The Quirky Pet: An Italian Sheepdog
The Vermont Humane Society and I can’t coordinate our schedules; I have tons of classes and because of limited funds, the society is only open for a few hours on certain days. Since that little plan to satisfy my dog cravings failed, I’ve been jonesing for some canine love pretty bad.
Yesterday, I had a few free hours around lunchtime and dreaded sitting around my hotel room because any free time means thinking about my pack and Mason. Instead, I decided to take a little jaunt through downtown Montpelier. It was a cloudy, cool afternoon, low humidity. I started out on State Street, passing the capital building, numerous local restaurants boasting organic ingredients, a bead shop, some eclectic clothing stores, and an used bookstore.
When I saw the Quirky Pet a.k.a. the Emporium of Way Cool Pet Stuff, I had to go inside, even if it was just to sniff the dog treats or run a leash through my fingers. A small store with a tiled floor, the shop was rustic and colorful. American-made dog merchandise – from stickers that read “Wag More” to basics like collars and bowls – were tastefully stocked on shelves. I inhaled deep, sucking in all those familiar canine scents.
At one point, I noticed a thick shag rug in front of the register. It was particularly bulky. I stared at it for a few seconds, knowing something wasn’t quite right when the rug moved. It took a second for my mind to comprehend that it wasn’t a carpet at all, but a huge dreadlocked dog. I gasped. I couldn’t help it. I’d never seen anything even close to that magnificent canine.
I plopped right down on the dusty tiles and stuck my fingers deep into his dreaded locks. He smiled, pink tongue unfurling from a face almost completely obscured with hair. After a minute or two, he must have recognized that I was quite familiar with a dog’s sweet spots and rolled over so I could reach his belly easier. I really can’t say who enjoyed that rub down more. All I know is that it’s exactly what I needed, a little dose of dog to help finish out my week.
(Special Shout out to Cindra, Anuzzo and Aria at the Quirky Pet. Thank you for making me feel so welcome!)