By Ashlie Miller
This week marked our family dog’s “Gotcha Day,” the day when we adopted our pup a few years ago. Unlike many families today, my friends and I mostly grew up with outdoor dogs – those hearty, full-of-energy guardians of the yard and outdoor playmates. When my husband and I decided it was time for our family to have a furry pet (as opposed to the small, scaly aquatic variety), we knew it could only be a dog and an outdoor one at that. Allergies and preferences helped make that decision, along with the thoughtful input of a veterinary friend.
It was instant puppy-love at first sight when we took our children to the animal shelter. The pup, however, wasn’t too sure about the 5 larger-than-life personalities surrounding him.
Although I am not a huge animal lover in general, this little critter won me over pretty easily – floppy ears, a timid but lovable disposition, and amber eyes filled with story and personality.
Bruno was decidedly his name. My suggestion won the vote over the 5 kids’ list of names like Pluto, Biscuit, Cinnamon Biscuit, and Butter. You know, names small children with no experience naming dogs would choose.
Once he adjusted to his new surroundings, the hound in him began to show itself with loud baying at various times of the day or night. Sometimes it was over something you’d expect – a chipmunk caught in the drainpipe; a raccoon up in a tree; possums maneuvering; a deer nibbling on the neighbors’ flowers. At other times, he could be going nuts over a frog, a cicada, or a bumblebee.
The children are convinced that Bruno is most endeared to me because I occasionally make chicken broth as a special treat. The reader should know he may not have a discerning palate, but I won’t go into detail about what we usually see him eating every day in the backyard.
He has been a loyal companion, accepting warm embraces or showers of tiny tears from those broken-hearted over the ills of this world (like being misunderstood by siblings). He, too, expresses hurt feelings over not being included in car rides, casually waiting at the top of the yard with his back turned in great offense, but then switching to a wagging tail signaling forgiveness once we enter his domain.
At times you will hear someone express frustration over Bruno destroying a toy or snatching a sock that shouldn’t have been left accessible. Once, he managed to sneak into the house and counter-surf his way to a pan of brownies, only to be caught red-pawed by one son, who then had to help him expel his ill-gotten dessert to keep him safe. Occasionally, there are impromptu seek-and-finds when he darts and dashes beyond his boundaries. At times, it’s enough to make us question our decision to own a dog.
But usually, those questions are drowned out by laughter and squeals of delight bouncing across the yard as the kids play with their backyard pal. In extreme seasons, he enjoys indoor visits with plenty of doting. There are lots of “What a good boy!” when he protects the yard from menacing creatures, and peaceful gatherings on cooler nights around the fire pit as our hound nuzzles his way in.
Lessons of unconditional love, patience, and even forgiveness. Moments of temporary sorrow and sympathy when he is suffering. He has taught us lessons that are sometimes best learned through having a pet while growing up. He’s a good boy.
Ashlie Miller makes broth for Bruno in Concord, NC. You can send “Gotcha Day” messages to mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com, because Bruno isn’t on social media.
