"Wow, I really never imagined how involved it is buying a puppy." Shay spoke over the head of the small grey animal in her hands. She was now speaking to the second breeder she had scheduled an appointment with.
The first appointment went very fast when she had seen the conditions the dogs were kept in. The smell that almost knocked her off her feet should have been her first warning, but she persisted. Yet when she saw the tiny animals, filthy and appearing very undernourished, she couldn't get out of the place fast enough. Shay felt terrible about leaving all those animals behind, but knowing she couldn't help them all, and even if she had bought one, she feared it might not even last long enough to house train. Before she drove away though, she did call the SPCA and report the people. She hoped her call would do some good.
Needless to say when she pulled up in front of the second house she was very trepidacious. But she forced herself to walk to the gate, and press the buzzer. She was greeted by a friendly older looking woman, who had one of the pups in her hand. Shay held out her hands and took the squirming animal eagerly, since it looked clean and healthy. The woman led her around to the back of the house where there was a kennel with large dog runs and enclosed areas where the animals could find shelter in bad weather. All the dogs appeared frisky and happy as she neared the cages.
The woman told Shay that if they found a dog for her, she would be required to complete a questionnaire before the dog was released into her care. The woman introduced herself as Cora, and explained everything that she provided as the breeder in the sale of the animal. She had papers that attested to the dog's medical history, including all shots that had been administered, as well as a sheet on the pup's lineage. As part of the sale, the breeder also explained that she would take care of registering the dog with the AKC, and recommended it be done, even if Shay didn't want to 'show' the animal. Finally Cora explained the micro-chip that had been implanted into the puppy's neck muscle, and as Shay felt it gently with her fingers, was told the value behind such a process. It seemed a great idea to have such a safety precaution, and Shay was impressed to know they had that kind of thing available.
As she looked into the cages, she squatted down at the gate to each, and talked to the pup inside. Depending on how the tiny animal responded, decided how much attention she would give it. And while all the puppies were very friendly, only two showed a more exuberant reaction to Shay. Both pups were males, and both looked very hearty, but in seeing them side by side she knew immediately which one was coming home with her.
"I'd like to have this one, Cora...he reminds me of my boyfriend..." Shay giggled, but had told the truth. There was something about the frisky little guy that shouted 'Alexi' to her, and she knew she had been fated to get this dog.
Cora shook her head but smiled. 'I hope your boyfriend doesn't mind the comparison, but if he's the one you want, let's go take care of the paperwork, and I'll give you some things to take with you to help make the transition between homes easier for the little guy.'
From the time Shay had picked up the dog, he did nothing but nuzzle her neck and lick her face, and even that reminded Shay of Alexi. The dog so delighted Shay that she had a very hard time maintaining any sense of professionalism during the purchase.
Thinking about a name to register the dog under was more difficult than Shay expected. Because of Alexi's influence she had decided to call the dog 'Russ', as in Russian. She didn't want a name too pretentious...Master Russell Novokovisich of Constantinople was bigger than the dog itself, and since Shay had no intention of showing, or breeding the dog, she thought it was silly to put that much into the name. Instead she went with Russell Novokomannon on paper, and started calling him Russ right away.
She was very surprised to find she had spent nearly three hours with Cora, it had flown by quickly, and she learned a lot in those hours. She talked to the puppy the entire trip back to the condo, telling him all about his new home, and how much he was going to like Alexi...and how alike they were. Though she couldn't hold him while she drove, she kept her fingers in the cage, so Russ could keep smelling her scent, and get used to her faster.
Russell 'Russ' Novokomannon
Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
Having left the beach, Shay drove directly home, and nearly jumped out of her car once it was parked. Seeing Alexi's car was gone made her frown, as that meant he'd already left for work.
Somewhat upset with herself for not getting home earlier, she briefly considered driving to the Domicile, but discarded the idea as being silly. Alexi would be home later, and she'd have time to see him then. For now she didn't want him to think she couldn't go a day without talking to him, even if that probably was pretty true.
