Thinking Out Loud
Labor of Love

September 3, 2012
By: Diane Szczepanski

"She had no particular breed in mind, no unusual requirements. Except the special sense of mutual recognition that tells dog and human they have both come to the right place."
Lloyd Alexander

You'll forgive me if my column this Labor Day weekend is short and sweet and has nothing to do with the meaning of Labor Day, as it probably should.

But, I just picked up and brought home my new family member, walking companion and furry friend, Cody, a rather beautiful specimen of a German Shepherd, if I say so myself and I'm a little preoccupied with him.

Six years old, picked up as a stray, homeless and doomed to the requirements and policies of an animal shelter, until a kind soul from a local rescue organization, saw his potential and sprung him from his steel bar prison.

Now he lays at my feet on my antique rug, having sniffed and scoured every inch of my house and yard.

Regal in stature, yet with soft brown eyes, he's already found a spot of comfort in my home and a spot in my heart.

As you can see by the picture, he's beautiful.

We have some learning curves to navigate before we know each others daily dance and rhythms. There will undoubtedly be some compromise on both our parts.

But we'll find our way.

He is sure to be a good partner on my daily walks, which until this point have been awfully lonesome.

He is sure to be a good companion for the increasing times my son is away from the house, as he grows older and finds his own way in the world.

He is certain to be a good listener when I'm feeling blue, because...well...because all dogs are.

This will be a great Labor Day to remember.

I promise next year, I'll come up with something about its meaning.