It's Fuzzy's Turn- Meet Junah's Thunder Buddy, Bart!

Bart was somewhat of a surprise.

He was originally supposed to be a gift for my mom.  Junah was 2 1/2 years old, and it had been almost a year since my mom (and the rest of us) had lost our family dog- Hoopster.  As an animal lover, I felt that my mom needed another dog, that her time of mourning had passed.  So, I approached the topic one day.
"So, Mom, if Carly (my sister) and I were to happen to go to the animal shelter, and happen to find a dog that gets along with Junah, can we get him for you?"
"If the dog gets along with Junah...and is not a Pit Bull or Rottweiler."
Now...I love all dogs, including Rotties and Pitties, but I knew that if I brought one of those home, it wouldn't last the night.  So, I decided to honor her wishes.
As it happened, it was November 2, 2004- Election Day.  Carly and I were to meet up at our voting location.  Our precinct is huge, and waiting has always been a pain in our sides.  As least with each other it wouldn't be so bad.
We had planned to go to the shelter right after voting.  We were excitedly chatting about what we were going to look at- and if you know us, we rarely, if ever talk this way with each other, both looking down at "giddiness" when it is outwardly displayed in others.  We just couldn't help ourselves.
After we left the elementary where we were registered to vote, Carly followed me back to the house.  There we hooked a leash on Junah, and all piled into my Chevy Blazer.  Junah was just plain ecstatic to be "going for a car ride."   I rolled the back windows down, and Junah was content drinking the air as we drove down the rode. While he was in elation, it never occurred to him that his life was about to be flipped upside down, not necessarily for the worse.
As we turned into the stone lot downtown, we quickly swung into an unmarked parking spot (leaving the windows cracked so Junah could get fresh air, but not enough that he could think of following us).  My heart was racing inside my chest in anticipation as the gravel crunched under our feet.  As I pulled open the yellow front door, the smell of a mixture of cleaning products and animals who couldn't hold their business swirled to meet my nostrils.  Carly smelled it too, as she looked at me and scrunched up her face.  We asked if we could go back and look at the dogs (already knowing the way), and were met with a yes.
"I'll go this way; you go that way," I instructed my sister.  "Then we can meet back up and figure which ones we want to take out into the yard to play with Junah."
Well, that was the plan.  Carly had a different idea.
I was going to give each dog some attention in the whole place, no matter what the breed.  Not necessarily for consideration to take home, but to show each one some love and attention, all the while keeping tabs on which ones my mom might be okay with.  I had reached two dogs when Carly declared that she found the one she wanted.  I looked over at an adorable, fluffy, yellow dog.  My initial instinct was no.  This dog was too cute, and would have no problem finding a home.  Sighing, I went over to its cage.
"Golden Retriever Mix," I read aloud.  I looked back at Carly.
She responded, "Mom would love this dog.  Let's just let it meet Junah."
I looked with regret at all the other dogs that weren't necessarily as cute as this one looking at me.  With a heavy heart I said simply, "Okay."
We asked the worker to take the dog out into the play area; which was very nice and green, an idyllic place for dogs to play.  Then I inquired as to exactly how to bring Junah back.
I received my answer, and went to the car to collect a very excited pooch.  Who wouldn't be thrilled with all those dog and cat smells wafting through the air?  Junah practically dragged me the whole way in eagerness.
When he reached the yard, and Bart reached the yard, I wasn't sure what to expect.  I tried to prepare myself to have to break up a dogfight or a standoff.  I knew Junah, but I didn't really know this "yellow" dog.  But, I needn't have worried.  As many would say- the rest was history.  Junah and the soon-to-be Bart hit it off.  They played and played, completely content.  The answer was obvious.  I still felt bad about the other dogs we left there that day, but we brought home the perfect compliment to Junah.
Bart is the most easy-going dog I've ever met, and is full of love.
Bringing home the "about a year old" yellow dog has made all of our lives better, and gave Junah a "Thunder Buddy" for life ("TED" reference, for those of you who haven't seen the movie).
Great choice, Carly!