Dear Joe,
You blindsided us from the start. The kids wanted a dog of their own. Lost Dog Rescue showed an endearing photo of a floppy eared 4 month old pup – you hooked the boys. You were almost feral, with little regard for people. The vet thought you were part Akita – we had to look that up, and I wondered who would master whom. My mom called you “Diablo” – suggested we should return you or we would regret the problems.
Instead we got a prince of a dog. Your floppy ears and long legs transformed into a handsome boy, your stance commanded respect, and you were a softie around “family”. You were a vigilant guard dog at home, to the consternation of workmen. You vocalized your needs, which were few….. long walks in the woods, food, the occasional toss of a squeaky toy, and rides in the car when the knees became a problem. You lived with us in Morocco and Australia, and everyone we met admired your royal carriage, fearsome good looks. We became a formidable team, and you always had my back. The boys wanted their own dog, but you chose me instead. It does not matter much what we want – dogs choose their owners. Mutual respect grew from training, allowing liberty and trust on our long leashless walks in the woods – you constantly circled back to make sure I was OK. Your only successful hunt was to bring home a squashed frozen squirrel – such a treasure left on our front step.
Thank you for blindsiding us in the most wonderful way. You will always live in our memories.
Love, the Allison family of Great Falls
