Barnaby is a rescue dog, first at the Maui Human Society and then at the Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation (HARF).
HARF goes every Saturday morning at 2 different locations on Maui to show the dogs. I always have a look as I love them and one day my eye got caught by the little shy guy who was waiting patiently. Love at first sight? but it was clear we couldn't have any dog right now as we were in a "No Pet" house and it wasn't the right time, etc...
Two weeks later as we go shopping again for our weekly picnic, as soon as I went out of the car I see a dog being walked near the trees. I know it's him. The connection is so strong. I feel like being pulled towards him even if I know nothing about him except his name: Barnaby. I checked at the adoption point and his cage was empty, he was out for a walk. So yes, it was him.
For the next days I will keep thinking about this dog. It was like a call. So I decided to write to the director of HARF to at least learn a little bite more about this guy and here is his portrait:
" Barnaby is a WONDERFUL dog and has a special place in our hearts. His is a hound/sharpie mix and is approximately 2 years old. We rescued him from the Humane Society, so we don't know his background. From spending time with him we do know that he is very lovable - adults and children alike and he really loves other dogs. He is a little shy and not real socialized, gets a little nervous around people he doesn't know - places he is unfamiliar with. "
This is it. I want to see him again and meet him appropriately. The appointment is taken. I will see him the following Saturday.
In the meanwhile I write to the owners of the house we are renting to know if they would be open to change the pet policy and allow a dog in the house. I am very hopeful. And in a way I know it will be hard to stop me...
Saturday comes and we all go to meet Barnaby. The three of us agree that HE is the One:) but I know it's more than that. I just have too. It's not about having a dog, this is about Barnaby and I am supposed to do something.
I fill the adoption form even without knowing the answer from our landlord. But unfortunately the next day they told me that it wasn't possible, they would never allow a dog in their house. Ok so it's not gonna be easy but I don't easily give up if ever. Even if I felt disappointed and little angry I admit, I know it's not done yet!
Lots of thinking will follow, talking with my husband. My daughter thinks I am crazy. That's it, if we cannot have him in this house I just cannot live here. In about 2 months our lease will be over so we will be able to move, so be it. We will move if we have to. Mid week I call HARF to see if we can arrange something until I find a home for our extended family. Dawn is adorable and willing to help. They will keep Barnaby until we can take him home and in the meanwhile we will schedule some visit time where I will pick him up in the morning and bring him back in the evening so we can spend some family time outside. Barnaby has a family!
First visit of Barnany:) Poor darling he is car sick:( and so scared :(
But I will give him all the love he needs and deserves.
My husband who is very pragmatic write another time to the owner to talk money this time. Unlike me he is more direct without all the little nice words and kindness. And I confess that sometimes this is what it takes!
Suddenly they are open to think ... (Oh really!) ... it will go for a week of exchange on the hows and some more thinking.
Next visit of Barnaby, we go to the beach, have a long walk.
I love him so much.
Come back home to read this great news from the landlords: YES WE CAN HAVE A DOG! No need to move. That's a relief as we just moved in this house!
The deal? extra deposit for the dog, raise of the rent, extension of the lease, raise of the insurance coverage and rugs. At the end, even if it cost money it is still less than a move and most of all it's worth it.
A money solution, fine by me, my conscious is clean. I adopted a dog who really needs a nice family.
So we won't bring Barnaby to the boarding:) It tooks 3 weeks but tonight Barnaby sleeps home:) Hooray!
1st night at home:) "I am so scared... " Barnaby won't eat that night, won't drink, won't go potty.
Now we can start to talk about Barnaby the dog with a family ... next time...
