Bristol

The world of cabin living has undergone a shift. Again. As much as I strive to attain a quiet, static atmosphere in my daily living, it is never going to be that way more than a few moments at a time. Because life has a way of bringing on what you need, whether you are looking for it or not. This one, I can honestly blame on Carrie. I can't remember a time when I didn't have a dog pal, until this last 18 months, after losing Sage. I haven't felt any urgency to replace him, or go looking for another dog. I figured when the right dog needed me, it would appear. I have had Happy and Nickki and Nigel to fill in any need for canine company.
Then Carrie forwarded to me a Craig's List appeal for a home for a dog. This wasn't the first time - we usually did it for laughs, knowing that particular dog was totally unsuitable. The ads were usually worded in such a way that we could read between the lines and see the problems associated with the particular dog, and we would chuckle over it and say "pass". This time, something urged me to call the owner and find out more.

Two days later, this is what came through the cabin door:


His name is Bristol. Two years old, still a lot of puppy there. No matter what his size indicates.

Bristol's family could no longer keep him due to a change in their life circumstances. They had raised him from a puppy, and loved him enough to try to find just the right new home for him. After a long phone conversation, arrangements were made, and Bristol is going to try out cabin life. He is fairly well-mannered for a big pup, although he doesn't think "come" enters into true dog vocabulary. His mellow temperment is appealing, he was raised with very small kids and a couple of cats, has a modicum of leash manners, loves to sleep on couches, and barks at squirrels. He should be very happy here...

Bristol brought his snack bar with him. The metal raised food and water platform, along with his humongous dishes, weighs about 15 lbs - big dogs can be hard on equipment. He also brought along his month's supply of food, which was very thoughtful of him. His bed fit right under the stairs. Just where Sage's bed was. It's a space made for large dogs to have some peace and quiet, and not be trampled by a herd of punks running through the cabin.

Bristol seemed to know he was changing homes, he was very sad when his family left. They visited a while, made sure he was going to be safe and comfortable, then said their sad goodbyes to him. The punks were here, and helped him feel welcome. After they had dinner and left for home, he paced a bit, watched the door for awhile, then laid down with his head on my foot while I caught up with some computer research. After an hour of making sure I wasn't going anywhere in a hurry, he moved off a ways, made sure I noticed his soulful countenance....

then went to sleep.

It will take him about three weeks to really transtition to his new home and life. He has some things to learn, but seems very agreeable to trying it out MY way.

If he gives me any guff, I'm calling Caesar.