Sitting down at the computer, Shay did a few Google searches for the types of puppies she thought she might be interested. After two hours she narrowed the field down to two breeds, pomeranians and chihuahuas, both seemed like smart dogs, and dogs that were very small. While she had started out looking at irish setters, and afghans, because of the size of their home, she quickly had to admit that wasn't at all practical, and even if they eventually moved into a larger place, Shay wasn't sure she wanted to deal with an animal of that size. Starting small would get her the experience of having a dog, and create the least amount of upheaval in their lives, she thought.
Once she'd decided on the breed, she began looking for pet stores and local breeders. While there were two pet stores in Nachton that sold dogs, she had better luck in finding three breeders. And while the pet stores were at opposite ends of the city, the breeders all seemed to live within a five mile radius along the northwest border of town.
Since it was still early she called all three breeders, and was able to schedule appointments within the hour. Before she got ready to leave again, she called Alexi on his cell phone, but ended up leaving a message, as he was indisposed. She had gone back and forth between making this decision on her own, and waiting to talk to him about it, but ended up convincing herself he wouldn't mind. And, if she was totally off the mark there, she was pretty sure she could convince him otherwise.
Changing clothes, Shay pulled her hair into a ponytail, and threw on jeans, a sweatshirt, and some clogs. It never occurred to her that she wouldn't come home with a dog. She had decided she wanted one, and she was going now to get one. Dressing in something a bit on the casual side, she didn't want to worry about anything she might get dog hair on, or anything that might make her feel too uncomfortable getting down on the ground with the pup. She expected the right dog for her would immediately establish a rapport, but to do that would require getting down on their level.
On her way to the door, she made a quick detour back to the office, and picked up everything off the floor, and within range of where a small puppy might have access. This was where the animal would be living until it got trained, and she didn't want to go to all this trouble and wind up having an accident.
And then she was off, yet again.
Shay
18 years ago
Shay
18 years ago
"Funny puppy." Shay said a bit sarcastically. The minute she walked in the door of the condo, and set the cage down to release Russ from his prison, she promptly walked over to the easy chair that Alexi sat in most often, and peed on the bottom of it.
"You are so not going to win over your master that way."
She guessed maybe Russ had smelled something different from Shay's scent, and was attempting to cover it up...or he also might have just been marking the house as his, but in either case it was not an auspicious beginning to their relationship.
Calmly walking over and picking Russ up, she held him up to eye level and spoke firmly but slowly.
"Bad boy! You do NOT pee in the house, for any reason."
She then took him back outside and put him down on the tiny spot of grass just off the patio.
"There...there is where you pee my boy, though I'm sure there's nothing left inside you now." It was imperative that she be firm with the pup, but seeing the way he looked up at her, all innocent and cute, made it very difficult.
Since the wall around the patio was too high for him to be able to jump, it would be a good place to leave him to play for a bit. She had to get his 'room' set up, and didn't want him underfoot, or wandering around getting into things. She would make a sweep of the place to check for wires, and other attractive nuisances, as soon as she got everything else ready.
Seeing that the puppy was thoroughly engrossed in exploring the new surroundings, she closed the door and went about her other duties.
"You are so not going to win over your master that way."
She guessed maybe Russ had smelled something different from Shay's scent, and was attempting to cover it up...or he also might have just been marking the house as his, but in either case it was not an auspicious beginning to their relationship.
Calmly walking over and picking Russ up, she held him up to eye level and spoke firmly but slowly.
"Bad boy! You do NOT pee in the house, for any reason."
She then took him back outside and put him down on the tiny spot of grass just off the patio.
"There...there is where you pee my boy, though I'm sure there's nothing left inside you now." It was imperative that she be firm with the pup, but seeing the way he looked up at her, all innocent and cute, made it very difficult.
Since the wall around the patio was too high for him to be able to jump, it would be a good place to leave him to play for a bit. She had to get his 'room' set up, and didn't want him underfoot, or wandering around getting into things. She would make a sweep of the place to check for wires, and other attractive nuisances, as soon as she got everything else ready.
Seeing that the puppy was thoroughly engrossed in exploring the new surroundings, she closed the door and went about her other duties.
