These Crazy Dogs!

Today was a wacky day to say the least. Apollo and Khloe got into some mischief that had my hair falling out in clumps! Today started off like any other day in my existence. I woke up, I took them out to go potty, and then I allowed them to stay outside to play while I got ready for my exciting classes at Ohio Northern University. After getting ready, I took them back inside and said my goodbyes to them as I embarked upon my educational journey. Classes were going well today, I love my Interpersonal Communications class and my rehearsals for University Singers got cancelled so I was having a fantastic day. It was when I arrived home that my world flipped upside down.

 When I walked in the door of my lovely home the dogs immediately rushed past my feet to a nearby tree in the front yard while the door was open. There, atop the tree, sat a fat squirrel that was the bane of my dogs’ existences in that moment. I tried to corral them, but it was already too late. They made a break for the squirrel. I rushed out after them but then they immediately thought that we were playing a game and dashed down the street as fast as they could. Needless to say, I was not amused. I chased after them as fast as my feet could carry, but alas it proved fruitless. The dogs were D1, 6’4” wide receivers for the University of Washington in that moment, while I was still a 5’10” scrawny white boy from Ohio. I was in pursuit for many minutes that seemed like hours, hoping that they would not get hit by any oncoming vehicles. Eventually they ran to Shawnee High School, which is just down the road from me, and they quickly found the school’s track and field which was full of, believe or not, high schoolers. When I saw that they were running for the track my heart nearly stopped. What if they bit someone? What if someone bit them? What if biting occurred in general? Lots of biting was running through my head when one of them stopped to go number two right before they got to the field. Now was my chance! Like a lion stalking prey, I bounded over to who I could now see was Apollo and grabbed onto him by his collar while I had the chance. I had one now, but the problem that came about was how could I get Khloe while still hanging onto Apollo. This problem was solved by the middle-aged man (approximately 39 years old) across the street. He must’ve seen my plight through his window. I had my back turned to his house wrangling Apollo when I heard his heroic voice boom, “I’ll save you, stranger!” He sprinted across his front yard and safely yet swiftly grabbed Khloe by her collar. I thanked this man for his courage in the face of two pitbulls, and took my dogs back to my house.

 When we got home, I finally breathed a sigh of relief, and the dogs were panting like they had run a marathon; because in all reality, it felt like we did. As they were getting a drink of water, I did as well. Then I lied down and contemplated my life choices that lead to this experience, and as the day died I fell softly asleep.

Intro to Dogs 1021.01

 

I’d like to welcome you all to an educational virtual course on the history, temperament, activities, demeanor, and overall existence of my dogs Apollo and Khloe. It does not feel like long ago that I adopted them, though it was nearly four years ago. Yet here they are, ten times bigger than they were when I first saw them. Apollo and Khloe are biological siblings, and it shows! They’re both boxers so they’re full of energy constantly, and that leads to some rather interesting days to say the least. They’re both in constant need of attention, be it play time, cuddles, treats or whatever the case may be. I love them and they’ve been my best friends for the past 5 years.

Now that you all know them just a little bit more, let’s dive into today’s story with the two gremlins. Today was Thursday so that means I spend a majority of my day on campus rather than at home with my dogs. So I woke up early this morning at 6 AM, grabbed myself a cup of coffee and made them breakfast. We all ate together and then I gave them some play time before I left for class. That playtime consists of playing fetch, chasing them around the house, playing hide and seek, and really giving them that attention that they so love. It makes me happy to make them so happy. It really doesn’t take a whole lot out of my day to make theirs significantly better, and that is something I wish all dog owners would consider more often. But alas, as the time of play diminished my 8 AM drew closer and I had to depart. I always leave by telling them to “Have fun, be safe, and wash your hands!” I hope they heed my warning, hygiene is important after all.

After class, I arrived home at around 6:30 to the best part of every single day in my life. I walk in the door, they hear my entry and I am immediately met with the task of catching two 80-pound cannonballs of love hurtling at me at the fastest speed possible for them. After today’s joyous reception of treats, pets, and fetch, I sat down and ate some pizza while Apollo stared at my plate in hopes that I might give him a slice, which in this house is not an unrealistic expectation. We treat our dogs like family here, in every sense of the word. They deserve the best this life has to offer them, after all they only have it for so long. Yet today he did not receive any pizza, because I was rather hungry. Then I got comfy and started writing this, thus leading us to the present moment of me writing this. That’s all I’ve got for today, stick around to find out more about Apollo, Khloe, and the various shenanigans that they will undoubtably partake in!