And Chloe Makes Five

Chloe

Just when we thought Our Little House, or our hearts couldn’t get fuller, in walks Chloe.

Several weeks ago, I got involved with a rescue in Springfield, Mo. – our nearest “big” city – helping save dogs from the high kill municipal pound there. They do not allow public adoptions and the only way out for these unfortunate pets is through approved rescues.

It was then I was reminded of a story I had read several years ago that theorized Big Black Dogs, or BBD’s as they’re known in the dog world, have less of a chance of making it out of shelters alive.

When the rescue I was working with had to leave 6 dogs in the shelter and they were all BBD’s, I decided to rescue this sweet girl.

Chloe, Sade and Emma in background have learned to get along

Of course, she’s officially a foster, but we all know how that turned out with Buddy. Although we were very happy Buddy found a loving home with someone who dotes on him and takes him everywhere, we still miss the little guy.

Although Chloe clearly had some training, she comes immediately when called, even if she’s on the scent of something. She also knows a few commands but the first couple of days were a challenge.

First, there was those several incidents with car sickness on the hour long drive from picking her up in Branson. Truly, I didn’t know a dog stomach could hold so much. Thank goodness for moisture resistant seat covers and the towels we brought.

Then Sade, our usually loving pit bull, didn’t take well at all to another alpha female presence. No major fights, but a lot of scary barking, growling and nipping from both sides of the room for a few days.

Finally, there was the issue of her name. Dale and I have never agreed on names, but I usually win (He hasn’t named one since I allowed him to name my first cat “Rastus” over 30 years ago).

Dale wanted to call her “Lucky” because she was pulled literally off death row just hours before her scheduled demise.

While there’s nothing wrong with “Lucky,” I tend to go for more “human” type names, although some might think Dakota, Sade and Chloe, especially, sounds more like given names at a hippie commune.

I thought of a few we haven’t used on the numerous cats and dogs we’ve had in our lives: Madison, Allie, Bella, but they didn’t fit.

She just seemed like a “Chloe” to me, a name Dale of course, doesn’t like.

“Silly for a dog,” is an exact quote.

Things have calmed down significantly to the point that I believe she is being accepted.

Last night, Chloe climbed into my lap and laid her head on my shoulder as if to say, “I’m home, thank you,” and there wasn’t even one protective growl from any of the Fearsome Four.

As I write this, Emma, Sade and Chloe just had a playful game of “gotcha” in my office (the dog version of tag) and Sade is now lying next to Chloe and they are sharing, yes, sharing, a toy.

When I looked up the name “Chloe,” I learned it is of Greek origin and means “blooming,” and that she is.

If you have room in your heart and home for another pet – or maybe you’re thinking of getting your first – this is an excellent time to adopt. Every shelter in the country is overflowing with wonderful dogs and cats just like Chloe, many of which will be killed for lack of space. Adopting is one of the most rewarding forms of recycling. Please adopt, don’t shop!

What is the most unique pet name you’ve heard or given to a pet?