14 years ago I decided we should have a dog. I love dogs but I was an obsessed climber back then and my cat, Chunks, was the perfect companion for me. Chunks had so many friends, my landlords would take care of him when I went away on trips and loved him like he was their cat, he was just such a cool cat. For my seasons working in Alaska or my 8-10 month climbing road trips I would drive him to my mom's where he was properly spoiled and gained an insane amount of weight. He was chill and went with the flow, always happy to drool all over my gear and sandals after my adventures in the woods. He especially loved the tree sap from Black Mountain in California. Chunks was easy. Then Frank entered my life, he had Jack Russell Terriers before we were together and I knew he would like to have another dog someday. When we moved to Flagstaff I thought, maybe we should get a dog, it seemed like the natural progression. I was worried about the commitment (as I often am) but suggested it one day. He was hesitant, heart broken still from the loss of his other furry loves but agreed to consider it. We found a great breeder in Flagstaff and went to visit when the puppies came. We fell in love with Red, how can you not!? Puppies are so freaking cute! Jack Russell puppies are tiny, fat and feisty and I was all over it!!! We would visit him and play over the months before finally taking him home. I remember feeling a lot of anxiety over the commitment and told Frank, "look, I'm more of a cat person, I will help but you will have to take the lead on this". Red's first week with us was crazy! We picked that little guy up, spent a day or so at home then drove him straight to Salt Lake City for the big Outdoor Retailer show. We had a booth for VooDoo and I registered him as an employee, his badge read, Mr. Red :) Security tried to object (dogs were not allowed back then) but I would say with total confidence, "He has a badge, I registered him" and he was allowed in every time and every year after. He mostly slept and got a ridiculous amount of attention. He was a trooper and an instant road trip adventure dog. He went everywhere with us. He clocked in at the VooDoo shop everyday and was always psyched to go climbing, bouldering or on mountain bike rides! One of my favorite memories is the first night he came home. Frank told me that he was not allowed to sleep in the bed and I was like, "okay, whatever, I'm a cat person, no biggie" but secretly I was like, wtf?! He's so freaking little and cute and I want to snuggle him! The lights went out and the whining started. I stayed strong and ignored it. It wasn't long before Frank got up and brought Red into our bed. I was relieved and Red has never slept a night alone since :) I always teased Frank about that and he always teased me about the big speech I gave on how I was not going to be in charge of taking care of the pup. If you know me and you know Red you know that he is my boy and I am his girl. I had no idea what I was getting in to. I am so grateful for the love and the lessons my furry friends have shared with me. It's the most beautiful love and connection, there is nothing else like it. Happy National dog day everyone! I love you, Mr. Red! Thank you for being one of my best friends for the past 14 years. You have made me a better person, no doubt.
