Life With Clay

On the Road to Our Big Adventure

When we pulled into the home of Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue last Saturday, a big question was hanging in the air.

A key factor to consider when adopting a second dog, especially one being rescued from puppy mill purgatory, is how the first dog is going to feel about this intruder. It is a bit like bringing home a new baby, where the older sibling’s reaction can range from a hug to crying to thoughts that are better left unsaid.

The people with this rescue organization know this. So, they insisted that we bring along our basset hound, Miles, when Clay, my wife and I went to meet the dog they had picked out for us. Miles, who was a rescue himself a year ago, likes his spot on the sofa during the day. He likes his position at Clay’s feet during meals. He likes having first dibs on being scratched under the ears. Hard to know how he would react to a canine buddy.

But Clay asked to adopt a stray golden retriever as his Christmas present this year, so here we were climbing out of the car after a 90-minute drive to meet what could be our new family member. If Miles gave the paws up.

At the Entrance to the Golden Gateway

Shortly after arriving, the four of us huddled in the fenced yard at the facility, awaiting our first glimpse of the dog the staff thought was our best match. Then, here she came.

Checking Us Out

She and Miles gave each other the once over, doggy-style, on neutral territory, with Miles not overly thrilled to meet this newcomer that was twice his size.

Checking Each Other Out

At one point, Miles decided to join Clay on the relative safety of the platform in the middle of the yard.

The View from Above

The first, and most important, vote went to Clay. My wife got out his iPad so he could type his thoughts.

“so excited to be here,” he typed. “really like her. try to adopt her.”

One down. My wife and I certainly approved. With her reddish-golden coat and regal and calm bearing, she was a graceful beauty. We already knew her history of six years in a rabbit-hutch-size cage turning out litter after litter with no human contact. We knew her fear of doorways. We knew how timid she was around people. Miles was like that at first, too. We knew we wanted to provide her with the home she has never had.

After the early sniffing-each-other-out period and a spirited battle to see who could pee the most times on the same spot, Miles and this potential new buddy seemed to get along fine. The decision was made and the paperwork signed. As we loaded our new family member into the back of my car, Miles—who normally has to be lifted up to get in—jumped onto the front seat by himself. No way he was going to be left behind.

At home that night, the newly named Cassie (Clay’s choice) went through the usual struggle to settle down in a new environment, pacing incessantly, unsure of where to sleep, how to get outside when needed, what do with herself in general. Miles was little help, snapping at her when she tried to go under the table during dinner, chasing her in the backyard to let her know that this was his castle and he was the king, the big cheese, the head honcho, the top whoofer, lord of the realm. And she better not forget it.

We left them to work it out and are happy to report that by Monday, Miles could be found on his usual throne-like spot on the sofa with Cassie contentedly asleep just below him.

Becoming Friends

Quiet Cassie is still spending a lot of time by herself in our family room, keeping an eye on us from behind the coffee table. She is venturing out more frequently, though, and accepting being petted and groomed. She hasn’t yet lifted her tail from between her legs, but we know that will come. These things take time, and we are in no hurry.

What does Clay think, so far?

“she is stupendous,” he typed.

“What do you like about her?”

“her gentle pleasing way”

“What have you told her?”

“welcome to the family”

Welcome to the family from all of us, Cassie. We’re glad to have you. Even Miles, even if he is not ready to admit it, yet.

Waiting for Mom to Come Home

Checking Out the Backyard Together