 Barney's
Diary
The Waiting
Another day in care at the RSPCA Dubbo City Council Shelter. Waiting.
The complex was brand new not a flea in sight. The carers were great - talked to me, gave me pats and I would wait for the volunteers to come and take me for walkies most days.
There were so many dogs waiting for a new home. I didn’t think I stood a chance to be adopted. Most people wanted puppies to cuddle or young dogs. Would some on really want a big boisterous bloke like me – 3 and a bit years old? Then again – even if I say it myself – I’m a bit of a looker. A casual, blonde, windswept coat, big, brown eyes. Mmmm maybe there was hope still.
Many times in all the long weeks people would come and look to choose a pet. I had a standard routine for attention: bark; jump on the pen gates; wag the tail; smile; sit; look ‘em straight in the eye; smile; plead to be taken to a good home. No luck.
The Visitors
One scorcher of afternoon I was stretched out on my bed, when a white car pulled up out the front of the shelter. I thought “heres a go”. The lady looked like a bit of a sucker for dogs and like she needed a friend .The man seemed non-plussed about the whole deal. I reckon he had been brow beaten and just decided to given in to her wishes.
They went around all the pens. I’m thinking heres a chance – mentally run through the ‘look at me’ routine. Oh, oh she has taken a white Labrador for a walk! What would I give to have the same chance. The lab didn’t seem to be having a much of a go to impress her.
A bit of whirl around the yard and the lady put her back in the pen.
My section was next for a visit. “Hold tight Barney you are in with a chance!” Next thing the lady came past my kennel. “Gee, she looks a bit crook! But she appears friendly. Concentrate”, I tell myself “this is the closest you have been to freedom for months. The routine, don’t forget the routine mate”. Next thing the lady stopped. Like slap, bang, right in front of my door! I looked straight at her my biggest wide-eyed smile, paw up. I went through the ‘take me home plan’ all the time thinking hold tight keep the contact with her Barney.
Then she was gone the lady just walked off not a word nothing.
My heart sank. My tail hung limply. “Why what is the matter with me - hang on the car is still there they haven’t gone yet”. I craned my neck trying to see around the corner. I put on my best cool, cheeky ‘don’t-care-take-it-or-leave-it’ look. Then it happened. Little did I know the lady had doubled back to check if I was just a poser. Well as I peered around the corner so did she our eyes met.
Ok, ok…. (Let’s not get soppy).
My New Family
The lady says “this is the one I want Jack”. Jack just said “if you think so”. “Wow I’m out of here” I thought. “No steady on there is a bit of a delay” I cocked my ears and tuned in to the conversation. “Yes, yes we will take him” the lady said “however we can’t pick him up until next week”. The carer said “no worries he will be fine with us for a bit longer”. There was some discussion on finance, I thought: “Oh, oh, I hope they have the cash or this will be it for me”.
The lady – whose name I picked up as Rhon – said “Barney must have his annual heartworm injection, has he been frontlined? Is he de-sexed?” (That word it still makes me shudder.) Anyway, that was one thing that didn’t need to be done.
With that all sorted out the carer started to unlock my gate I said to myself, “Whoa Barney. Steady mate. Don’t knock her over (she hasn’t paid yet). Through the check list. No jumping, no licking, or cocking legs”.
Then everything happened in seconds the gate was flung open Rhon rushed in and threw her arms around me. I’ll never forget that hug I wanted to leap and lick and turn somersaults. My heart hummed like a beehive. Jack loosened up a bit and gave my head a scruff. Rhon said she thought I was gorgeous and told me through the gate “Don’t worry we will be back in a week” .Jack seemed more impressed. Then – all-of-a-sudden – the moment was over.
Well did the gossip go around the kennels that night? “Barney has a new woman in his life. How could some old sod like him be so lucky” I just said: “never ever give up hoping, age doesn’t matter”. (But of course my good looks sealed the deal).
That night, for the time first in months I slept and dreamt of freedom and the many adventures to come.
Wait until Jack and Rhon meet the REAL Barney!!!!!!!
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