We had always wanted a canine member in our tiny family but mom would not have it... Ever! Much to our chagrin, she maintained a very strong opinion of 'either me or the dog' for years.
Conversations surrounding pets always ended with mom saying, 'I have two of my own. Why would I need a third?' Or 'gift me a collar and tie me up with a leash!' 'Who will clean susu and potty?' The last one had, for most of the time, stumped my sister and I. We did want a pet but never considered it would poop and pee too.
So anyways, years went on and so did our pleading. My cousins got their fair (or more than fair share) of pets and we got nothing but occasional visits. Somewhere it was killing us but mom had a point. We lacked commitment and how!
But 'getting a canine pal home' dominated most of our conversations. My sister and I don't have much in common but a dog (shoes too) topped the list.
Would we bring home an Alsatian or pug? Or would it be a stray looking for a home? So many questions. But only mom could give us an answer. In the meantime, we talked about dogs more at dinner, petted every furry friend who came by, and cooed over every pet we met.
A miracle happened the year I decided to get married. Mom agreed to have a pet. Well, about eight months later Bolt, our shiny black Labrador came home.
Now you must know, we wanted pets but had never lived with one 24/7. So while we had read tons of stuff, taken advice nothing had prepared us for the complete riot Bolt is! Yes, we had nips and bites thrown at us, stuff chewed. Shoes ruined. Home smelled like a toilet. In short, everything was disarray!
With mom, well she was living her nightmare. Bolt was so unpredictable that the poor lady never took off her shoes. She wore trousers in the house and was super alert always. This continued for about 6 months. But Bolt won my mom over.
She is absolutely smitten by him and he adores her. They even have their own code words and games. Funny thing is Bolt feels that my folks are first his parents (property) so I have to be very careful of what I do.
But you know... They are a happier family now. Bolt beats the stress out of them. They look forward to going home because Bolt is waiting for them.
Lucky for us Bolt is 100% potty trained and like a gentleman barks when he had to use the loo. He made dad go out for long walks and generally ensures there is never a dull moment.
Funnily now, my mom introduces herself as 'I am Bolt's mommy...' I guess I couldn't have asked for more.
