That's what I told my girlfriend when we started dating. Maybe asshole isn't the correct word. I'm a curmudgeon. I'm cynical. I'm stubborn as a mule. And I'm set in my ways. I'm not easily moved emotionally (Or maybe I just don't express it). Excitement is just a half a notch up from bored for me. I don't like change. And I HATE pets and small children.
So you could imagine the reaction I got from friends and family when I bought a 2-month-old Boston Terrier in the spring of 2010. This cataclysmic change happened for a number of reasons. First of all, my MCP brother Pete and I had been discussing getting a dog for about a year previous. It seemed like an alright thing to do at the time. And if I set my mind to doing something I sure as hell make it happen. Another reason was at the time I needed a buddy that would stand by me and remain as true blue as I.
The actual act of getting the dog came to me by fate more than anything. I knew I wanted a male Boston Terrier. I wanted to buy from a breeder rather than rescue one from a shelter. I wanted to raise the dog from a pup so that I could experience all the trials and tribulations that came along with it. I want to know that the final result (negative or positive) has to do with the choices I made as a "father".
Some time had passed and my MCP sister Christy asked when I was going to get a dog. I told her I wasn't ready yet. Her wise words are the same words you hear when people talk about having children- "If you are waiting for the right time, it will never be the right time. You just have to do it." I'm sure I completely butchered the saying in my paraphrase, but you get the idea.
Shortly after, I was at a BBQ celebrating the matrimony between two of my closest friends. A discussion broke out pertaining to dogs and I mentioned wanting to buy a Boston Terrier. Someone in the group chimed in saying "My boss is going to pick up one on Thursday". In further discussions, I found out that the breeder was only a couple hours away (which is much closer than the breeder I was looking at 13 hours away), the price was right and the dog fit my specifications to a "T". Out of the liter, they had ONE Boston left and it was a male.
Short story long, I drove up and picked up Cash (named after the "man in black" not the "notes in green"). Not only was he what I wanted, but he was healthy and had perfect Boston markings. We've been side by side now for almost a year. Even though he has his "puppy" moments, he is a good kid. Surprisingly, I've grown to love him more than anything or anyone else in my life.
That may be harsh to say having siblings, two living parents, the MCP crew and my selfless girlfriend who never ceases to amaze me. But there is a love that grows from raising a living creature. Cash is alive because I feed him and take care of him. Now I know what unconditional love is. So last night, when I dreamt that Cash got his throat ripped out by a mountain lion and I held him in a pool of blood, you can understand why I cried.
I still hate dogs and small children. But damn it, my dog is the best.
Copyright 2011 Gris Grimly
awh, that is sweet. That is a really cool name for a dog, I do love some Johnny Cash. You should post some pics of your awesome dog, and your girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteHaving recently lost my first furry friend that I felt a deep connection and bond only just last week, I have now realized 2 things:
ReplyDeleteThere is no other perfect love that I have ever felt EVER.
It is extremely painful to lose that connection and love. It feels as though someone cut off my left arm. Permanently.
In the end, the love we get is equal to the love we give...giving and inviting unconditional love into our hearts means we have the potential to get it in kind...and that potential is what enhances life, relationships, everything.
Kudos to you and to Cash...he's one lucky dog.
Will there be Photos of Cash?
ReplyDeleteCongrats on having an dog....
Unconditional Love from an furry one is the truest love ever.
And this is why I still mourn the loss of my furry kid two years ago... unconditional love.
ReplyDeleteJust don't get Cash a MCP crew tattoo. ;)
I think animals are the only living beings that may like me, with my mum as an exception.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you Gris! You are lucky to have each other. And i second your opinion on small children...haha.
I always said the same about children until I had one, then two. Finally I realized that I just didn't like other peoples kids. My kids are rad!
ReplyDeleteRescues are the best tho
ReplyDeleteYEAHHHHHHHHH!!!! That was awesome.
ReplyDeletepretty much sums up how I feel about my boston (oliver), and small children. however, I give all dogs a free pass, as long as they don't mess with my baby.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I don't know if you are planning on having kids one day but I imagine that you will still be saying the same thing. " I still hate dogs and small children, but my kids are cool. "
ReplyDeleteI liked your article, I will share your article to everyone!!
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