The most responsibility I had ever had for an animal were the ducklings which I took home for a week in kindergarten. Jane thought the shower was an appropriate home for them- so it doesn't surprise me that I never had another opportunity to take them home after that.
Besides the one off duck experience- we were strictly a gold fish family.
We started off with "Bonnie and Clyde" who lived a long and happy five years. I found out from a childhood friend years later that it was only one fish that died, but Jane was over fish so flushed them both down the toilet anyway. It was only when my two best friends bought me the googly-eyed "Father Ignatious" that I resumed my career as a pet owner. Father Ignatious lasted around 6 months and was promptly replaced by Father Ignatious the 2nd. The second was clearly the more intellectually challenged fish who routinely vomited in the tank and had many bizarre tendencies, like pretending he was dead and then when we went to fish him out would swim away. He also threw rocks at the glass continuously driving Jane insane- "Why is your fish so noisy?? BE QUIET NOISY FISH!".
So that was the extent of my pet resume up until recently. Khoa's wasn't much better as both our parents vehemently opposed owning an animal that couldn't be contained in a 4" x 4" enclosure.
CHRISTMAS DAY 2009- ENTER EDDY.
Khoa appeared extremely anxious on Christmas morning and tried to hurry us through the normal proceedings- in which as usual no one in my immediate family took any notice of. My turn comes around and I open what appears to be a pathetic looking present from Khoa. My eyes widen and what follows was a blur of excitement, shrieks of delight and tears as I realise it was a dog toy. We all run outside to discover the cutest creature I have ever laid eyes on. His big googly eyes looked completely out of place on his little head. I cried, Christie started crying, even Andy got caught up in the moment and joined in. Jane sat their laughing at us all sobbing "I'm not going to cry for a bloody dog!".
2 years, 16 kilos and 3 spa covers later- "Eddy" is the centerpiece of our immediate family.
Prior to being a dog owner- I was so naive about dog ownership. I would say "Dogs should remain outside" and "If I ever had a dog, he would be so well trained he would be a role model to other dogs". I now think of my innocent misconceptions as I tell Eddy off while he leaps over and clears an entire 3 seater couch.
Having Eddy around is the equivalent to having a child that is stuck in the terrible three's stage, with ADD and separation anxiety disorder. We receive so much flack about our "dumb dog" but surely deep down there is potential to develop some sort of dog genius.
You know your dog is special when he lifts up the latch on the gate, pulls the door back and lets himself out into the street. After wondering around for a while, he casually strolls into a neighbours house as they open the door for a visitor. We were at work and were totally unaware of what was occurring at home. The neighbour also had no idea that the dog was ours. The one mobile phone call we missed could have saved us paying $60 for a dog at large, as well as a further $80 to release him from the pound.
Clearly the time at the pound was not enough to scar Eddy. At the first opportunity of an open door, Eddy is off like a rocket into the street running around like he is competing in a sprint at the Olympics. We chase him through front yards of our fellow (possibly fed up) neighbours as he waits for us to gain on him and then off he goes in leaps and bounds thinking were all having the most wonderful time. Eddy also loves to time this when we have guests over and are for the most part, intoxicated, so we organise squadrons of friends to stumble up the street plotting together in attempt to outsmart or outrun him.
Comfy there Eddy??
"And this one time, on a walk, Andy picked up my droppings, put them in a bag, shoved it in his pocket and forgot about them until Georgina asked what the smell was when he got to her house."
The rest of Eddy's routine entails digging up and then re-burying any bones lying around the back yard, chewing a few of Khoa's plants, having an afternoon nap or two and finally, waiting around the side of the house to greet mum and dad upon their return from work.
Eddy is first class when it comes to entertainment. We often say we get treated to "Dinner and a Show" on most nights as we laugh at the antics which Eddy puts on for us. From parading around with his beloved blanket wrapped around him like a Caesar and belting out the most triumphant howl to licking underneath the glass table to reach the food on top, Eddy loves to remind us of his presence.
One of my favourite features of Eddy, is that he is the ultimate lap dog. We often wonder what goes through his little head as he finds the cosy spot behind our knees and nestles in for an afternoon nap with his beloved owners. He snores gently while whimpering in his dreams, chasing those pesky birds I assume, with his little legs running a hundred miles an hour.
If Eddy can do one thing right, it is that he loves whole heartedly. I have never met an individual that Eddy hasn't launched himself at, showering them with kisses and presenting them with his latest toy. Whether it is a fellow canine or a human, Eddy has room in his heart for all and is put simply, a very friendly, sociable dog.
His gentle nature allows us to do all sorts of ridiculous things like hug him, dance, sing and even dress him up for our own entertainment. (See image below)
Eddy suited up on our Wedding Day
Eddy is as loyal, affectionate and loving as any dog can get. Khoa and I now both agree that we will never again not have a dog in our lives. Although his nervous nature drives us insane- he has destroyed couches, scratched the polished floorboards and eaten numerous tropical plants- we both agree that he enriches our lives in so many ways.
I could write a book on the memories we have already created in a short 2 years with Eddy. He makes us laugh and cry on a daily basis and I know he will be providing us with much happiness for many years to come.
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