Here comes Ernie
As the year ends and 2015 is about to begin another animal has taken up residence at my Shack.
It’s Ernie the pooch.
He arrived with an orphans background.
About six months ago my daughter Hannah was driving south of Miami through the Homestead area. She noticed three stray dogs wandering the street. Always concerned with dog welfare she stopped and called to them. Only one responded and came toward her. He didn’t know how lucky he was because she decided to find a home for him as she has done many times before. You can call her a one-woman dog adoption agency.
It is accurate to say that every dog she places is most-likely one less killed by the local pound.
This camel-hair colored pure American breed either ran away from home or was abandoned. Where he was found is reportedly known to be an open door and let-em-out area. He looked healthy, well fed, but had no tag or I.D. chip. His disposition was friendly.
After trips to the vet, shots, and licensing she kept Ernie for six months; I recently agreed to become this one and a half year olds permanent handler. Notice I didn’t write owner, since dog lovers know who really runs the show.
And he is a wonderful animal: friendly, patient, no tantrums or chewing window sills, nor rifling through the garbage pail.
But he does have one serious weakness: he loves belly and chin rubs. And he always reciprocates with big tail-wagging smooches.
It is hard to believe that someone would abandon him. But I know of a case in Houston where a family had to give up their much loved dog solely because the single Mom couldn’t afford the apartment’s pet fees.
So Ernie is now a country dog. He has embarked on a major change from big-city apartment living. I’ll be chronicling his progress here at desktodirt and am sure that the experiences will be fun and entertaining to read about.
Welcome Ernie, here comes 2015. Your new “Dirt” life has begun!
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While writing this article I have taken breaks to walk and feed Ernie. And wouldn’t you know that last evening a first notable event already took place. Under a cloudy, partially moon lit night the canine’s nose all but bumped into a cotton-tailed rabbit out in the field. At first sniff he jerked on the leash, I held tight, and he strained to begin the chase. I unintentionally contributed to his frustration by following the rabbit with my flashlight as it ran through the neighbor’s wire fence.
Ernie continued to pull strongly and squeal even after the bunny was out of sight. Sorry Pal, but if it wasn’t for the leash you might have been lost to your instincts. But you get an attaboy for effort, tenacity, and of course that the nose knows.
The next anticipated introduction involves the neighbor’s goats and cows. So far they have only spied each other from a distance. A little dog meeting a big cow should produce a much different reaction.