Pet care: The stars align for a childhood puppy

First in a series.

I’ve always loved pets. I remember watching Lassie and Rin Tin Tin on TV, enthralled with the loyal bond between these dogs and their children. By age 8, I just had to have one of my own. Making it happen was a long shot.

My father was not an approachable man, but I somehow mustered the courage to ask if I could have a puppy. He intoned, with stark clarity, that I alone would be responsible for all dog-related chores: feeding, training, exercising and cleaning up. I was committed — more than ready, although I had no idea. The stars must have aligned. To my astonishment, he consented.

I was quietly delighted a couple of days later when he arrived home with a copy of “The Complete Dog Book” from the American Kennel Club. I opened this tome to a random page. Staring back at me was the most gorgeous creature I had ever seen, a Brittany spaniel. Isn’t childhood great? My magical thinking did not include house soiling and woodwork chewing. Those lurking landmines were unknown unknowns. A lifetime later, having raised a couple of human puppies, I’ve learned that platitudes accomplish nothing without kindness and patience from an adult who guides healthy learning. It also helps if the grownup in charge wants to share the well-loved pet.

I read that dog book voraciously, hanging on every word. Brittany spaniels were loyal, affectionate, easily trained and great with families. What could go wrong? We checked the newspaper classified ads and there, across the vast Detroit metropolis, a litter of Brittany puppies awaited. My anticipation was almost unbearable.

That limited one-page research had my third grade brain convinced that all members of my suddenly favorite breed would carry the same lofty traits. It turns out that dogs are nothing like identical appliances rolling off an assembly line and boxed with instructions. They are complex creatures with genetically unique brains. Who was that fuzzy cuddle bug who rode home in my lap? I only thought I knew.

Next week: Distemper was never considered.

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