Shay
18 years ago
When she felt the den had been 'puppy-proofed' to her satisfaction, she went out and picked Russ up. He had apparently explored to his heart's content, and was now scratching at the door, whining softly. The minute she held him close he began trying to burrow against her, sending Shay into a soft fit of giggles.
"What's the matter with you little boy? You miss your soft, skishy puppy siblings? Awwww..."
Lifting him up so he was now licking and nuzzling her neck, Shay laughed. "You really are a lot like your master, aren't you? Well, let's introduce you to your new room." Petting and holding him firmly against her, Shay walked to the den, closed the door, and sat down on the floor. She then released him to scamper about, seemingly liking the warmth of the house over the increasingly cool air outside.
After watching him play for several minutes, and then seeing his movements become slower, Shay decided he was probably ready to sleep, and got up to turn off the light. Aside from the slight glow of an old night light that had been plugged into the socket under her desk, the room was pretty dark. Pulling the bean bag chair out, Shay sat back down on the floor, and called to Russ.
"Come here Russ...come here boy. Let's put you in your carrier to sleep." Fortunately she didn't need to call long before she had a slightly less squirmy pup in her lap. Cuddling him for a few seconds she felt around till her hand hit the carrier, and she promptly put him in, and closed the wire door. Curling around the cage, while reclining onto the bean bag, on her side, Shay thought the first night might go smoother for the little guy if he could continue to smell her near. She also hoped he would fall asleep quickly, and she could leave to sleep in her own bed then. Hopefully Alexi would be home soon, though she doubted she'd have time to tell him about the dog before evening.
Russ was fairly accommodating, and kept his whimpering to a minimum for about fifteen minutes. Shay wasn't able to hold out though, and fell asleep almost right after.
Sometime later the sound of yipping woke her, and she groaned when her muscles protested the whole 'sleeping on the floor, curled on a bean bag chair' event. Thinking Russ must need to go out, Shay sat up quickly and groaned even more loudly as a strong ache hit her right between the shoulder blades.
"Sonuvabitch!" She cried out, much more loudly than she had meant to, sending Russ into even louder barking.
Opening the cage door, she reached in and took him by the fluffy scruff of his neck, pulling him out and into her arms.
"Ok, ok, ok! I'm moving as fast as I can." And even still pretty groggy, Shay managed to get him outside and onto the grass before there were any accidents.
Plopping down on the chaise, she could see the sun peaking through the trees as it was on the rise for the day. Yawning, and pulling her legs up on the chaise, she looked at the puppy. He hadn't done his 'business' yet, because he was more interested in chasing a little milkweed moth as it flitted across the grass.
Shay laughed.
"Well, I can't say you have your master's talent for hunting, but maybe that will improve. In the mean time mister...I think you'd better take care of your morning pee."
She laughed again when he stopped and looked at her with a cocked head. He really seemed to be telling her that he didn't appreciate her lack of faith in his abilities, but when all she did was laugh he turned, walked over to the corner of the yard, and peed against the wall.
"Yay! Russ! Good Boy!!!" Shay bounced up off the chaise and ran over to pick up the pup, snuggling against his soft puppy fur, and cooing her delight. "Keep that up and Alexi will have no call at all to not like you!"
When a shiver ran through her, Shay knew she had to shower and change clothes, as well as get something to eat. Having skipped dinner earlier, her stomach was growling fiercely. She also had to make a run to the store and pick up some milk and puppy food. Cora had given her some, but had been running low herself, so Shay had only taken a very small amount.
Another perk in getting a dog was that it would give Shay someone to run with on a regular basis. Of course it would be a while before Russ' little legs grew long enough so he could keep up with her, and for now she would need to carry him most of the way. But since he was so small, it wouldn't hamper her at all.
Feeling pretty sure he would have no accidents, she put him back into his room, and then went about getting herself ready to face the day. She was a little surprised to see Alexi hadn't made it home again, but couldn't spend too much time being concerned. She was lucky that type of thing didn't happen but a couple nights a week, and she wasn't seeing any real pattern yet.
