Elvis is in the building

Annie

Warning: the following post is intended for dog lovers only

It’s been nearly three years since we lost the best dog we ever had, a lovely lab boxer mix named Annie. Annie was Katie’s dog; the two grew up together. When Katie moved out to begin her grown up life at USC in the fall of 2002, Annie and I became inseparable. We adopted each other as we adjusted to life without Katie. When my vet diagnosed Annie with bone cancer in August 2007, I was devastated. I stopped my life as it were to care for her 24-7. She lived a couple of months, and I don’t regret one minute of our last days together. When the time came that her life had deteriorated to such a point she couldn’t stay with me anymore (she could no longer keep food down), I made the dreaded call to Doctor Brewer, who came out later that day and helped Annie over the Rainbow Bridge.

Some six months later, when I had our boxers in for their check-ups, Doctor Brewer noted I hadn’t filled Annie’s spot on the Kirchberg roster yet. I said I didn’t think I ever could. She gave me a hug and said, “You’ll know when it’s time.” We had similar exchanges over the next couple of years.

Doctor Brewer was right, of course. About three months ago, I realized it was time and began my search for the potential new member, scouring websites of local and national shelters and rescue groups. I printed out dozens of possibilities, but the pup I wound up with was one I met face-to-face at one of Petsmart’s weekend adoptions. I had pretty much decided I was going to get a small dog. By small, I was thinking 15 to 20 pounds. I’m in my 50s now, and while I love our boxers more than words can say, I’m just not physically able to handle another dog that size. 

But dog people know when a match is right. Such was the case for me and Elvis. The minute I saw this cute little basset hound dachshund mix, I knew he was the one. And that was before I learned his name was Elvis. He walked great on a lease, sat on command, and dished out numerous kisses. Still, at a year old and 35 pounds (what if he gets bigger still?), he didn’t fit my criteria. I left without taking him home.

Little Elvis

The next day I remarked to Julia that I’d come across a hound dog named Elvis, but that he was too big. She responded, “You didn’t adopt a dog named Elvis? Are you insane?” Another friend responded with a similar message, albeit a bit more subtle. (Katie, incidentally, just thought I was insane period. Another dog, Mom? Really?) Okay, so the writing was on the wall. I called the lady who runs the rescue (Barbara Henry, For The Sake of Dogs) a few days later and told her I wanted to adopt Elvis. We brought him home Saturday.

I know Katie has my best interests at heart. She knows how important my writing is and sees another dog as another commitment. She’s right. But it’s a commitment I’m willing to make. Dogs always give back way more than they take. They are truly best friends for life. And there are so very many who have been abandoned at shelters or left to fend for themselves on the streets. So many who need homes. Someone to love and care for them. So I do what I can. In this case, it’s filling Annie’s spot. If I listen very closely, I can hear her barking her approval from over that Rainbow Bridge. Sweet dreams my dear, until we meet again.