!’ So they tried me out with his Mom but we didn’t connect.
“Then Dad took me on a walk even though he didn’t want to and, guess what, he finally realized size doesn’t matter! Now he calls me his Little Buddy. I pranced my way into their hearts. Even though I don’t remember, I was already potty-trained and cage-trained and knew some basic stuff, you know – sit, shake, lie down, play dead, roll over. So, Mom and Dad gave me a Forever Family. I’m their first dog! And now they’re building me a New House AND giving me a brand new human brother or sister. Am I a Lucky Dog or WHAT?”
“You sure seem like a happy-go-lucky pooch,” I observed.
“You betcha! My life is so fun! I get to ride in the car! We went all the way to North Carolina to visit friends, and I met Pippi, a Yorkie, and we had the best time! The air up there was what humans call cool. I’d never felt anything like it. My favorite food’s chicken! Mom cooks it and, when the buzzer goes off, it’s dinnertime. I go to the groomer and get all washed and fluffed. Dad says I smell like a girl, but me and Mom love it.” He lowered his voice. “I have a girlfriend, too, Bonz. Her name’s Juno and she’s a Boxer. Some gorgeous poocheroo! And she likes the way I smell, too!
“But the best thing is that I’m gonna be a big brother. I can’t wait! Sometimes I sit next to Mom and gently put my paw on her big tummy, and give my little brother or sister soft pats just to say hello, and so he’ll know I’m ready to play and that I‘ll protect him (or her). That’s gonna be my most important job, Bonz. And I’m up to it!”
“I know you’re gonna be the best big brother,” I told him. And I knew he would be.
News flash! Just as I was about to send this column to my editor, I got an email from Walter! It’s so exciting!!! It’s my Very First Birth Announcement! Walter is now an official Big Brother! He has a brand-new baby sister – Lindan Christine!!! He says he’s so excited he can barely sit still and he totally can’t wait ‘til his Mom and Dad bring her home from the hospital. He’s already picking out his favorite toys to share with her!
Till next time,
The Bonz