Big Poppa and Little Boy

I'd heard the cavernous bark, a few times. I knew he'd be big. The last time I had heard a sound that gigantic, engulfing the air around me, I'd been watching the movie blockbuster, Jurassic Park. 'He' was simply saying “Hello”. Someday, we would meet. I just knew.

He was my next door neighbour, the giant furry son of a lovely couple and brother to their daughter. A few months after the family moved in, we went over to welcome our 'neighbours' to the area. On that day, the big boy was out and about, as dogs generally are, on their property, in the country. There were trees and bushes between us and different types of special fencing keeping him there. (He had rules. We all do.) But today we were visiting or trespassing, not sure which, according to him, when the bounder came out of nowhere for a closer look. He galloped towards me in all his youthful canine exuberance. (Once upon a time, we were parents to a giant retriever, weighing in at 125. But Big Poppa was over 200, I learned, in short order.) Nearby, the family's pick-up truck stopped the plunge that was about to happen as 'puppy' jumped to greet me, using both front paws as leverage. I almost laughed but stopped, knowing he would think it was O.K. to do things like that. It wasn't, of course, but he was a happy boy, trained well, by his mom and dad, to be polite. And he was. In a moment of genuine hospitality, he had pounced upon me, to say hello. Had pheromones played a part in this sudden dance of the two species? I did not know. I was amused. He was adorable. That was all there was to that.

As time passed we got to know this gentle bear whenever we walked over to visit 'mom' or 'dad' or when my husband babysat him. One day, we learned Big Poppa was to get a baby brother - just like him. Wow. Two of them, side by side, one for each of us. Then 'Little Boy' arrived, a moment of celebration, a playmate for bigger boy. The little guy debuted early one morning, being carried for his first ever puppy appointment. (It was the last time he was carried). Later, it was the leash that managed him off the property. 

 

Little Boy's distinctive markings on his face and ears made him a unique looking member of his breed - just like his older brother. I would get to see Big Poppa and 'Little Boy', up close and personal, when joining my husband during his treks, next door, whenever he reported for duty. Big Poppa and Little Boy are mirror images of one another, two adorable peas-in-a-pod creatures, with personalities to match, but distinctive, too. From afar, they remind me of beautifully sculpted book ends with dark piercing tops and lightly coloured 'bottoms'. But up close, simply adorable creatures, members of the canine species I love. 

 

The fence that surrounds our properties, a mix of bushes, trees and space, is fortified with an invisible one, too, giving the awesome majestic guardians the freedom to run about, with ease, but with certain restrictions in place. The property is a picturesque bouquet of the beauty found in things outdoors, not at the mall. Life and living happens here. Both pups see and hear the sights and sounds our 'Sally' and 'Mr. Wiggles' make as they ramble to and fro in their fenced enclosure. The 'foursome', a pair on each 'side', engage in conversation, not quite knowing who will have the last 'word', but knowing there will be another day.

From the beginning, Big Poppa refused to come inside his parent's house, a respite from the very cold, even when temperatures dipped to -29 C. “Too confining”, he would say to his dad. “I'm right at home here in Mother Nature's outdoor oasis, with the shelter you have created for me.” I was learning much from this new member of the canine species. He had so much to teach us. As the days and weeks passed, we saw his baby brother's majestic puppy size grow and his persona evolve. His beauty defied description. How do you describe perfection, anyway? 

 

Through the tiny spaces in the chain link fence that surrounded their immediate outdoor home, I would talk to the adorable Little Boy and Big Poppa, as though they were mine, all mine, just like my own 3-year-old Mr. Wiggles and Sally. Sometimes, through the door of their winding two 'bedroom' home Big Poppa, the older, wiser brother, would appear, suddenly, as if to say, “What are you doing little brother?”What's the fuss all about?”, he would remark. “Oh nothing”, was all Little Boy would say, hoping he could visit a little longer with me, from across the way, without the penetrating gaze of his big brother on him. I could see the younger 'twin' solo play, from time to time, a sign of a burgeoning intelligence. You are quite something, Little Boy.

The brothers listen when my husband arrives to feed them and give them the freshest water available. With me, however, they would want to play and jump. ... If only. ...These giant dogs, with a friendly ease, are a double joy to behold. Cute and cuddly. Their size is indiscernible to me. I listen to their 'calls' as they move about during the hot, humid days of summer while mom and dad, business owners, are away, providing for their family. ... 

 

Once, during a hot humid spell of summer, Big Poppa 'spoke' over the 'air waves' reminding me that all was not well: the water bowls were empty, having been tipped over when Little Boy decided to engage his older brother in a prolonged playful moment of "Who's the boss of me?" A 'walk on the wild side' with these innocent little characters stops the insurrection and the power structure is restored, once again. The bowls are cleaned, refilled and all is well with their world and ours.

It is night time now, a peaceful time for all. Yet, occasionally, I hear the voice of the magnificent Big Poppa, trying to tell us he is here and watching over all. I know. “Sweet dreams, you incredibly adorable critter, hear you in the morning, if I do not see you.” You are both good boys, after all.