rcck00 Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 The Greatest Dog Story ever told. They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. the shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street. But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.. But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike. For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. but it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to. I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey. This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "dog probably hid it on me." Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter.. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down. With his back to me. Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number. But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice."......... _______________________________________ To Whomever Gets My Dog: Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right. So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you. First, he loves tennis balls. the more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them.. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly. Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog. Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand. He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows. Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the back-seat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially. Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new. And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you.... His name's not Reggie. I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. but I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems. His real name is Tank. Because that is what I drive. Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq , that they make one phone call to the shelter... in the "event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word. Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family. And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me. That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades. All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth. Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me. Thank you, Paul Mallory I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer. I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog. "Hey, Tank," I said quietly. The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright. "C'mere boy." He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months. "Tank," I whispered. His tail swished. I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him. "It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again. "Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room. And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IQ'd Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Where is the icon with tears?!?!?!?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcck00 Posted August 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Sorry Julia!!! I've never posted one of these before.... didn't know the etiquette!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IQ'd Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Cathy, I meant that it moved me to tears! I enjoyed reading this story and in fact just sent it on to other friends of mine! Thank you for posting this, at least I know others are as in love with their pets as I am. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boni Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Sniff, sniff, boohoo. . .that's so touching. I love dogs. Don't have one. Can't have one. But what a great story. Thanks Don't mean to burst your bubble, but I check stories out on snopes.com for validity and this one is listed as false. However, whether it is true or false, "It serves to remind us all of how much they give and how much we owe them." www.snopes.com/glurge/reggie.asp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 That is a wonderful story... I often say ........ "God please help me to be the person that my dog thinks I am." I try but I don't think I'm quite there but at least my girl thinks so. Here's my GSD Rika. She's so sweet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grammie Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Thanks for sharing that story. It is a great one. Grammie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimmiequilts Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Darn, I can't stop crying, what a heart breaker, thanks for sharing! My son & I were talking yesterday about how we couldn't imagine living with out dogs in the family. I have 2 Goldens, my daughter has a Cocker spaniel, my son and DIL have an all-American dog, my dad and sister have Pomeranians and my other sis now has a lab mix. They just fill your life in all the right ways! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stagecl Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 I need the tear icon too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dnice Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 What a wonderful story! My GRD Dylan is a rescue dog. We got him from GRIN (Golden Retrievers In Need of Rescue). He loves to give kisses with that big tongue of his. Very obiedent and must of had agility training before. Any time he goes to agility class he is a clown...:cool::cool: Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunimp Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 The tears are still running down my face. What a wonderful story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustSewSimple Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 What a wonderful story. That would be a good story for a book. I'd read it. I'd use up a full box of tissue but I'd read it. When I get to heaven, I hope God gives me lots of animals. I know a couple, Happy and Oscar, who'd better be waiting for me at the gate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
countrystitcher Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 What a wonderful story, true or not, it's heartfelt! My baby is a German Shorthair, Gabe. He shares my toast in the morning and jumps in bed with us at night, then sometime in the night he gets in his own bed. He must get cold because about 5:00am he decides to come to my side of the bed and whine, he wants under the covers and we cuddle until my alarm goes off at 6:00am. We never could have children, so our dogs have been our kids. God knew we would need these creatures to give us unconditional love! Tennis balls and sticks are his favorite too!! Sharon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindasewsit Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 You got me crying too...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 YOU need to have a tissue alert with that one.....I haven't cried that hard in months....maybe I needed to as I wasn't allowed to cry over Jess. Thanks for the story and thanks for the tears... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda G. Craig Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Oh, I am such a big baby when it comes to animals. I love that story and, yes, I cried too. Doesn't matter to me if the story is fiction, it serves to remind us about our military families and their sacrifices. I too cannot imagine my life without our dogs. Here is a picture of our two Shelties, Abby and Pepper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jhend Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 I started to write about my feeling on how I'm not in favor of fabriacting a story like this, but I'll hold my tongue. I can tell you why I know this is not true....only goldens have a mouth that can hold several tennis balls at one time, labs do not have that ability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyJo Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 This particular story may not be "true", but I think that there are many stories just like this one that were not written and are true life for some of our soldiers. For that reason alone, I think it is good to remember the 4 legged family members that our military leave when they are deployed. And like this "story" those relationships are now gone. My tissue box got a work out as well. JMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boni Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 This was the last dog we had, five years ago. She passed away at 13 years old. This picture I dubbed, "Cookie making cookies". That's an egg carton she tore to pieces. She could get into trouble, but mostly was a smart dog. Not good around little folks. When we started having grandchildren, she had to go. She was Akita and Golden mix and the Akita took over in the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoryJM Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Such a sweet story and even if its not "exactly" true, I'm sure there are several like it out there that are. Dogs are so wonderful...all animals are. Far better and more caring than you're average, everday human. Here's my boy, Hank...wearing his shades and looking cool for the camera! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoryJM Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Boni, its funny that your Akita wasn't good with kids. Mine loved them and was very careful around them because he was so big. I still miss him...he was a great dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcck00 Posted August 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Sorry, everybody, if I put that story forth as a true one. I always check snopes, as well, but it didn't even occur to me to do so with this one. I just thought it was a heartfelt story, not a news or informational piece. Also, sorry about not putting up a tissue alert. I will remember to do that next time, and I'll go amend this one now. I'm glad most of you enjoyed it! Here are my babies: Chance Tucker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoryJM Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 They're adorable!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boni Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Cathy, no need for apology. I wholeheartedly agree it is a wonderful "story". I love stories that make me cry. It's a good emotion. As far as the truth factor, I think our servicemen need more recognition for what they do for our country and the sacrifices they make. My SIL has disabilities from Iraq and no one will ever know the sacrifices he made. There are many like him too. Thanks for putting that story up here. It made us think, and cry, and feel life! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sspingler Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 Ah.....now my sleeve is wet cause I don't have a tissue!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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