Nokomis Notes: Grandmotherly Wisdom for all Ages "Little Things"

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

I just couldn't live without her. She was so laid back, cuddly and sweet-the most perfect animal. She didn't act any different than a mongrel pup, but when I spotted her among the many dogs, I knew I had to have that labrador pedigree puppy.

We settled in at home and I filled her belly before sitting down to pet her. What a joy! I was so overwhelmed by her sweetness that I'd nearly forgot how much attention new pups need. She was quick to remind me though.

When it was time to turn in on our first evening together, she snuggled into her pet carrier and I into bed. What a wonderful new friendship we would have. And then the crying, coughing and whining began, so pitiful. So, I put her-carrier and all-in my room, close to the bed. I thought that she would be satisfied, but she continued to carry on. What to do?! What to do?!

She must be lonely. Maybe she misses her mother and siblings. I remember someone suggesting to put a ticking clock close to a new pup to simulate their mother's heart beat. I figured it was worth a try. The pup stopped wimpering for a moment, cocked her head, sniffed, then licked the clock and went back to crying. She couldn't be fooled, "That's not my mom."

Stumbling around in my P.J.s, I grabbed a towel and put it over the front of the carrier. I climbed back into bed and hoped that it would work. Of course, she still was not satisfied. Again, I got out of bed and stood there scratching my head, hand on hip. A light came on above my cranium-she has to do her business, if you know what I mean!

I put on my furry slippers and a robe, opened the door of the carrier, and fastened the leash to her tiny collar. We walked outside-actually she ran and pulled me along-then came to an abrupt stop. Bingo!

Back into the house we went to try it again. Exhausted, I climbed into bed. Silence. I smiled and we both went to sleep.

The next morning I got up, took her outside and she did her business again. What have I gotten myself into? Oh, well! Try, try again.

A friend came over so I told her about our adventure. We laughed and laughed. My friend said I needed a dog house. We decided to try our luck at some garage sales. So off we went, my friend, the pup and I. She stayed in the carrier in the car while we went shopping.

So many sales, but no dice. We made our way to a farm house; scrounging around, looking at this and that. Some of the items looked like things that Mom had given away, but I didn't see a dog house. Disgusted, I finally asked the farmer if he had one for sale.

"Yup, I sure do," he said chewing his tobacco. "Five bucks."

Sold! We got the igloo looking dog house from under a bale of straw and went home.

Now I have a dog and a dog house. Thank you God for the Little Things!

~Nokomis