I remember the day like it was yesterday. I went to the shelter looking for a shepherd/lab mix and the owner of Animal Adoption Agency, Marilyn, told me she didn't have any dogs that met that description, but she did have an adorable black lab puppy who was just returned because the girl who took him had to return him because her landlord didn't allow dogs.
Well, I knew my landlord didn't allow dogs either
, but I also knew I wouldn't be renting for ever and I decided to drive over and take the puppy for a walk to see how that went.
When I arrived at the shelter, Marilyn met me on the front porch with a little 31/2 month old black lab mix whose eyes were practically closed, who looked like he got into
at least a dozen alley fights and who was so scared he pooped and peed when we saw me walking up the stairs towards him.
With a bit of nervousness and uncertainty on b
oth our parts, Marilyn handed me his leash and off we went. He was so skinny when he walked you could see his ribs moving side to side and the way he walked was like a horse (both front/back right legs touched the pavement then left then right). It was adorable but his tail was still firmly between his legs and he did not feel comfortable at all which of course made me uncomfortable. He jumped at every noise and was not at all interested in exploring until we turned the corner.
I bent down and look at his big brown eyes and saw that this was a great, beautiful dog who was abused and who needed love and companionship (and a bath!).
We walked back to the shelter and she assumed because of the way our first meeting started I'd want to return him. I told her I did but only until I could get a cage set up at home because I was taking this poor shelter dog and giving him a new home.
She was thrilled. He pooped again and I was wondering if this was the right decision. In hindsight, I had absolutely no idea of the responsibilities and commitment that ensued, but that afternoon in June of 1995, I brought home my new black lab puppy named Norman. The girl who returned him gave him that name and I knew it was perfect and kept it.
Almost fourteen years later and with profound sadness I am mourning the loss of my boy, Norman. I had to put him to sleep on Saturday because his legs wouldn't carry his body any longer. We were able to keep the pre-cancerous liver growth at bay with the help of our vet, and managed for the most part to keep his weight down (because he was a mix he only weighed 75 pounds). We tried to get him to stand again, but he just couldn't and I knew there was no option except to put him out of his misery.
I will miss you Norman. You were my best friend and I love you and miss you so much.
