Before bath…
We left the naming of our puppy to Jace, our 11 year old son, who is now the proud owner of this brand new member in our lives.
The puppy came from Virginia, most likely from one of the Puppy Mills that flourish there, and when he arrived at the Sterling Animal Shelter, his name was Chiron.
But he certainly didn’t look like a centaur, although he did possess much intelligence and kindness, despite being held in chains down south. Can you believe that? That he, along with his two equally adorable brothers, were kept in chains? It’s no wonder every time we take a trip in the car, Andi trembles. We think he thinks we are returning him to the shelter or worse, down south again and more shackles.
Can you imagine putting this puppy in chains?
…After bath, in the arms of My Lovely Julie.
So the name Chiron had to go. Not a very mellifluous name at all, and rather harsh sounding on the palate.
Jace came up with Jerry, so when he went off to school that first day, I was at home all day with the puppy. During the day, I played with him, constantly calling him ‘Jerry’, trying to get him used to his new name. I must have said his name 100 times or more.
Come the end of the school day, Jace returns and promptly says, “I think I want to call him Andi. With and i at the end.” Needless to say I was slightly taken aback by this, and so was Jerry. Now he was to be called ‘Andi’. And I do believe it has a better ring to it.
Andi and his toys.
(spoiled to no end…)
So now, for the most part, Andi answers to Andi. Most of the time. He can be a tad stubborn at times, especially when it’s feeding time and he has to go into his ‘room’, which is actually the crate. Reluctantly he will enter it, but soon realize we are not punishing him nor transporting him to another location. It’s his safe place, where a warm fuzzy blanket awaits him, and food and water. Okay, an occasional snack as well. I did mention that he is spoiled.
Slowly but surely I am getting accustomed to Andi’s many nuances, and getting used to life with a dog.
Who knew such a thing was possible?
Andi curled up next to me as I feverishly type nonsense. (I think he likes me.)
Copyright, Paul Grignon, 2013, All Rights Reserved.
Paul Grignon 