Published Wednesday, June 17, 2009 11:29 AM
Updated Wednesday, June 17, 2009 11:29 AM
Then one day, you realize the time will never be right so you go ahead and do it anyway.
I’m not talking about having a baby, although this is sort of like that. I’m talking about a new ball of fur, a new squirming, wriggling, high-energy four-legged friend.
We broke down and did it: got us another Corgi.
The equation is two Corgis plus a little encouragement equals high energy. This situation, I’m sure, is nothing to raising a child, but if it’s any indication, then I am probably too old to start dealing with such at this stage of the game. When your dogs become teenagers, you worry about them doing things like chewing shoes, chasing kids and cars, and destroying furniture. When your kids become teenagers, you worry about them doing things like piercing and tattooing every available body part and wrecking motor vehicles. And obedience school is a lot cheaper than college – cheaper for us, since ours are home schooled.
But back to our new boy. He’s a handsome fellow, what they call a tri-color – black saddle and white chest and legs, with a black and tan face, and soft brown eyes that can melt ice caps with a single crinkle.
Like all puppies at that age, his personality is developing. Right now, he alternates between manic, hardcore playtime followed by several hours of intense sleep. Like all Corgis, he is developing that “go for it” personality, from the excited yips when it’s time to romp in the yard to that happy “can do” growl when presented with a challenge, such as deciding whether my shoelaces – or my bare toes – are just more chew toys or serious enemies of state. To him, every cricket is a squirrel in disguise.
Like most elder siblings, his big sister, the Wonder Corgi – they’re not really related, she was just here first and therefore considers herself the undisputed queen of the roost – seems to have her little snout just a little out of joint. She sulks a little around the house. She acts like she does not notice him, tries to avoid him when she does notice him, and occasionally gives him a little lip lift when he bounces too close. I’m guessing she’ll have him firmly under her thumb – or paw, as it were – and they will have a lot of great times together, provided he does what she tells him to do.
I think she’s actually milking this situation for all it’s worth, what with extra treats, more attention, more walks and car rides. Before long, I’m sure they’ll be partners in canine crime.
I’m guessing he’s going to be all boy – loves to be outside, loves to get dirty, loves to tussle. He’s just as happy doing battle with the Hydrangeas as he is chasing a tennis ball attached to a string. And when he’s done, his favorite place for a quick nap is behind – and sometimes under – our grill.
I’m thinking it probably wouldn’t be a bad thing to come back in the next life as one of our dogs.