Thank You Dodger

Dear Dodger,

They say that all dogs go to heaven. There was even a movie made on it. I didn’t get to watch it. You see I am only 11 weeks old and I don’t know a lot about the world yet. I do feel your presence though and I wanted to write this note to thank you. I know you will wonder why but let me explain. 

I was born on November 18th, 2017 in Terrell, TX. It’s about 32 miles from Dallas, TX. I belong to a large family of Labradors and Poodle’s. My mom’s name is Paris Parker and my dad is a Labrador named Chip. I am a labradoodle. Brown and White. I have heard that my eyes have depth. I don’t know anything about that but my mom and dad’s owners raise puppies and sell them online. This is where my story begins. 

One fine day while I was running around the farm in Terrell with my siblings when I heard Kathy our breeder call out my name. She sounded excited and told me that I was going to California. I had no idea what that was or where it was. After a few days of trips to the vet, some shots and paperwork, the next thing I knew, I was being driven to Dallas Fort Worth for a trip to California. 

My ride was short but cramped. I was in a small crate and when I arrived at the airport, there were a ton of strange people putting tags and stickers on my crate. It was all very confusing to me. Scary even. Here I was playing in a large farm one minute and then the next minute, I was in a small locked crate and being sent to an unknown place being handled by unfamiliar faces. I had water and food in my crate but I was really scared. After arriving at the airport there was paperwork to be done and a few hours later, i was handed to a lady with American Airlines. I was given a final goodbye and sent of to an unknown destination and to people who I didn’t know. I can’t read but the sticker on my crate said CARGO! I may be a puppy but even I know, that I am not CARGO! I am a human!! Well, a dog. But still, I am way more human than most humans.  

The flight from Dallas to San Jose was long. Very long. I was annoyed and I must have annoyed many by my incessant barking but what could I do? I am a baby and I was scared and I had no idea where I was being sent and what was going to happen to me. Eventually, I fell asleep and was woken up by a loud thud. A few minutes later, I heard lots of commotion. Strange noises were coming from all over. I was tired and didn’t know what was going on. Then all of a sudden I saw light. My crate was removed from the dark cargo hold in the belly of the plate on to the tarmac. It seemed like a gorgeous sunny day in California? 

Another 30 to 40 minutes passed and I was brought to an office where two people were anxiously pacing the room. The lady who carried me in to the office told them that they had to show ID and sign paperwork. All of a sudden I see this really pretty face peering through the grill of my crate trying to catch my eye. All I could see were two strangers and they were as apprehensive as I was. They were your mom and dad and soon to be my mom and dad. 

It seemed like it took forever for the zip ties to be cut before the crate door could be opened. Your dad, was holding an iPhone and trying to record the entire episode. He thinks he is a millennial but he is really old and lame. Your mom though, she was all love! Within minutes, I was in her arms and she must have felt my heart beat, because it was racing. I had no clue or idea where I was or who was holding me. All I know is that it was gentle. 

The ride home from San Jose airport was short and I arrived at your house. I was greeted by a number of people when I arrived in Fremont. Everyone seemed so excited to see me but I was still not sure of what was happening. It was a big day for me and I was exhausted. Luckily I found two arms that were warm and welcoming. 

It was strange for me in many ways. Kathy, my breeder had given me a name. She called me Proud. My new parents were not sure what to call me. They debated for hours. They called me Sandy, then Duke, then Kershaw but finally settled on Rio. I like that name but somehow I get called Dodgy quite often and I wondered what or why that was. 

As days went by I found out that Dodgy was your nick name. You had lived in their home and their hearts for almost 14 years and after your passing they could not come to grips with getting another dog. On my first day, my mom was very distant with me. She held me and comforted me but it felt like she was not entirely comfortable with my presence. She was happy and she was sad. She was very conflicted but as days went by, I realized she felt that she was perhaps cheating on you. You were their dog for so many years and she loved you like no one else. Losing you has been hard on her but I want you to know that she still loves you and the way she treats me is a testament to that love. 

Your dad though, oh boy. Has he changed or has he changed? I am sure you can see from wherever you are that I get away with murder. Don’t be dismayed though. You may have gotten a rough deal with him but you paved the way for me. That’s why I am writing a thank you note to you Dodger. You taught my dad to love and nurture a dog. If it hadn’t been for you, he would have not known how to handle a puppy. He may still have a thing or two to learn but he does seem to be making significant progress. All dogs go to heaven. You did and you carved a place for me in the hearts of my parents. I miss my siblings and my family in Terrell but I think I can get used to this new place and the weather is nice as well. I am full of mischief but I hear that I am being signed up for some tutoring or at least that’s what it sounded like. 

They miss you dodgy, they still call me that at times but it doesn’t bother me because it comes from their heart and I know it is full of love for you. 

Rio

Dodger

Rio