It all began with Junah. From a young age I heard my dad talking about wanting a Great Dane one day. As an impressionable child who looked up to her father, this stuck; and I, too, desired a Great Dane. So, within a month of obtaining my BA in college and moving home, I found an ad for Great Dane puppies in a local newspaper. I made the call, and went down to check them out. All the way down I was nervous. The location was forty-five minutes from home, so there were plenty of thoughts swirling around in my head- excited ones, nervous ones, and all the ones in between. Could I really take care of a dog? What would my family think? And since I was living with my dad, would he kill me for bringing a dog home? None of these concerns mattered though; my excitement was enough to sweep them all to the back of my mind. I arrived at the home where the puppies were located and fell in love. I chose one pup, but, as they were only five weeks at the time, I still had to wait to bring him home. I put down the deposit, then left with a time to come back and see the pooch.
On the next visit I got a chance to get three of the black males (including the one I chose) out and play with them. They were six weeks now, and growing like weeds. The pup I originally picked out was very much involved and active in playing with one of his brothers. Of the trio outside, one of the other pups was more independent. He came over to check me out, then roamed the area. He was a bit calmer; but, content just the same. I instantly changed my mind. This dog had part of my soul; he was so much like me!
"If no one has chosen that one, I'd like to change my mind," I informed the owner.
It was no problem. So, as such, I now had laid claim to a different puppy, and released the other.
The final trip I took with my sister. I had asked her to come along, so that the puppy wouldn't be scared and solo in the back seat on the trip home. She was dumbfounded when we pulled in. Twenty or so adult Great Danes all on the same property- it definitely was a sight to beheld. The seller took the remainder of my payment, and led up over to the puppies. It was a beautiful May day, and the puppies were let out to play in their own area. This time, seven of the original eleven from the litter were roaming around. They were so cute, and I was so excited. My heart opened and lit up all at the same time. I had discussed the two names I was bouncing between with my sister: Junah and Journey. I had mentioned that I would love for my first son to be names Junah; however, my sister said, "Journey sounds like a girl's name. And, as for Junah, don't do that to your son." So, I had a name for my new pooch. Junah it was.
There was a catch though. I worked second shift at the time. My dad worked first. I looked at my sister on the way home. "You HAVE to be there when Dad gets home to explain Junah."
"Relax," she dismissed, "I will be, don't worry."
"No, you really HAVE to be. Dad will freak."
"I will," she assured me.
Well, years later I found out what really happened while I was at work that day.
My dad came home and saw no one and nothing in the house. He did, however, see a food and water dish meant for a dog sitting in the kitchen, and several dog toys around the house. His interest had been peaked, but he saw no dog. Eventually my sister arrived (an hour or two later), and they had to search the house. As they walked around, they came to look at the pile of blankets at the bottom of the stairs. There, curled up sawing logs, was my new, sweet, relaxed puppy. My dad fell in love, as I had. His first question though (as he immediately just saw a black puppy with floppy years and a short coat) was, "What breed is it?"
My sister had no qualms about mentioning the breed, "Great Dane." All I can say is that I am lucky that he had always wanted one. Otherwise, a giant breed in his house would never have happened.
Junah touches all the lives his came into contact with. People would smile when he trotted down the road, crane their necks when they drove by, and love on him when he at in their laps. It all started with Junah, and his eternal love will make it all continue.
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