His initial arrival was fraught with
uncertainty, he might have believed. But once he imprinted on our hearts
and minds, in the provocative ways he did, he was ours forever.
Babysitting the newest jewel in a family of furries is now a family
affair. His shenanigans are a testament to his desire to show the
world that he has arrived.
Emerson, the beagle mix puppy, was
thrust into the hands of many, soon after arriving. But these people
cared. A business trip by his travelling salesman, 'dad' forced the
rest of us to conform to some sort of random structure to allow for
all things a puppy needs: exercise, food and a place of warmth,
structure and safety. This puppy has many faces. As a tiny erupting
volcano, he was unsure of his surroundings, uneasy about the things
in it but sure about the care he was receiving. He slowly began to
trust. His initial timidity was a concern, but unrelenting hugs,
tender touches, and whispering soft voices and instruction began to
take effect on this lonely little soul.
Mall Cop and Ella's dad takes 'our'
Emerson on walks, with his cousins, during day time business hours, in the
neighbourhood. Pets on board is a company perk. Another brother
occasionally fills in, the home of rescue cat sisters, a place of
last resort, whenever no one else can. This brother works from home. 'Top dog'
is these brothers' dad and co-owner of the eternally rambunctious Mr. Wiggles and
Sally, his sister, who through the magic of simply being present, is able to
give the gift of time and security under his laptop computer desk, hoping little
Emerson finds peace and serenity there. He's our IT pup.
The magic of dog treats, carrot and celery sticks, compatible
foods for a raw diet, entices Emerson, luring him into the house
when he occasionally runs outside, unnoticed. Grasping the
seriousness of his situation causes his caregivers to chase him. He
stops, looks, while listening to the words of those near, as he happily
runs back into the house. Cookies await! In the evening, back at
home, whenever a movie marathon begins, Emerson is nestled in the lap
of his dad, who had simply scrolled down, one day, to see what the
animal world had to offer. (A pet rescue was always on his mind).
There were endless lists of pictures of lonely, homeless and abused
animals needing families. Now there is one less creature crouching
alone in the corner, frightened by his own shadow, having been
mistreated or abandoned by others.
Emerson gleefully accompanies his
grandpa wherever he goes. His needs require round the clock care.
Being ours makes him special. In his miniature world he can handle it
all, from Mall Cop, Ella, Sally to Mr. Wiggles. In his dad's world,
he is number one; in mine, one of many. He is learning to follow the
rules, to share, surrounded by many male humans who love animals. His
species raised our three boys. Now it is our turn to return the favour. It
takes a village, sometimes two. What really matters for Emerson is
the love and respect that surrounds him every day. He is my beautiful ray of sunshine.
He is magically transforming himself
into the majestic dog he is. He sits eagerly as his meal is prepared
in the kitchen. He is learning to wait patiently, seated for the food
to arrive. He knows I'm a good 'cook'. Occasionally, he 'talks back'
remembering that growls or bites to his cousins or me lands him in
'cage jail' for a few minutes. He is learning fast. His lovable
demeanour makes him a wonderful companion, even as he attempts to
'devour' the neck of Mr. Wiggles, outside during running play.
“Where's the soccer ball”?, I ask. In haste, our retriever
wiggler runs to get this large distraction, enticing Emerson to grasp
one end. Failure to comply is met with words of warning and a spray
bottle in hand. No more neck surgery, please. The puppy knows. A
clap of my hands 'overhead' stops everything as I attempt to teach
Emerson, one more thing. He is listening well.
Emerson is no longer afraid of strange
things. I'm here to protect him. He knows. “She can be trusted”.
She only wants the best for me, the little boy who loves life and
everything in it. He carries his pillow bed, here and there. It is
his version of a quilt to help him see that this new world is his
now, a nice place to be, after all.
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