Archive: Opinions

Life is full of surprises. These surprises often appear when you are most vulnerable, needy, and least prepared. As some readers may know, my Grandmother died in June at the age of 97. Her death was a bit of a surprise as she had not shown any visible signs or symptoms that she was dying. She simply wore out the body she was given. Her heart had reached the limit of its operational life.

While my family and I were trying to balance all the needs and surprises that caring for a loved one entails, we received a phone call from a friend. Our friend had been talking with an individual who needed to find a home for his 11 year old yellow lab. Circumstances had changed in his life, and after much deliberation, he realized that the dog could no longer be a part of his future, and needed to find a "good home" for his dog.

My family had wanted to own a dog. We discussed all the positive attributes that a dog brings to a home within days of its arrival-unconditional love, devotion, obedience-the very traits you wish your children would acquire but somehow remains a lifelong struggle. After lengthy discussions, we had decided a dog would be a part of our family sometime in the future.

As expected, the owner described the dog as a loveable, yellow lab with a few minor health problems. These included an arthritic hip, some deafness, and other maladies associated with the breed. The owner assured us that we would fall in love with his dog the minute we met him.

"Buddy" the yellow lab came to our home for a trial visit. Like any newcomer, Buddy was shy at first. His shyness soon melted away as he followed us around the house exploring every inch of floor and carpet. He barked at the cat which made me grin, but prompted a very stern, "No Buddy," from my wife. The dog dropped his head in shame, walked up to my wife with a face filled with remorse and sat at her feet with a new facial expression that said, "Okay, pet me and give me a cookie because I am an obedient dog."

We looked into his so ever lovable face, hugged him like we would a relative that we had not seen in many years, and gave him a cookie. Within minutes we had fallen in love with this old dog, and within that same period of time he had trained us to pet him, rub his belly, and speak to him as if he were Lassie, Benji, and Old Yeller all rolled up into one amazing dog. It was game over. The fat lady had sung. Buddy had a new home.

Buddy is a part of our family. He travels with us for overnight visits to my parents in Endicott and for longer stays with my mother-in-law in Connecticut. He is ever obedient, most of the time. He listens to our commands about 92% of the time. And he knows nothing but unconditional love even after we explain to him that it is not a good idea to pick used tissues from the garbage can and eat them like doggie treats.

Surprises change our lives in so many ways. If we went according to our plans, we would have adopted a dog by 2012. Buddy is our surprise, and has changed our lives in ways unimaginable. He brings joy, delight, frustration and an abundance of love to our home. Everyone needs a Buddy in their life. I hope you get a Buddy soon. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And that is to the Point.

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