A Boy and his Dog

I can't believe I haven’t yet blogged about Oliver’s best friend, Pumpkin. Pumpkin came into our lives one fresh fall morning in October 2007. Glenn woke me up saying, “Honey there is a Pit Bull on our doormat.” Back then we lived in a barn on a sheep ranch- we were used to finding all kinds of animals on our doormat. Pumpkin was thin, hyper and pooping acorns (not to mention the funny blink that he had). It took us ten minutes to realize he belonged with our family.

I made a meager effort to find Pumpkin’s previous owner, knowing he was probably dumped out in the middle of nowhere. After a few weeks of caring for Pumpkin, it became obvious why he was dumped. Pumpkin was not neutered and while he looks fierce, he has a heart of honey. He was also raised without any sort of obedience training and his huge frame frequently barreled into me or Oliver, knocking us down. Pumpkin also was in need of an expensive eye surgery (the reason for his blinking).

I have to admit, it is hard for me to like Pumpkin at times. And I know it will get easier as he matures. He frequently takes off (Oliver like to let him outside to play with the dogs across the street), chews up grandma’s quilt, or lifts his leg on me during a walk.

Don’t feel bad for Pumpkin. Pumpkin will forever be loved deeply and unconditionally by his favorite human, Oliver.