Sept. 18, 2002 - 20:32 MDT

THE WONDERING JEW

O'ertake Us

Early in May 2002, daughter and her family returned from their semester at sea and stayed with us for a time. I noticed then that granddaughter had grown, not in size particularly that I could notice but more in early maturity methinks. For a nine, almost ten year old she is one sharp cookie. Her care and concern for other people is outstanding and her love ever flowing. Grandson also appeared huge when they returned from their seaborne adventure/school. In a few short months he has had a growing spurt and stands just about as tall as I do. Much beef, much muscle, plays football this semester. I think he is equally as brilliant as his sister and loving too, but big jock him, he won't let it show and is as much of a tease as our oldest son.

While they were on their semester at sea the two of them were working on their Dad to achieve their desire, a pet dog. Their Mother gradually began to take part in the campaign. There is a difference between the two. His Dad is highly allergic to animals, so her mate was raised in a home without pets -- and he is somewhat allergic to same. Our daughter has had several pet cats as she grew up. That I think, is what makes a difference.

Finally their Dad was won over - more I suppose because he realized how much the kids wanted a pet and their seriousness about it. He okayed the operation. Much research took place by the kids, their mother and finally their father aiding their efforts. Finally it was decided that Poodles produced much less dander than other dogs. (Not sure that is so, but - even so).

Shortly after we arrived in Eugene the dog hunt was on. Much phoning took place. The granddaughter searched the classified ads each morning, which resulted in added phone work. There were trips to look at poodles wherein they all learned that poodles come in different sizes.

It was approaching time for us to leave when a feisty sprite of a toy poodle was brought to their house after the family went out to take a look at a likely prospect and purchased it on the spot. I think Dad's wallet groaned a bit but his good nature carried the day.

He was brought home in all his glory, surrounded by the love of two kids and their Mother and the consent of their dad. Heather and I got to see the new member of the family get pretty well settled in. Like a new baby he was passed from arm to arm, lap to lap, petted, patted and we all tried to speak peaceable doggy language to him.

They felt the need to have a name for him. A discussion that included everyone, we all made a contribution or two. I nominated Athos, Porthos or Aramis - any of the three French Musketeers. Talk back and forth over the table continued. The name would have to be a French one as the daughter of the family is in a school where part of the subjects are taught in French. She has been going there for quite some time.

Their Dad suggested that the dog be named after the Fourth Musketeer - D'Artangion. But young doggie ended up with the temporary name given him on the way home - Cyrano (after the big nosed Cyrano De Bergerac). And it fits, looks like to me. Like most dogs he has a twelve cylinder nose hanging out into the atmosphere. He is a lover and desperately in love with the Alpha female of the house, our daughter. He puts up with the rest of us, plays frisky games with grandson, does lap time with all of us, but he is Momma's dog. When she has to go somehere, Cyrano snuffles at her scent going over every step she had taken before leaving.

Heather and I are happy for the kids. Happy that they got a pet before it was too late. Its amazing how gentle that giant of a boy is with Cyrano. He gets down on the floor and plays with Cyrano, the two of them have developed a game that only they know the rules but involves much movement of grandson and leaping in the air by Cyrano, they remind me of otters at play.

There will I am sure be much adjustment of life style, duties, mess clean ups and teaching Cyrano the no-nos of the house and the behavior expected of him. We think it will all work out just fine, that Dad will see how happy the kids are, and their Mother is too. Truth be known, Cyrano the diplomat is at work snuggling into Dad's good graces too.

Those two Grandkids who not too long ago were babes in my arms are so big now, big in all ways. It is remarkable how no matter how speedily we go, time O'ertakes Us . . . . . . . . .

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