Save a life... Adopt
I thought I would take some time and tell the story about my new friend. On Dec. 23rd, Holly and I decided to hit up the local shelters to see what may be out there. I have been looking around for a dog for a few months, but I wanted to make the right decision before jumping into something. First, we checked online, hoping to find something that would be a good match to what would work for my lifestyle. We came across a flat-coat black retriever named “Knight” at the Charlotte-Meck. County Animal Shelter. So, we jumped in the car, set the GPS to the right address, and off we went. Well, when we first got there, it appeared to be busy. We strolled back to the adoptive kennels and opened the door. We were greeted by a wonderful lady who asked questions and answered a few. Then we turned around and proceeded to visit with the dogs in the kennels. In the second kennel on the right, #A2R, there stood “Knight” at first glance. He was everything anyone could ask for. Big block retriever head, brown eyes, floppy ears, and a shiny black coat. At the first meeting, he was very vocal, but we soon learned it was because he wanted a cookie from the shelter lady. We walked all the way down the long aisle mingling with all the dogs in the kennel, but something about “Knight” drew both of us in. So, we decided to write down his info and have a formal meeting with the dog one on one. Waiting for them to bring him to the meeting room, we soon learned Knight’s health and history. They told us, besides some tender areas on his elbows, that he was in excellent shape and up to date with his shots, etc. He came already neutered, chipped, and started on heartworm meds. They also told us that he was a returned dog. What that meant was that in October, a family took him home, but because he was a lil bit too aggressive with their existing dog, they were forced to bring him back. Of course, this broke Holly, and I’s hearts, and we certainly felt for the lil man.
Upon his first official meeting, he was exuberant and playful. There was a leftover ball in the room that he couldn’t get enough of. After about 30 – 35 mins of playing with him, we were both hooked. I couldn’t let them take him back and put him back in that cold kennel for one more min. I walked up to the counter and started the adoption process. All in all, it was a very smooth, easy process, and the Charlotte-Meck. County Animal Shelter employees were very helpful. After all, it was said and done; officially, Knight was mine.
It has been about 72 hours, and with the exception of him still being a puppy, he is a great dog. Once I can train him to follow some simple commands, there is no doubt he will be amazing! He loves to play catch, sometimes for hours on end. He loves his lil stuffed ducks and his tennis balls. He has to be around me 24/7 and is extremely affectionate. When we go for long walks, he waits to do his business until we get home which I thought could be a problem, but I believe he was trained that way. He also doesn’t chase cars, people, or other dogs/cats. He only barks when he needs something or wants to go outside to play catch.
I am renaming him to something else because he doesn’t respond to Knight. I was thinking either “Cash” or “Willis.” I think I am swaying toward “Cash”
Well, I plan on writing a whole lot more about this lil man over the course of his life and exactly how much of a blessing he is in my life. Stay tuned…
