My first dog Spot the Poodle

by MB
(FL)

My earliest childhood memories consist of the want for a companion in the form of a dog. I had no idea what poodles were until the day I was told I could have a dog. I got into the car, and unknowingly went for a ride that would lead me to a very good friend, if not the best ever; I'll tell you why. We drove out to this little house in the middle of a corn field in Indiana, and I heard this yapping chatter taking place in the near distance. I assumed we were just visiting my grandparents friends house that I had never went to, just the casual ride in the car. This was not the case. We walked up to the house, I could tell the barking was coming from the back yard. I was excited because I thought I would get to play with some dogs. Any chance I got to play with a dog I would do it, because I didn't have one of my own. We entered the house and went into the living room, where there was a metal fence cage. Not the restrictive type, the puppies could access the soft carpet on the floor, and the fence was just a perimeter gate at most. They told me to pick out a puppy, and I still thought it was just to play with. I couldn't decide on just one, so I asked to have both out to play with. One dog ran straight to me, one just sat. I'll let your imagination figure out which one is Spot.

Finally I had a dog! Now I will share some of the best memories I have with him through out his 16 year life. The first memory that comes to mind is playing in the snow. Spot would always chase me and my friends into the woods behind our house when it was sleding season. We would trek out and the dog would be right there with us. Spot loved the winter, and he loved the woods. I spent a lot of time with him in the woods just wandering around. He would take the lead while walking on a path, but at maximum 20 feet. Sometimes he would come across a squirrel, coon, etc, and bark at it and chase it away.

Spot also loved to be out on the boat. He enjoyed swimming/floating in lakes. He also loved to ride in the boat and look out the side while letting the wind blow through his hair. When we would pull aside into a swimming area, spot would get excited. As soon as I jumped in he would be right behind me.

Spot also enjoyed hanging around the house. He loved the garbage can in the kitchen, as well as the bath room. He enjoyed anything he could chew up into little pieces and make a mess. He'd stay up late while me and my friends played video games. Spot would be right there at our side. Later in life I started having social gatherings (parties) and spot would always be in the mix. He was a friend of everyone, and probably more popular than I. Go to Grant County Indiana and ask about Spot from Cook Estates LOL. He had tooth problems, which resulted in some teeth being removed. His savory grin, now looked like the classical pit bull with one huge saber tooth sticking out the side. Very funny, but still cute.

We ended up moving to Florida, and he was there with us. He enjoyed swimming in the pool, and taking walks on the beach. Now here is the saddest part. When we moved to Florida the vet gave him an extended length rabies shot instead of the regular length. This resulted in kidney failure, and eventually lead to complete dillusion and yearning for water. He would literally lick every spec of moisture up he could find. He had certain pieces of yard statues and assorted ornaments that would collect dew. Sure enough, Spot would make his rounds to each. There was a little girl statue in the back garden that had a bowl that he could access. We referred to this area as his girl friend. Spot had to be put down because of some the increased amount due to the extended time period the rabies shot would be valid; that resulted from fowled paper work and interstate miscommunication and ultimately lead to his death.

RIP ol pal


For Spot's everywhere, take EXTREME care when you change vets.