[I have to warn you… he barks… a lot! I hope you’re ok with that.]
The WhatsApp showed up as I was on the bus on my way… nearly at my destination really.
That was Ok… I know how to deal with pups. And yes – I do mean with both kinds of pups.
As I approached the address I could see Stephen hanging his head out the door. He’d anticipated my arrival. Smart cookie. He had guessed which bus I was on and how much time it would take me to get to his door.
A wry grin showed on his face. He said something which I couldn’t quite make out – but it was nice I’m sure. It took me a second to pull my headphones out so I could hear him.
“Handsome man…”
That’s a nice way to be greeted for a first meeting.
I could tell from this one initial glance that this would be a good connection. It was not just his smile, it was his eyes. They were happy hungry eyes.
I crossed the threshold and he reminded me again – “He …”
Woof. Woof. Woof…….
“…barks.”
“What’s his name?”
“Toby.”
“Kiss me. Now.”
And he did. Oh… wow. Nice. He can kiss. So nice that he can kiss.
He looked over his shoulder and Toby was there at the little child gate just looking. No longer barking.
Stephen looked back at me – “Well – he’s on his best behaviour.”
I looked at Stephen and smiled and said in the simplest voice: “First you. Then me. Then him. Toby knows his place.”
I kissed Stephen again and drew him close. I put my hand on the back of his neck and gave a gentle squeeze and laid his head on my chest… “Let’s go downstairs.”
In that instant, it became crystal clear… There was a new alpha in the flat. The pack order had changed and it was not up for debate. First me, then Stephen – then the dog named Toby.