Indiana (named for adventurer Indiana Jones) was with this family for nearly 11 years, offering friendship, companionship, and mischief. He wasn't much interested in other dogs, cats, squirrels, or rabbits. As one visitor said, "You think you're people." What he liked best was being with his people, and of course, food. We think it's no coincidence that his chin was exactly table height.
He loved to rummage in the trash cans for used tissues, a favorite snack. He loved to eat butter and butter wrappers (to condition his coat, no doubt). And he loved buns. At one holiday meal, we had set a basket of buns on a chair behind us because there wasn't room on the table. Oops! Gone in 60 seconds.
He loved to play tug with old socks, a rope, and other old fabric.
One of the funniest incidents occurred one day when he had really been into everything, exasperating me. When my husband came home, he sat in a chair, and Indiana came over to be petted. "Were you a good dog today, Indiana?" my husband asked. I entered the room, and Indiana swiveled his head and looked at me with an expression that said, "Are you going to tell on me?"
Books about dogs are notorious for sad endings: Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows, Marley and Me, etc. For a long time, I put off reading the Newbery Award winning Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo because, as a dog book, it must be sad. I was so wrong and heartily recommend this story of friendship and belonging.
Indiana was a BIG dog, and a book that fits him is My Big Dog by Susan Stevens Crummel and Janet Stevens.
What dog stories do you like? What dog antics have you enjoyed?
Indiana, Good Dog, November 9, 2001-September 27, 2012
Love the stories and the photos and the book recommendations. Susan and Janet write a lot of other good picture books about dogs. One of my favorites is The Great Fuzz Frenzy. Janet's dog looks a lot like Indiana. P.S. Jane, you have read Love That Dog, too, haven't you? If not, run and get a copy right now. :o)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the titles, Lynette. I have read and loved both of those books!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about Indy passing away. I'm glad you have such good memories to remember him by...
ReplyDeleteThanks, MGJ. What are your favorite dog books?
ReplyDeleteNice tribute to Indiana. Sounds like he had a lot of personality. Jane, have you read The Leaning Dog? I think you would like it.
ReplyDeleteHi, Joyce! Thanks for the recommendation. I have not read that book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like Indiana was quite a character. I like the story about him looking to see if you were going to tell on him.
ReplyDeleteI loved to read dog books as a kid. Of course, Where the Red Fern Grows and Old Yeller, but also Savage Sam (Old Yeller's sequel), Lad: A Dog, and the Big Red series. I don't read many animal stories anymore. Too sad. But I did love War Horse.
Thanks for your comments, Debbie. I had forgotten about the Big Red series and Lad: A Dog. Thanks for the memories!
ReplyDeleteMarley & Me is another book you might enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sara. Notice I mentioned Marley & Me under the "too sad" section! :) Thanks, though.
ReplyDeleteDogs develop patience just like children do it sounds.
ReplyDeleteYes, and in similar ways, Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteOops, sorry. Skimmed that part too quickly. Indiana sounds a lot like our dog Daisy, except that she likes to chew up plastic and kindling.
ReplyDeleteNo worries, Sara. Here's to Daisy and the other dogs that brighten our lives. :)
ReplyDeleteYou might also be interested in Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant (http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Heaven-Cynthia-Rylant/dp/0590417010/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y). I haven't read it, but own the companion Cat Heaven. It would never pass CPH doctrinal review, but is comforting to children and adults alike.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sara. I like Cynthia Rylant's work.
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