Today is Murdock’s Gotcha Day. For the first half of his life, I had never heard the reference. Once I did, October 20 became an important day to celebrate. Murdock’s Gotcha Day was, after all, the best day of my life, when my greatest adventure began, when I met my forever soulmate.
I always wanted a dog and never had one. Shortly after I turned 30, it was finally time. I have no recollection of how I stumbled upon him or the shelter he was in, but somehow, maybe through divine intervention, I did. He and his brothers were in a county shelter about two hours from where I lived. “County shelter” in that part of Michigan means a family received a subsidy to operate an animal rescue on their property. The dogs in this shelter were in large pens with their pals, romped around in soft hay, and had outside playtime. Murdock and his brothers had a pretty posh setup – so, although he was a shelter pup, the word “rescue” doesn’t really seem appropriate.
I made arrangements to visit the shelter on October 20 to choose my pup from the litter. Like any soon-to-be-mom, I spent the days leading up to the 20th preparing. I chose his bowls, food, toys, and a blue leash and color. (Blue would be the only color he ever wore). I had long settled on a name – a tribute to one of my favorite shows, The A-Team. I read all of the books I could – I had never cared for a dog, let alone a 12 week old puppy. As ready as I thought I was, I had no idea what I was embarking upon, how my life was about to change forever.
When I arrived at the shelter, the owner opened the pen to allow the two remaining crazy puppies to run out and explore. How was I to possibly choose? After some time, one jumped in my arms. I knew in that instant he was mine. (If you have read these blogs or knew Murdock, as you would guess, he quickly jumped out of my arms, and never returned).
I fell in love with him instantly – it was impossible not to, even when he walked into my living room for the first time, squatted in the middle of the carpet, and peed. (He was always a strong communicator.) I loved letting him explore new things, taste new foods, go to new places, and learn how glorious walks could be. But, I couldn’t have known in those early days what he would come to mean in my life.
Like all profound love, our bond grew deeper over time, as I got to know his quirks and big personality, and he began to figure me out too. The struggles that would come for both of us, the hours we spent together, the adventures we shared – the twists and turns of life over time only cemented our bond.
I don’t remember the day he took over my heart, or when I knew he was my other half, or when I realized that in him, I had finally found the home I had been searching for. But that day, October 20, was the start of it all, the best years of my life and the part of my journey I am most proud of.
I’d like to think that he jumped in my arms with purpose that day, that he somehow knew and chose me. While I may not have been rescuing him – he certainly rescued me.
What is your Gotcha Day story?
