Over Memorial Day weekend 2002, my life changed forever when a nine month old pup entered my home...and my heart.
To be honest, I wasn't the one who initially noticed Cayenne online - and I was a bit hesitant to get another dog. Upon further research I learned that he had already been in and out of two homes, and was searching for his "forever home". Then I was sucked in by those big, brown eyes and big, goofy smile. There was no doubt in my mind that Cayenne would be my dog.
Cayenne arrived in Wisconsin via plane from California. His plane ticket was more than he was. When he touched ground, he was skittish - and understandably so. I mean, how would you feel if you were just shipped off 2000 miles away? In fact, I'm told he peed in the car on the way home. I finally met him after work that Friday, and Caye greeted me the adorable clumsiness of a pup still trying to grow into his body. This would likely explain many of my "mystery bruises" those first few months.
Over the nest few weeks, Caye settled into his new digs nicely -although I did need to teach him that the sniffing of the crotch is not an appropriate greeting for humans (and yes, once in a while we still need to work on that) and that shoes are not toys. It was also apparent Caye was indeed my dog. If you remember the My Buddy doll ads, that was Caye and I - he was pretty much surgically attached to me whenever I was home.
Since he was always underfoot, I had plenty of opportunity to observe Caye's personality. He has to be one of the most curious (read: "little shit"), gentlest, happiest and friendliest dogs I've ever known. Trust me, he tries to make friends with all animals (see above pics). Because of this, I still wonder why his first two owners didn't want him. Maybe it's because he's a "bully breed" (read: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire and like breeds) and was stereotyped as a "fighter" - which he is obviously not. Maybe they didn't want a family dog or didn't want to care for him. Maybe they couldn't deal with the clumsiness and training of a puppy. Whatever the reason, I'll never know. I'll also never know what the first nine months of his life were like - although I have some suspicions. Despite that, Caye easily forgave the actions of his previous owners (as dogs do) by trusting and accepting me with open paws. What I do know is that Cayenne ended up where he was supposed to be.
And while I was there for Caye by giving him a forever home, he's been there for me too. During my whole divorce ordeal, he was the best listener and snuggler ever. We mourned the loss of Lily (his older sister) together. Caye also laid by me after my knee surgery (careful not to actually touch the knee) to make sure I was okay...although never completely understood why I couldn't take him for a walk. Yes, dogs are amazingly intuitive. Dogs also possess and provide unconditional love, despite all your idiosyncrasies. If you don't believe this, you must witness how Caye reacts when I come home from work (or taking out the garbage). To be honest, I love the big guy too - quirks and all. These quirks include, but are not limited to: a fondness for black labs, regardless of gender; the need to turn around three times before retiring on the bed for the night and the propensity to rip the faces off all his stuffed toys.
And while I was there for Caye by giving him a forever home, he's been there for me too. During my whole divorce ordeal, he was the best listener and snuggler ever. We mourned the loss of Lily (his older sister) together. Caye also laid by me after my knee surgery (careful not to actually touch the knee) to make sure I was okay...although never completely understood why I couldn't take him for a walk. Yes, dogs are amazingly intuitive. Dogs also possess and provide unconditional love, despite all your idiosyncrasies. If you don't believe this, you must witness how Caye reacts when I come home from work (or taking out the garbage). To be honest, I love the big guy too - quirks and all. These quirks include, but are not limited to: a fondness for black labs, regardless of gender; the need to turn around three times before retiring on the bed for the night and the propensity to rip the faces off all his stuffed toys.
Cayenne has also served as a fantastic ambassador (ambassadog) for his breed. People compliment me on what a sweet and well-behaved boy he is - usually after they comment on how muscular and handsome he is. I mean, how can you resist that smile and wagging tail (which actually wiggles his whole body)? Cayenne was socialized from his beginnings with me, and is always willing to meet other dogs and people as well as tag along on public excursions. His favorites include the farmer's market and the Palomino, not only because of the "sniff stops" and affection from folks, but because of the very good chance he'll get bacon. (Ok, maybe it's really because of the bacon). Regardless of the motive, Caye's charming and endearing demeanor - plus good looks and positive attitude - has won over skeptics and changed more than a few minds about the perception of the breed. That was never my intent, but Caye is indeed a "poster dog" for all that is good in "bully breeds".
Nine years later, Cayenne is (finally) showing signs of his age by mellowing a bit and white hair on his face while still maintaining the curiosity and playfulness of a puppy, and of course, his undeniable zest for life. He is the best pup anymore could ask for...and I wouldn't trade him for the world.
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