Monday, March 28, 2011

Ziggy and Me: The Reunion

Ziggy and me staring into each other's eyesI have been Ziggy's foster mom for over a year. Since he was four months old, he's been part of my life. I have fed him, provided shelter, given him soft clean blankets to sleep on and chew toys to destroy. In return he's provided me with hours of entertainment and fodder for my blog. We've gone on weekly outings to PetSmart. We've gone hiking, and to the dog park, and to friends houses. We've bonded over training sessions and walks around the neighborhood. Other than a few short weeks he spent in boarding when I went on vacation, Ziggy and I have been together almost his entire life. So when he left for boot camp, I knew it would be a big adjustment for both of us. He was gone for five weeks before I was able to set up a visit with him. I envisioned the reunion that we would have when we met again. He would run up to me with his tail wagging and his eyes filled with joy, and I would throw my arms around him and apologize for sending him away. He'd lick away the tears on my face, and we'd both vow to never be separated again.


Then I got to PetSmart, our meeting place for the visit. Ziggy came in with his trainer, and I stood there and waited for Ziggy to recognize me. And I waited. And waited some more. It was busy at PetSmart and there was a lot to take in, so I knew it would take some time. Finally I went over to him and held out my hand. He sniffed it, and then it happened! There was a glimmer of recognition in his eyes. He licked my hand, and I reached down to pet him. He sniffed my pocket, and realized I didn't have my usual supply of dog treats. Then, as I bent down to throw my arms around him and let the happy reunion begin, he turned and walked over to the next person to see if maybe THEY had a ready supply of dog treats in their pocket. I sighed, and acknowledged that Ziggy was just being Ziggy. He wasn't holding a grudge, or deliberately ignoring me. He just was so busy living his life, that he didn't really miss me at all. So I did the only thing I could. I borrowed some dog treats and called Ziggy to me. Once he saw the treats, he was all mine. We went through our repertoire of tricks, and he remembered every one of them. There were no tears, no licks, no joyful reunion hugs. But as we finished the tricks and I watched his trainer lead him away, he gave me one quick backward glance. And I imagined, for that one split second before Ziggy once again focused on living in the moment, that perhaps he wished to stay with me. Then he went trotting off to his next adventure, waiting around the next corner, and I was happy that he was happy. And that I still had one more week to enjoy the peace and quiet before he came home.
Ziggy lying in the parking lot at PetSmart, and appears to be laughing
Ziggy returns next weekend, and we'll see then exactly what effect boot camp had on him. Somehow, in spite of his intensive six week training course, I don't think there will be any lack of Ziggy stories to share in the future.

19 comments:

Nicole and Macho said...

Aw, that is a nice post, even if you didn't get the moment you were looking for! We are glad to hear Ziggy is doing well and enjoying himself :)

Kari in Alaska said...

I am sure Ziggy will always be a character

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

JacksDad said...

Trust me. He remembered! He's just letting you know that you better have those treats next time! :)

Just Jess for now said...

Don't worry. He remembered. :) I'm glad you got to see him despite it not being your envisioned reunion. It just leaves next weekend wide open for you two. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, that Ziggy! He always does things his own way, doesn't he? I'm awfully glad you got to see him and I'm sure he's glad he got to see you. But just remember, no matter how much we doggies luv our humans - treats are VERY impawtant. VERY.

I can hardly wait to hear more Ziggy stories!

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

Mollie Jo and Bobo said...

We can't wait fur the ziggy stories to start again! Yipee!

Mollie Jo & Bobo

H Ski said...

I was just thinking about Ziggy this morning and was wondering how he was doing. And I am sure Ziggy remembered you, how could he forget. He just wanted some treats, and who could blame him.

I can't wait to hear more Ziggy stories once he gets home.

Kolchak Puggle said...

He was probably just so overcome with emotion that he didn't know how to express how much he missed you ;) Or that's what I would tell myself anyways.

Sue said...

I used to get similar reunions with my Boxer after leaving her with my Mother for a week so I could grab a vacation. I always thought it was my punishment for leaving her.
Sue

brooke said...

I cant wait for the return of Ziggy! Did his trainer have anything to share about how he's doing?

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Ziggy just marches to his own personal private drummer!

Unknown said...

Ohh Zigggy, sometimes you just have to force them to love you back LOL. This method however has just caused the family cat to run from me, perhaps I will try treats instead

koko said...

Love to hear stories of Ziggy... we missed him.

Licks, hero

Tucker The Crestie said...

So glad to see Ziggy's sweet face again, as I know you were. Can't wait to have him "home" again. Any chance he's going to stay for good?

ForPetsSake said...

I'm sorry you that sweet reunion was a bit tainted, but he will be your pup again and soon. And with that mischievous face, I am sure you're right about all the future stories ;)

Anonymous said...

i know you are enjoying the peace, but we can't wait for him to come home!

Anonymous said...

i know you are enjoying the peace, but we can't wait for him to come home!

Unknown said...

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we look forward to reading more and getting to know yall!

Ziggy is adorable!

havetailwillwag said...

Hmm... maybe.. just maybe, zigs was so calm when he saw you because boot camp is sooooooo amazingly effective that he now reacts to all exciting events and possibly even distractions in a calm and mature manner.. possible? :) I love ziggy. He's awesome. My favorite dog in the animal blog world.