It the first Saturday in February 1990 when my daughter said over breakfast, “let’s get a dog”. I choked on my bagel, gulped down some coffee. “What?”, I said, “Are you nuts? I don’t have the patience to take care of a dog right now. Maybe in a year or so when things calm down but not now.” My Angela, then in her early 20’s, had wanted a dog for the longest time. She knew I loved animals and had a dog growing up. We had the space and a big back yard.
I was going through a devastating divorce which had broken me financially. In all actuality, I was a hair from the welfare status that I had worked so hard to rise above. I was only married for two years and my soon to be ex had squandered all our money on drugs, got fired from his job, didn’t and wouldn’t help with the bills and as a result, the house I purchased prior to getting married, my house, was in jeopardy of foreclosure. I had a lot on my plate and the very thought of caring for another being was overwhelming to me at that moment.
Angela brought up the subject a few more times over the weekend and I got more annoyed each time. Finally, I said, “Enough! No pets - not now and don’t bring it up again!” She relented and didn’t mention it again.
Mid-week, after work, I went to the A&P to get some things for dinner. Angela was already home from work and I excitedly pounded through the door saying, “Look what I bought!”. I pulled out of the bag several squeak toys and a box of dog biscuits. You can imagine the dialogue that ensued. For some reason, I just knew we had to get a dog. I didn’t know why then but I just knew it was right.
That Saturday, Angela & I made the trek to North Shore Animal Shelter in Port Washington, New York. I was readily impressed with the excellent condition of the premises, the care given to the animals, the doctors on staff and the care givers, which were mostly made up of teenagers. We took our time. I fell in love with all of them and Angela had to jerk me back to reality.
In the back room were the puppies and kittens. Angela called me over to the cage she was at. Inside were three siblings - one male and 2 females. One puppy, a female, was jumping over the sleeping bodies her siblings, resting momentarily only to get up, nudge them and commence jumping again.
A caregiver let Angela hold her and she squirmed in her arms. She was 10 weeks old, tiny, all black with a white chest and white paws, and big brown eyes. No one was sure of her breed. Angela gave her to me and suddenly, the pup quieted down and nestled close to me. We looked at each other, then at the caregiver, and said, “Where do we sign?” We went through their adoption phase and within an hour, we were on our way home with a starter kit and the newest addition to our family.
We have to choose the right name for her - it has to fit her personality. Angela and I were so amused with her jumping skills and how almost airborne she became, we decided to call her Aerial. It wasn’t long before I fully realized my need for a dog and the void Aerial would fill for both Angela and myself. Our bond formed quickly and as she grew to full size, which is 3-feet, distinctive marking became evident. Our vet concluded that although she was small, she was a German Shepherd - Doberman mix with possibly a little Lab in her.
Aerial was a great comfort and companion when I needed unconditional love and acceptance. She seems to understand when I am troubled; and, if I cry, she rushes to my side and rests her face close to mine.
There is no greater feeling than coming through the door, at any time, and being greeted by playful barks, dancing eyes and gentle pushes -- all which say, "Welcome home - I missed you - I love you - you’re the greatest!".
To put my deep love for Aerial down here is impossible. I owe her so much, for you see, she softened me up, touched my heart; she awakened love and laughter buried deep within me.
March 2007, marked 17 joyous years Aerial is with us.
Aerial has some medical problems and can't move around as fast anymore. With much love, respect and a huge, warm "thank you" to the expertise and care from Aerial's supurb doctors, at the Hilltop Veterinary Clinic, and medication, all her maladies are under control. Aerial's quality of life is great!
I hope God smiles on me and I will have my beloved companion another 17 years!
