After the loss of Big Fuzzy last year I was devastated. He was born in my hands, and nearly 13 years later he died peacefully in those same, loving hands. There's nothing to compare to burying your face in the fur of an adult male Malamute's neck. It's a big, soft, furry wonderful thing to hug. No disrespect to Duke, of course, Duke is very huggable but there's something about the energy of a big furry male Mal. There was a huge empty spot in the lineup for treats in the morning. Every time I look out over Fuzzy's grave I miss his presence. No dog can replace him. I would never expect one to. I said I wouldn't get another Malamute. Duke would be the last one. Yeah, right.
Enter Shadow. Last summer a young couple came into the store and they were curious about Mals. Being the in-store Mal expert, I expounded on all the reasons a nice couple like them would NOT want one but they insisted, I referred them to a reputable breeder, and a few weeks later, they were bringing Shadow into puppy classes. He was great for me in class, but that nice young lady had a hard time getting him to work for her.
Fast forward 5 months. Here's something that all true Mal people are aware of; at 7-9 months Malamutes turn into the Spawn of Satan, but it's then that you need to really drill down on them to help them become a good canine citizen. About the time you want to throw them outside and forget you ever got a Mal is the time you need to tie them to your belt 24/7. That nice young lady was tired of this rambunctious teen Mal, and when mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Trouble was a-brewin'.
One day, that nice young couple came in to the store with their NEW puppy, a Yorkie; HER idea of a great dog. They told me about Shadow going to a nice farmer with 500 acres. I just knew what would happen with that. I told them if it didn't work out, CALL ME. I would take him and either keep him or find him a proper home.
Shadow was found a few days later 10 miles from his new home (Thank you, Homeagain). Apparently the farmer and his wife thought he would sit nicely on the porch day in and day out. Don't all Malamutes?
So, here sits Shadow, right next to me, a loving, playful, 10 month old who already recognizes me as Teacher, and is learning to see me as "mom". The first two nights he was here, he kept waking me up - "are you still my mommy?" was how I was reading this. We're on day 4 now, man it was nice to sleep all night! He's a lovely young dog, and although it will be a year or two before he matures and grows his big Malamute "ruff", he is already very huggable and has a sweet nature. Duke is thrilled, she's been missing her big buddy, and Shadow likes to PLAY! Duke, being of *ahem* mature years still has play in her but she was stiff and sore after a few hours of playing race and chase with her new friend. Turbo already knew Shadow from puppy classes, and he and his new brother are only a few months apart in age. Shadow fits in, so I doubt I'll be looking for a home for him.
So much for no more Malamutes....
