“IT’s” reply

First of all, I’m not IT. My name is Gromit. They rescued me from a shelter where I was known as Dougan; before that I was running with a buddy of mine on the streets and we didn’t have names for each other. I’m not sure exactly where I came from and what I was called when I was just a pup, but the name, Gromit, it’s all good. Heck, if you could’ve seen how his face lit up the first day they brought me home and I looked when he called me; I’d have let him call me Cabbagehead if it was going to bring such a smile to his face.

Anywho, now that I’ve properly introduced myself I’d like to respond to Preston’s post with my own rendition of how we came to eat from the same bowl.

We did meet at the shelter and, dude, l’m sorry to say that my main objective that day was not “wooing” you. I had only been in that joint for a day when they knocked me out and performed a procedure on me that took away any thought I had of hearing the pitter-patter of little paws. Believe me, I know it’s better this way and I’m glad it’s done but I most definitely was not in the mood to be chasing your “play with me, play with me” neurotic self up and down the run. Feeling as I did was bad enough, but I needed to charm the ones who’d be making the decision about whether or not I would be freed from those who would do such a thing to a guy. (Again, very nice people. I am totally grateful to them for saving my life and even for protecting the wandering females but ya gotta understand, it’s hard to want to hang around a place like that!)

So I stuck close by them, especially him. You’re right about her being the alpha but I just knew that she’d defer to him. She’s an animal person (especially dogs) and will ultimately work out any relationship. He’s a little tougher and (I heard her say) it was more important that he be comfortable with the new addition. She’d make it work for everyone. I apologize again dude but I knew what I had to do.

The next day they came back for me and got us all kinds of treats. I wasn’t so interested in those to begin with; I was eager to check out the new digs. It was cool seeing you there. I knew you had it good when we first met and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy at first but I was also fully aware of what a wimp you are. No offense – you said it yourself – alpha you ain’t. I cruised around a bit. Fine. For crying out loud though give a brother some space! My entire house tour was spent with you all up in my grill. Geeez! The whole circuit would’ve taken like 5 minutes if you weren’t pulling on me. Instead I had to keep circling in order to dodge you. They were more bothered by it than I was but it was a relief to have you outside so I could check things out. Nice place.

Ultimately, things all worked out save the time you made it back in and decided to “guard” your food. You really didn’t need to do that. All it got you was a return trip to the other side of the door. I’m sorry for that, too. No worries from me in the ways of nourishment. I’ve always made out just fine. Surprising, but true.

I’ll end my entry by thanking you for sharing your home and family with me. I see it happening some already, but, dude, you really need to chill out about a lot of stuff. I’m pretty easy to get along with and I think we’ll have some good times. I’ll be expressing a few thoughts about my new arrangements and am looking forward to learning a few tricks from each other!

Cheers, dude!