Day: June 17, 2012

Sigmund Freud said the two most important things in life are love and work. Red seems to have both in his life. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mandy and Marleigh just kept on going with Red, they both love him so much. Freud would appreciate Red, I think. I didn’t realize how handsome this dog is until I saw these new photos. It’s not that important to me, but Red has a radiance and spirit about him that I love already – Maria and I are sitting her watching these photos and ooohing and aaahing in gratitude for Red, who will be here tonight.  Love and work are the two things he will get here every day of his life. Happy to share this with you.

Red doesn’t seem too rattled on the first leg of his trip to Bedlam Farm, he was ready to hug Marleigh Meyer-Hill. A ladies man, I’ve heard. He will get lots of lovin here. I told Maria this morning I’m sort of glad to have another guy here. Lately it’s just been me and Simon. Red is a flirt. They’re in Maryland.

Karen Thompson had her last workout with Red yesterday, and shot a seven-minute video to help me understand the commands he knows and his responses, strengths and weaknesses. He is a wonderful dog, and she is a very gifted trainer. Most of these commands are familiar to me. Red has a hair-trigger response and is a strong and powerful dog, very confident and keen.

Rose was a more indirect farm dog, less polished. I will need to be clear and patient with him until we both can understand one another. This dog loves to work and I can also see his loving and generous spirit. This is a wonderful dog, and I think the perfect dog for me, as Karen sensed. In her very moving video, a brilliant trainer and dog lover says goodbye to an exceptional dog who loves her very much. Red arrives tonight.

Come and see.

Photo by Mandy Meyer-Hill

Red said goodbye to Karen Thompson this morning, just before he headed on his journey north to his new life, and this photo tugged at my heart, knowing how much Karen loves this dog and how bittersweet it is for her to send him away. I really can’t add anything to this photo other than to say I will be worthy of Karen’s trust and the photo makes me love Red all the more already and I won’t meet him until tonight. Thanks, Karen. This photo is really what love is about it, I think, and getting to know your big heart and great character is a gift.