In 2004, after what can only be described as a life changing tragedy in my family, I felt I needed something more in my life to keep me going each day. Something to love, to care for, and take responsibility for. It wasn’t long until I decided that something was a Golden Labrador. For about a year, in preparation of the arrival of a new puppy, I bought toys, bedding, polo shirts, leashes, treats and medicinal items to ensure I could provide the best home. I spoke with my mother daily about my decision and we finally decided we would take look during her next visit from Washington.
As soon as my mother arrived, we took a train out to Long Island to Northshore Animal League. We immediately started our process, looking at each kennel, when suddenly, my mom darted ahead to a kennel approximately 90 meters away. I stayed back, determined to be thorough in my assessment of the perfect lab puppy. My mom motioned me toward her, but I was steadfast in my journey.
She said “This is your dog right here”.
I replied “Is it a lab?”.
She replied “No. But I assure you, this is her”.
I brushed her off with a curt “Whatever.” and kept looking.
Finally, when I arrived at the kennel my mom refused to leave, I was greeted with a curious dog with a big head, pointy ears, one blue and one brown eye staring straight at me. Initially, I wasn’t convinced she was the one. However, to make my mom happy we escorted her into the greeting area. I looked from afar, and played with her sparingly, but kept my distance as the employees informed me...
“She’s an Akita mix. You have to really watch them. They can be dangerous”.
As soon as my mother arrived, we took a train out to Long Island to Northshore Animal League. We immediately started our process, looking at each kennel, when suddenly, my mom darted ahead to a kennel approximately 90 meters away. I stayed back, determined to be thorough in my assessment of the perfect lab puppy. My mom motioned me toward her, but I was steadfast in my journey.
She said “This is your dog right here”.
I replied “Is it a lab?”.
She replied “No. But I assure you, this is her”.
I brushed her off with a curt “Whatever.” and kept looking.
Finally, when I arrived at the kennel my mom refused to leave, I was greeted with a curious dog with a big head, pointy ears, one blue and one brown eye staring straight at me. Initially, I wasn’t convinced she was the one. However, to make my mom happy we escorted her into the greeting area. I looked from afar, and played with her sparingly, but kept my distance as the employees informed me...
“She’s an Akita mix. You have to really watch them. They can be dangerous”.
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My initial thoughts “Oh no, it’s like a pit bull.” (The irony of this statement is comedic to me now, as eventually my second love would become a Pit bull mix). I decided, being of a certain age and wanting to make my own decisions, to leave her at the adoption center that day. Regrettably, the minute the train doors closed on my way home, I knew I had made a huge mistake. I fretted all afternoon as my mom said “We aren’t going back today”. I was heartbroken, but knew at this point “Mother knows best”.
The next morning I called the exact minute they opened and asked if the dog named “Nagoya” was still there. It was apparent the voice on the other end recognized me as she replied “She’s been waiting for you ever since you left”. And my heart skipped a beat. We immediately rushed back to Port Washington in Long Island, and truth be told the adoption specialist wasn’t lying. I could hear “Nagoya” barking, as if directly at me, as soon as we were approaching the building. The rest is history for the beautiful lady who has changed my life in every way and inspired “Sean in the City”. It is with great sadness to inform you that Chachi passed on December 10, 2020. My Beautiful Chachi. |
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