Solstice Son - Life, Love, and A Pup

On February 13th, 1998, there was a birth. Well, actually a few births. Our beloved Dalmation/Beagle mix, Lakota, gave birth to three little black balls of fluff. Just 2 weeks prior to our getting Lakota fixed - on my birthday to be exact - out Golden Retriever/Pit Terrier, Max, decided it was time to break her in. About 2 months later, out popped Pookie, Meekos, and Thrasher. This is not their story, persay - but a little background is needed. Pookie went to a loving family in my hometown, Albion, MI; Meekos went to a family in Battle Creek, MI and Thrasher stayed with us. At midnight the night Meekos left - his new owner called me in tears and asked if she could return him - her female Pitbull didn't much like the new pack member and they were afraid to go to sleep, seeing how she tried to eat Meekos every time they turned their backs...hence Meekos came to stay.
Over the next 1o years, we lost Lakota to an unknown disease (later we realized it was OSA cancer), Thrasher had dominance issues and was turned over to a new owner, and Max lived to the ripe old age of 15 1/2. Meekos became our baby - our life - our sanity. In February of 2008, we noticed he was limping - in May of 2008 he was diagnosed with OSA cancer. On July 19th 2008 we knew it was time - we stood by his side as he took his last breath - and it was the hardest thing we had ever done.



Through one end came the beginning of what will be documented here for everyone who cares to read. Through a chance meeting at a pet adoption in the Detroit area, I was introduced to American Indian dogs. This was about 3 weeks after Meekos was laid to rest. I was not thinking about adopting a new dog - in fact - just as now - almost 6 months later - thinking of Meekos still made me cry. I didn't want another dog - Brian didn't want another dog - we were happy with our little fat cat, Geddy Lee. The heartache over losing what we believe is and always will be the best dog had closed our lives to canines for good...or so we thought.

I researched the American Indian dog - who looked to me like a cross between a coyote and a dingo, throw a little German Shepard, Pit terrier, and Rotteweiler in there and you had what I saw at the adoption site that day. But what caught me was his eyes. He sat at the back of the area just watching the people go by. His handler was gently touching the scruff of his neck and he didn't seem to mind. His eyes were a deep hazel with hints of gold and when he looked at me, I was hooked. I walked over to speak with his handler and she told me they had found him at an abandoned home, wandering the rural area streets, scavenging for what food he could get. A woman with me said he looked like JD Kings dog - an American Indian dog - which she had seen on TV. I was mesmerized by his regal stance and his ability to look into my soul. As I knelt down in front of him, he simply lifted a paw and placed it on my chest - right next to my heart. At that moment, I was sold. And so was another woman looking to adopt an older dog. He turned his head and I swear, he smiled at me as she led him away to finalize the adoption.



I headed back to my hotel room and started researching American Indian Dogs - and here we are, almost 6 months later...eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new family member. This will be the chronicle of our lives with Solstice Son.