The Joys of a Dog-For Dog Lovers Only (If you love cats, you'll understand, too)

by Barbara Kellom on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 12:02pm ·

Years ago, I promised my then, little girl a puppy when we got a backyard.  Well, almost 9 years ago she held me to a promise, I'd hoped she'd forgotten. But, I made good on the promise much like my father had done for me February 13, 1965 when I brought home "Terry", a wired-haired fox terrier from the Detroit Humane Society for $7! My father was extremely irritated and outdone that I had found the dog at the HUMANE SOCIETY that I picked out of my dog book . (And yes, my daughter has already pointed out that I am forever a geek.  In fact, just plain corny). So! My dear Terry beat up a boxer once! She had to be euthanized when she was 13 years old.

Anyway, I went to the same Detroit Humane Society to help my daughter pick her dog. She had her own money, which was good because they no longer cost $7.  A few days later we left with "Coltrane", who is a mix between German Shepherd and Vizsla.  A year later she went off to college, and I was left with Coltrane.  I grew to love her, walk her, talk with her, and I didn't kill her when she shredded my newly upholstered brown velvet sofa.

Coltrane is poised for whatever... 
A Vizsla

When my daughter returned from school, the bond between she and Coltrane had changed, and she soon yearned for another dog. Not having it! However, when she moved to a house last year, she fostered a dog who was in a kill shelter.  The dog was pregnant, and supposed to be a lab mix having 5 puppies.  Well, on the day my dear, dear father turned 90, eight puppies were born to Mia.  True to my music lover daughter all the puppies except two were named after musicians. The two were Sophie and CK (named after my dad).  They were like horrible gremlins! They learned to moved their wired gate in unison and escape.  They tore up UGG boots, MAC make-up, remotes, $150 headsets, vintage Ray-Bans, and pooped nonstop.  One day my daughter returned to find the eight pups had moved the gate to the front door from the back of her house! I wanted to laugh, but she was in tears and stuff (and stuff that stank) was everywhere.

Slowly, very slowly the puppies were adopted. All that was left was Mia (the mom) and CK.  CK was the runt of the litter, and never stopped moving. She has some marbles that are misplaced, and has probably ridden on a couple of space ships.  Incidentally, we were duped.  The dogs probably have never been near a lab-maybe a pit or two!

Anyway, CK had an annoying, but lovable way of climbing all over you and just making you love her.  We shared a very special bond.  Not just because she was named CK because of my dad, or born on his birthday, or her warmth, but CK got very ill on October 19 around 3 p.m.  We had to rush her to the dog hospital, it was the same time we would have been visiting my Daddy.  CK was fine, and my Daddy was free to leave us on that day. I knew that when the day came that CK was adopted, I would cry.  The day came yesterday.  When my daughter stopped by with CK and told me, I burst into tears. She was a horrid, but funny creature, with an infinite amount of energy. You would think we would have thrown a party. But, we sobbed, and yes, I am still crying as I write this.  Little CK had so much spunk. However, CK has gone to drive a family with two children absolutely crazy... I hope that she will bring them all of the joy and laughter she brought us!

Now, my daughter is well guarded by her faithful friend Mia, and I have Coltrane.  For dog lovers, a dog can warm your heart and bring you comfort at your lowest ebb.  Have a great life CK!!! Your namesake did!