Boss standing by his kids as they pose for the traditional 1st day of school photo shoot!
I've got some 'splainin' to do.... Back in January a pup by the name of "Boss" was returned to me. And what a love of a dog he was! To recap my thoughts regarding Boss, I draw on a blog post I made shortly after he rejoined the pack here in Hawthorne. An excerpt from that January post follows: "And once in a while they come back! Boss has returned home... For the life of me, I don't know how they were able to let this guy go. Such a sweet pup... calm and eager to please and quite well trained for a youngster. It's obvious the couple I originally placed him with cared for him and spent considerable time in training. But in the end, they came to the conclusion, they "just couldn't give him what he needed and deserved". Boss has been on his best behavior. His only behavior it seems. I described him to Sharon one day as "an old soul". A nine month old pup with an old soul.... He's one of Lexi's last pups and I see so much of her in him, I don't think I can let him go.... I know I don't want to. If at some point I find the perfect home and feel he would be better off with another, I'll do what's best for him. And another heart, my own, will break".
Well, eight months later, that time and family has come! A bittersweet tale. -My nephew Max and his family were visiting his parents, my sister and brother-in-law, a month or so back. While I enjoyed the posts that included scenes from my old stopping grounds in Washington State, little did I know the subject of Dobermans... or more specifically, one particular Doberman came up. I received a FB message from Max July 4th stating "Mom has been telling us about Boss. We'd like to talk to you about him" -My initial thought; "no, not my Boss man"! But after talking with Max and considering Boss I quickly came to the realization that they, Max and his family... and Boss, deserved each other! I would miss him; that went without saying... but Boss, the gentle and loving, well behaved dog that he is, is very well suited to be an only dog to a first time dog owning family! So it was decided. Boss would become a Johnson. As the weeks passed and conversation ensued, Max one day said to me, "He sounds perfect for us; if it wasn't you describing him I would say it all sounds too good to be true". The truth of the matter; I noticed within the first few days of life with Boss that he was in fact a very special dog. With that said, a week ago today, after a planned vacation was complete, I drove up to Tennessee while Max drove south from Michigan for a meet up in Chattanooga. It was a short trip but an enjoyable one. I hadn't seen Max in a few years and knew he was extremely excited to meet and greet his future dog. We arrived early in the day. Max arriving about an hour ahead of us, had already settled into the room we were to share for the night. When Boss and I arrived, we entered a very nice but very "hard", as in "no cush" lobby and stopped for directions to the room. Boss walked along side me, tall and proud, and entered and rode the elevator like he owned the place. I was so, so very proud of him!!! Then we met Max who came prepared with food, bowls and toys obviously intent on making a good first impression! Seems it was love at first sight for both man and dog! The day was planned to include some time for the two to get to know each other. Once we were all settled into the room, it was time to go! I handed over the leash and we ventured out for our first stop, a hike at Ruby Falls. Next stop; a scrumptious dinner at a trendy little dog friendly eatery downtown Chattanooga. It had it all, outdoor seating and most importantly a large pail of ice water placed on the ground that simply appeared without me even noticing. Following dinner it was back to the hotel for a little play, some pointers and lots of talk about Boss and Dobermans in general. At some point in the evening I ventured out to the car and was told upon my return that Boss was a little antsy like he was "looking for me". One of my concerns coming to fruition. Toward the end of the evening though, Max himself left the room and Boss had the same response. Apparently he had already claimed his new dad as part of his pack! I knew @ that instant, watching Boss worry for Max, that all was right in the world!!! Then morning came as it seems it always does and it was time for me to say farewell. I've got to admit, a few tears have been shed as I've adjusted to life without Boss. But then the photos started rolling in and I knew in my heart of hearts Boss was in the best possible hands and a better decision could not have been made! Boss has gained a loving family that includes a guy who has waited a long time for a dog. And he's inherited a couple kids who by the photos I've seen absolutely adore him. Boss has broadened his horizons! He's settled in with ease and Michigan has gained one fabulously awesome dog! The Boss!!! I'm happy to say he's still family!
Well, eight months later, that time and family has come! A bittersweet tale. -My nephew Max and his family were visiting his parents, my sister and brother-in-law, a month or so back. While I enjoyed the posts that included scenes from my old stopping grounds in Washington State, little did I know the subject of Dobermans... or more specifically, one particular Doberman came up. I received a FB message from Max July 4th stating "Mom has been telling us about Boss. We'd like to talk to you about him" -My initial thought; "no, not my Boss man"! But after talking with Max and considering Boss I quickly came to the realization that they, Max and his family... and Boss, deserved each other! I would miss him; that went without saying... but Boss, the gentle and loving, well behaved dog that he is, is very well suited to be an only dog to a first time dog owning family! So it was decided. Boss would become a Johnson. As the weeks passed and conversation ensued, Max one day said to me, "He sounds perfect for us; if it wasn't you describing him I would say it all sounds too good to be true". The truth of the matter; I noticed within the first few days of life with Boss that he was in fact a very special dog. With that said, a week ago today, after a planned vacation was complete, I drove up to Tennessee while Max drove south from Michigan for a meet up in Chattanooga. It was a short trip but an enjoyable one. I hadn't seen Max in a few years and knew he was extremely excited to meet and greet his future dog. We arrived early in the day. Max arriving about an hour ahead of us, had already settled into the room we were to share for the night. When Boss and I arrived, we entered a very nice but very "hard", as in "no cush" lobby and stopped for directions to the room. Boss walked along side me, tall and proud, and entered and rode the elevator like he owned the place. I was so, so very proud of him!!! Then we met Max who came prepared with food, bowls and toys obviously intent on making a good first impression! Seems it was love at first sight for both man and dog! The day was planned to include some time for the two to get to know each other. Once we were all settled into the room, it was time to go! I handed over the leash and we ventured out for our first stop, a hike at Ruby Falls. Next stop; a scrumptious dinner at a trendy little dog friendly eatery downtown Chattanooga. It had it all, outdoor seating and most importantly a large pail of ice water placed on the ground that simply appeared without me even noticing. Following dinner it was back to the hotel for a little play, some pointers and lots of talk about Boss and Dobermans in general. At some point in the evening I ventured out to the car and was told upon my return that Boss was a little antsy like he was "looking for me". One of my concerns coming to fruition. Toward the end of the evening though, Max himself left the room and Boss had the same response. Apparently he had already claimed his new dad as part of his pack! I knew @ that instant, watching Boss worry for Max, that all was right in the world!!! Then morning came as it seems it always does and it was time for me to say farewell. I've got to admit, a few tears have been shed as I've adjusted to life without Boss. But then the photos started rolling in and I knew in my heart of hearts Boss was in the best possible hands and a better decision could not have been made! Boss has gained a loving family that includes a guy who has waited a long time for a dog. And he's inherited a couple kids who by the photos I've seen absolutely adore him. Boss has broadened his horizons! He's settled in with ease and Michigan has gained one fabulously awesome dog! The Boss!!! I'm happy to say he's still family!
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