And along came Tuck!

Greetings and silly smiles All !,

Well it has been a busy couple of weeks for the Parents, searching online for a  suitable rescue companion for me and searching Shelters...

Last weekend they went to Peggy Adams as saw on their website a couple of six month old pups that seemed hopeful...

They had read out the descriptions to me and when they left I felt excited at having a pup around to help bring up and have for company.

This was their 2nd visit to this shelter, unfortunately the dog they went to  see was not suitable for  us. So paws crossed for this time..

This is how their visit went :

They drove to West Palm Beach and after parking, walked through the kennels seeing how the various occupants acted.

They saw the 2 pups and put them down on a 2nd meeting list though had reservations about 1 who was terribly nervous and would not make eye contact with  them at all.

Then to kill time before they could go through to main hall and book in to see an adopter consultant they walked through again looking at the adult dogs.... Some were lovely but not right for me so they were not added to    the   list... Dad chatted to all of them as he passed and most of them responded by stopping barking or jumping up to be petted.

A cute Beagle rolled over wanting his belly rubbed, a pitbull wanted her ears fondled. A large white American bulldog immediately sat down when Dad commanded and waited for his next instruction!

All gorgeous dogs but not right for me to bond with.

One... a huge black lab x did not stop barking however and sounded like a vicious guard dog!

"That's a No!" laughed Dad to Mom as they moved on to the next kennel.

Finally they went in and after a long wait met with an adopter consultant and showed her   our   preferences and described me and my temperament so as to find the best match.

They had the 2 pups brought to the office for a one on one meet... Sadly one had been returned to the shelter as was a non stop barker... this was no good where we live. The 2nd pup was the nervous one and again she did not make eye contact and was too nervous for us. We were simply the wrong people for these particular dogs.

Then the consultant asked if they would consider meeting Tucker.  He was so laid back amongst other dogs they could jump on him and he would not retaliate. That was a huge selling point given my bossiness!

Then Mom remembered that she had seen a video of Tucker on the website    loose with other dogs who he ignored even when they launched themselves at him... It was at that point Dad and she       twigged that Tucker was the huge black lab x that barked at Dad and had been deemed a NO !

The girl laughed and said although he was a bit of a jerk in the kennel he was the softest natured dog and so they agreed to meet him.

They were bowled over by the sheer size of him! Then by his gentleness in taking treats from their hands and his friendly but respectful greeting.

He had been rescued weighing a pitiful 35lbs and almost bald.... they had got him back up to 60lbs and his hair was almost grown back.. a bit sparse in places but growing. He needed more weight put on him as should be around 100lbs. He was so gentle though. Mom and Dad spent some time with him and noted how he ignored other dogs walking past and just waited in office with them placidly. Another selling point was that he was house trained apparently... However just after the consultant told them this , she left the room for a few minutes and Tucker immediately cocked his leg over the waste paper bin much to Dads amusement!

Mom and Dad had a chat and decided that Tucker was the right dog for us even though he was 8 years old and not a puppy his lack of Alpha tendencies and his being a sensible senior won them over.

Dad took Tucker out to the shop to get him fitted for a collar while Mom finished the paperwork. She then stepped out of the office to find a huge pool of pee being mopped up.... "Tucker' confirmed Dad..... Oh Boy !!

Tucker jumped into our truck with delight and peered through the windows happily for the journey home.

Dad came and collected me from our house and put me on a lead for a walk and imagine my surprise at finding Mom holding a huge black dog on a lead.. we gave each other a quick sniff then set off on a walk together, ambling along contentedly I did wonder where they had got him from and who he belonged to but hey a walk is a walk!

When we got back to our porch Spook was peering out.... Tucker walked up and peered at him then at Mom as if to say " Cool..I see you have a cat!' then walked off sniffing round the grille.

It was as Dad led both Tucker and I into our house that the penny dropped....

My mouth opened and closed as I tried to find the words..... finally.." A puppy.. you said a puppy! Instead you bring me a small pony!  Father.. I need to explain to you what a puppy is!!

Then as Tucker waited politely for me to sit in my chosen spot by Dad before sitting down by the sofa I realised that he was not going to challenge me for Alpha... he was happy to let me be Queen Bee..... hmm... this may just work after all.... and just think... no having to potty train a puppy!

What do you mean Tucker wee'ed over a garbish bin!!!   Oh Boy....!

Much love and Waggles

Ellie xx