So, our black lab Shadow, who had been our family pet for 17 years, passed away about 13 months ago. Our daughter, who is 11, has been trying every trick in the book to convince us to get a puppy. Nothing worked on Mom and Dad till a couple of weeks ago when I was giving her grief about not getting out and hiking with us enough (she insists she's doing Whitney with Mom and Dad [and Joe Q] this summer, but training ain't the kid's strong suit).
"If I go hiking with you, can I have a puppy?"
"Not unless you can keep up - and there's no way you can, as little as you've been working those legs."
"If I can keep up, can I have a puppy?"
"You can't, so sure."
Literally, the child broke in to tears. Fast forward one week to a 6-mile, 1800-foot elevation gain hike with Mom and Dad. Girlchild keeps up the first 3 miles (moderate pace - don't want to crush her efforts, I'm thinking), then settles in for what she thinks will be a nice, long break before the return leg of this OAB. Dad only takes ten, though, and is off while she's barely begun her snack.
Dad turns it on and burns up a steep, 400 foot-gain series of switchbacks. Looking back, I see noone within a couple of hundred yards. I drop to third gear and cruise another mile or so (in all honesty, my legs were burning like hell from that pace up the switchbacks). Halfway up the final steep gain, I glance over my shoulder and see my daughter about 50 yards away - red-faced and panting heavily. I let her get closer and see that her cheeks are tear-streaked. The kid showed huge heart, so I give in and let her finish with me.
So we now have a new addition to the family. A 4 month-old rescue pup. Our daughter earned the naming rights . . . and she chose "Whitney". A couple of days later she decided "Sierra" would be a good middle name.
As I said, it's been 18 years since we raised a pup. I figured going with a rescue center adoption would be relatively inexpensive. I'm now almost $500 deep into this dog - and it's only been 4 days! Adoption - $175. Training kennel, collar, leash, food, chew toys, Dent-a-bones, shampoo, etc. - another $160. First vet visit/shots - $135. Having a motivational "Whitney" in the house for my daughter - priceless!
