New Addition

A common occurrence within my life seems to be the unexpected. I like the surprises and sometimes I can even enjoy the misfortunes in the journey more than others along the way. This particular unexpected surprise has been enjoyable as well as good training ground for my patience. When a coworker named Peggy came to me with excitement having the perfect dog for me I could not help but be intrigued.

I love my dear little dachshund, Tsali. She has been my dearest companion these last five years offering unconditional faithful affection. We have been through many transitions and tears and joy and expeditions and adventures together. However, Tsali loves constant attention which I cannot offer because of work. Not until I moved in with my sister and her dog, Stella, did I realize Tsali likes having a four-legged friend nearby behaving much better. Well, my sister is on the road much of the time with Stella by her side leaving Tsali to herself again. Also, since I know my sister and I will not be roommates much longer I have been in search for Tsali's perfect friend.

What dog would be best for Tsali?

Though I adore Stella her rat terrier tendencies can often be overwhelming for myself and Tsali. My other roommate has a Canon/Spitz mix. Iko, a wonderful medium-size black and white pleased with anyone makes for a good companion that even Tsali appreciates. However, Iko is larger with higher energy possessing a lot of fur. The shedding would be a problem for me and I must admit though I have always considered myself a "big dog" person my personality has adapted for Tsali. Smaller dogs are easier to manage and more convenient for travel.

Peggy came to work a few hours before she was due to clock-in to show me my "perfect dog." I rushed out to Peggy's vehicle to my possible match. What Peggy pulled out caught me off guard. The dog, Peggy called Brownie, looked as if she could be mixed with yorkshire, dachshund, rat terrier breed then threw in the body of a cat, the mouth of a monkey, the ears of a fox not to mention it was like a crazy hair stylist grabbed hold of her hair to add splashes of bleached highlights through out her coat. (Just kidding). Apart from the strange appearance we seemed to make a connection. Her loving personality could not deter her from being unattractive. Her soft brown looked straight through me. All I knew to was, "It will depend how Tsali likes her." With that we arranged a date "Brownie" could stay with me to make better acquaintance with Tsali

My sister was willing to pick "Brownie up for me. All three dogs had time to interact before I came home from work. The first matter of business was to give her a name. I wanted to her a hebrew of greek name for the meaning "hope." Greek is not the prettiest of languages and hope in hebrew is pronounced "tiqwah." I went through the hebrew dictionary trying to find something workable. In the meantime, Maury called her Samantha. It was also apparent that Samantha/Brownie/Tiqwah needed to be potty trained. She made no hesitation to relieve herself on our floors. Since, there were already two dogs and myself name's beginning with the s-sound Samantha could not stick. Out of frustration to find a name that sounded well to me I called her Mariah, in hebrew spelled Moriah, meaning bitterness.

Moriah is absolutely a warm and loving dog. Peggy had rescued her from a abusive family that was hoping she would "get lost." Considering her early mistreatment and trauma and lack of affection she shows no signs of difficulty. Thanks to the example of my dog and my sister's Moriah is quickly understanding the outdoors are used for her restroom. Tsali walks along side Moriah to assist my commands. Stella shows Moriah how to play and execute tug-of-war. Moriah warmly walks up to any stranger anticipating a belly rub. She likes to chew on sticks and pine cones, but is not destructive. I am never concerned about her wondering away, yet she is always ready for an adventure. Moriah loves hikes trying to stay in the lead and is proving to be quite the jumper from rock to rock. Though she is a full-on puppy- rather clumsy and spastic when she becomes excited- she is also a mature puppy saving her energy for outside and compliant to my instruction. She is a quick learner that I believe helps by having other good dogs to watch.

Tsali has not become the best of buds with Moriah, but she did not instantly like Stella either. I am aware it will take plenty of time for the two to be completely excepting of each other. I am also utterly confident this is the best companion for Tsali. As I step further into school demanding more book hours as well as working full time quality time for Tsali will be limited. It is my hope that being apart of a pack will make my absence more endurable.

I hate to separate myself from Tsali wishing I could have a job where she could join, but that option has not opened up. Besides, I enjoy watching Moriah experience life for the first time as a nuance. Her reactions to all new experiences are priceless. I am her haven from the world she knew. Moriah is my appreciation for the life that is ever changing always bringing new surprised and gifts along the journey.