My Goldendoodle Boy, Baxter Thor- a cat and dog tale

I did not intend to fall in love last Sunday. I awoke believing I would head to church, complete the interview I had promised to write, and catch up on The Voice. What is that saying about making plans, i.e., God has a better work in progress? This proved true for me, that hot Colorado day.

I had begun looking for a Lorraine replacement in January. In the process, I wrote a hub on non-shedding dogs, fell in love with Maggie Elliott's intelligent McNabs, an Irish Red Setter and Miss B's miniature super coat Schnauzers. Last week, I decided to get a black female Standard Schnauzer, because my husband had always loved schnauzers. They were, after all, the dog with the "human brain."

In the end, I could not fathom having another schnauzer. Our Herschel had been the definitive schnauzer; there could never be another like him. Nor did I want his memory besmirched.

Saturday, I informed my daughter I was done looking.

Sunday morning, I realized I had to drive my husband to the airport and would have to postpone the interview and the article. With time to kill, I opened the Denver Post to the puppy Want Ads.

Habit, I expect. I had been exhibiting such behavior for well over 40 days.

And there it was:

Labradoodle Pups, vac/vet 
checked, wormed/health guar., 
parents on site, $500, Co Sprgs...

You may recall I have an Irish soft-coated wheaten terrier named Finnegan and an orange cat named Joey. (I am appalled to discover I have not written a hub on this most miraculous of cats. Nor on the schnauzer who raised him.)

I'd been wanting a second dog; two keep each other company when we are gone. Our poodle Lorraine died last Election Day of kidney failure and, despite their incompatibility, she had been Finnegan's surrogate mother. The kennel that cared for them while we were traveling once told us, "She is his security blanket; he ventures out from her location."

I know Finnegan missed her, because he and Joey patched up their fractured relationship. Joey the Cat was raised by his mother- our beautiful tabby cat Lorelei- and Herschel, our schnauzer. This wise old dog outlived Lorelei by many years and was our orange kitty's role model; Herschel was gentle and encouraging, loving and patient. Always, he let Joey drink out of his bowl and always, Herschel let him drink first.

Until Finnegan, Joey experienced house dogs as fellow travelers in the four-legged world. Finnegan made him cautious and anxious. Finnegan chased, growled at and otherwise annoyed Joey. He did not let him near his bowl. But after Lorraine's passing, Finnegan's behavior became less aggressive and more wistful. I eventually witnessed Joey running his tail along Finn's back: his sign of friendship.

I was a anxious to find Finnegan a companion dog, as he was very social on walks and was depressed when our walks did not include one or more social encounter with other dogs- even mean ones. Finnegan especially loved large dogs. Lorraine was shorter than he, which gave him license to nip her neck. I don't think he respected her, even as he relied on her.

He and Baxter Thor had a cautiously optimistic meeting. Finn was interested, but also determined to establish household rules. Joey held back, and appeared astonished when Baxter Thor did not attempt to chase him. The new little pup was curious more than dominant, and Joey sensed this. He hung around and watched as Baxter Thor explored the yard.

I breathed a sign of relief. Baxter Thor was going to fit in just fine! Little did I know how fine.

Joey shadowed us on our walk this morning. When we returned, Finn went up the inner stairs to the first floor and Joey jumped on the computer table beside these stairs. I decided this would be a good time to encourage Baxter Thor to attempt the stairwell. He had accomplished the outside steps in short order.

I climbed to the middle of the steps and sat down, encouraging Baxter Thor to join me. He tried! He climbed to the first landing and back down, whining the whole way. Joey watched this process attentively. After several tries, it was evident that the little golden boy did not have confidence in his ability to reach my position. I was about to rescue him, when Joey slipped off the ledge onto the floor. Baxter Thor did not notice until Joey slid past him and ran his tail across the pup's back.

Joey climbed to the landing. Turning to make certain Baxter Thor was watching, Joey proceeded to climb to me, slowly and deliberately. When he reached my position, he again turned toward his enthralled student. Baxter Thor achieved the landing and, without hesitation, moved step by step toward me. Joey did not take his piercing eyes off the little guy.

When they were within one step of me, I joined Joey and his apprentice. Finnegan met us at the entry and I praised Baxter Thor, rubbing his fuzzy back and scratching his floppy ears. Finnegan and Joey stood beside me like proud parents, basking in his glory.

My four legged family was finally intact.