When she was clean and clothed again, she grabbed Russ, her keys, cel phone, and cash, and took off at a slow jog up the street towards the convenience store.
(Shay out and to the convenience store.)
"What's the matter with you little boy? You miss your soft, skishy puppy siblings? Awwww..."
Lifting him up so he was now licking and nuzzling her neck, Shay laughed. "You really are a lot like your master, aren't you? Well, let's introduce you to your new room." Petting and holding him firmly against her, Shay walked to the den, closed the door, and sat down on the floor. She then released him to scamper about, seemingly liking the warmth of the house over the increasingly cool air outside.
After watching him play for several minutes, and then seeing his movements become slower, Shay decided he was probably ready to sleep, and got up to turn off the light. Aside from the slight glow of an old night light that had been plugged into the socket under her desk, the room was pretty dark. Pulling the bean bag chair out, Shay sat back down on the floor, and called to Russ.
"Come here Russ...come here boy. Let's put you in your carrier to sleep." Fortunately she didn't need to call long before she had a slightly less squirmy pup in her lap. Cuddling him for a few seconds she felt around till her hand hit the carrier, and she promptly put him in, and closed the wire door. Curling around the cage, while reclining onto the bean bag, on her side, Shay thought the first night might go smoother for the little guy if he could continue to smell her near. She also hoped he would fall asleep quickly, and she could leave to sleep in her own bed then. Hopefully Alexi would be home soon, though she doubted she'd have time to tell him about the dog before evening.
Russ was fairly accommodating, and kept his whimpering to a minimum for about fifteen minutes. Shay wasn't able to hold out though, and fell asleep almost right after.
Sometime later the sound of yipping woke her, and she groaned when her muscles protested the whole 'sleeping on the floor, curled on a bean bag chair' event. Thinking Russ must need to go out, Shay sat up quickly and groaned even more loudly as a strong ache hit her right between the shoulder blades.
"Sonuvabitch!" She cried out, much more loudly than she had meant to, sending Russ into even louder barking.
Opening the cage door, she reached in and took him by the fluffy scruff of his neck, pulling him out and into her arms.
"Ok, ok, ok! I'm moving as fast as I can." And even still pretty groggy, Shay managed to get him outside and onto the grass before there were any accidents.
Plopping down on the chaise, she could see the sun peaking through the trees as it was on the rise for the day. Yawning, and pulling her legs up on the chaise, she looked at the puppy. He hadn't done his 'business' yet, because he was more interested in chasing a little milkweed moth as it flitted across the grass.
Shay laughed.
"Well, I can't say you have your master's talent for hunting, but maybe that will improve. In the mean time mister...I think you'd better take care of your morning pee."
She laughed again when he stopped and looked at her with a cocked head. He really seemed to be telling her that he didn't appreciate her lack of faith in his abilities, but when all she did was laugh he turned, walked over to the corner of the yard, and peed against the wall.
"Yay! Russ! Good Boy!!!" Shay bounced up off the chaise and ran over to pick up the pup, snuggling against his soft puppy fur, and cooing her delight. "Keep that up and Alexi will have no call at all to not like you!"
When a shiver ran through her, Shay knew she had to shower and change clothes, as well as get something to eat. Having skipped dinner earlier, her stomach was growling fiercely. She also had to make a run to the store and pick up some milk and puppy food. Cora had given her some, but had been running low herself, so Shay had only taken a very small amount.
Another perk in getting a dog was that it would give Shay someone to run with on a regular basis. Of course it would be a while before Russ' little legs grew long enough so he could keep up with her, and for now she would need to carry him most of the way. But since he was so small, it wouldn't hamper her at all.
Feeling pretty sure he would have no accidents, she put him back into his room, and then went about getting herself ready to face the day. She was a little surprised to see Alexi hadn't made it home again, but couldn't spend too much time being concerned. She was lucky that type of thing didn't happen but a couple nights a week, and she wasn't seeing any real pattern yet.
When she was clean and clothed again, she grabbed Russ, her keys, cel phone, and cash, and took off at a slow jog up the street towards the convenience store.
(Shay out and to the convenience store.)