When we decided it was time to put down my first Wheaten, Alf, I told everyone who knew me and cared, that I didn't want to talk about it. Alf was obviously much more to me than a dog or pet. We had a memorial service for him, scattering his ashes in our yard, and friends and family brought mementos etc., but other than that, I just needed some space. I still prefer not to speak about it for much the same reason I avoid all animal-centric movies, books, tv shows. I can easily make myself cry, why would I go out of my way or pay $$$ to do it?
Anyways, despite the death of Alf which at the age of 17 was no surprise, I still knew I would have another wheaten. I was in no hurry, but I was definitely going to want one down the road, whenever that happened to be. It was always in the back of my mind - is this apartment dog friendly, etc. When I bought a car I bought a car that I knew would be great for carrying dogs and dog supplies to and fro. Antisocial me would stop complete strangers and demand facts, history, names and personalities from kindred Wheaten owners.
And, as everyone knows, when I agreed to relocated to San Diego it came with one irrefutable stipulation: I would get a dog.
Now, after months and months of practicing with the rescues, we finally have our very own, perfect, wheaten. He's a perfect fit in our family and even his teethy craziness is charming (sorta).
I discovered that exercise pens are great at containing animals, but also containing humans FROM animals. It's sort of cozy, here in my Midwestern Excercise Pen size 36".
I could watch Zoil sleep all day and run around chomping at the air all night. He's so eager to do good, and so proud of his every achievement. But for all of his using my limbs as his chew toys and his compulsion to be wherever I am cleaning something, he won't be this young for long and I have to remember to savour every minute of it.
