This one time I had been begging for a black lab. I don’t know how I got that breed stuck in my head, but it happened to be the exact breed that my step-dad Bob (an avid Elk hunter) had a soft spot for. While my mother stood strong against bringing another animal into our house, I zoned in on Bob’s weakness. When he married my Mom he came with a somewhat flakey cocker spaniel named Sandy, but I knew there was still a nostalgia in there for a lab.
I listened to him tell stories about his black lab Shadow that he used to take to work with him back in his days of logging. Shadow would hold one end of his measuring tape while Bob held the other. Shadow would follow Bob’s every command. Shadow would bake Bob cookies. Shadow did everything for Bob and I promised Bob if I had a black lab we could train it to do all those same things. Sandy does none of those things I reminded him.
One day Bob came home from a hunting trip and walked directly to my spot on the couch. He unzipped his jacket and the black bundle of lab plopped down into my lap. I started to cry and I named the black bundle Shadow, after Bob’s Shadow…and it was the best day ever.
Kim Wright (Pinkim) says
You have the best step Dad ever:)
Kat says
I don’t think I could have talked my mom into that puppy without him!
Jenn @ Coolest Family on the Block says
:) I love this story. And I also want a dog that bakes me cookies!
Kat says
Impressive right!?! ;)
Jenny says
Aww such a sweet story. I need a dog that bakes me cookies and holds a measuring tape. Oh Ginger and Matt have got some learning to do.
Kat says
Do they have a boot camp for dogs? It might be time…
Chris Carter says
AW!!!!!!! What a precious story!!! And what a loving wonderful Step dad you had/have… (I’m sure your mom was thrilled! ;) )
Kat says
Luckily she knew he was coming home with it…otherwise she might have kicked us both out. ;)
Kim says
I love this! I have a 12 year old chocolate lab. I have had a lot of great dogs in my life, but she is the best.
Jessica says
How sweet is that?! I remember my mom and stepdad telling me I couldn’t have anymore animals after my dog died, and then a few years later, my stepdad came home with our beagle, Tipper. Definitely one of my favorite memories. :)
Julie says
Why yes, they do have doggie boot camp! My brother-in-law sent their two Vizlas there last week. He can now walk them on a leash without major chaos.
On the home front – I finally got my husband to agree it’s time for a new dog. Bracing myself for a new furbaby.