By the time we had been in Mismaloya for a couple of months, we began to have some security concerns. We live in one of 4 houses on a street that is maybe half a mile from any other homes. We realized that for about six months of the year, we are the only ones actually here. So, although we decided last year that we would not have another pet, we started thinking that we should have a dog.
I put the word out that we were looking for a puppy, preferably a lab-like dog. A few days later, as we were headed for the foot bridge, I was approached by this beautiful puppy, who looked just like our Bessie. He had no collar, and he came up to me and licked my hand.
My neighbor told me that he belonged to the folks nearby who keep horses and take tourists for tours in the jungle. I went to see them, along with my bi-lingual friend. It was like puppy nirvana there. It is next to the river, with horses, chickens, ducks and dogs, all living in total freedom. The puppy's father was there - a handsome fellow who was enjoying playing in the river. I hesitated at his asking price, because one of the litter mates was white with brown spots, so I knew he couldn't have been a pure bred lab.
But over night, we decided ---- ok, he has the dog, and we want him. If we have to
buy him, I guess that's appropriate. We compromised on a price of $150.00. We named him "Cosmo" to celebrate the magic way he came into our lives.He is a dear, smart, funny dog. For some reason, he loves his leash. When he sees that I have it in my hand, he sits right down and lifts his little head so I can snap it on. Then he grabs it with his teeth, so he can sort of walk himself. After a few minutes he gets tired of holding it, so I can walk him normally. During most of his walks I let him off, since I walk so slowly and the walk is for him, after all. But he hasn't outgrown jumping on people. If I see someone coming, I tell him and he will sit again so I can re-attach the leash.
He always stays near me when we walk. If he runs ahead, he keeps looking back to see that I'm still coming along. Very comforting!
He's almost housebroken, or maybe Ted and I are. We've removed all the rugs because that was his favorite place to pee. We keep the bedroom doors closed, and closed off the access to the basement. That, and taking him outside at regular 2 hour intervals has worked reasonably well. He's 3 1/2 months old now. I'm not sure what I should be expecting.
The weather here is so beautiful. It is a joy to have an excuse to go outside. Only during the hours of 2-4 does it seem a little bright and a little warm for me. I love taking the dog for walks. It is really peaceful here and frequently we go to the river and he can frolic there.
