Molly was my constant companion for twelve years. A yellow lab from the woods of southeastern Oklahoma, she lived to be near me. Followed me wherever I went. Listened to me and did what I asked. All of these things she did for a “good girl”, a belly rub or simply to lay at my feet. She received very little quality training but loved to please and that made our companionship relaxed and satisfying. It broke my heart when she could no longer enjoy life. She looked deeply into my eyes for almost an hour before receiving the shot that separated us for the last time.
Witnessing Molly’s final months and experiencing those painful days of her wanting to be near me but unable to mobilize her legs made me reluctant to think about a new puppy after her passing. I wasn’t ready for the attachment or putting in the time to develop new bonds. Margie kept encouraging me but I just didn’t have the emotional desire.
Margie would send me the occasional text of rescued dogs and puppies for sale. I had told her if we did get a new puppy I might want an Australian Cattle Dog. Many of my friends who spent time outdoors had an ACD (or Heeler). I probably focused my description more on their attachment to owners and athleticism and no so much on the stubborn energy of the breed. At least that is what she told me three months in, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
December 2020 was the eighth month of Margie and me being at home every day together with little travel and only few hours a week apart from each other. Gyms were closed and we were walking a lot. She wanted to include a new puppy in the home and I eventually gave in, so one morning we drove to Cleo Springs, near the banks of the Cimarron River, to a small ranch where the last puppy from a litter of Blue Heelers waited for us to pick her up. She was too young (eight weeks) and scared but curious and ready to bond. It would be a fun ride home with her sniffing and snuggling and looking out the window. Our crazy life with Kalli had begun.
The name “Kalli” means an honest, blunt, intelligent, quick-witted woman. It would fit her far better than we could have imagined. She is indeed a rare and magical creature; she reminds me of a Spartan warrior, mostly due to her aggressive play. Charging, barking, nipping, jumping is all part of play. Her bright eyes tell you all she wants is someone to engage.
Kalli turned out to be a great training partner for my 2021 trips. She walks me five to eight miles a day, has me throwing balls and playing chase in the yard. Our early morning walks and long days together have also included lots of interaction with other people and dogs. She is, thankfully, very social, even though she occasionally will act tough when big dogs approach from the other side of the street. ACD’s are typically cautious but Kalli is almost as friendly as a Labrador if you can believe it.
She is my shadow. If I leave for an hour or a week Kalli doesn’t like it. She shows a bit of worry when I take her to day care, probably thinking I may be gone for more than the afternoon. Although, she will often run to the young person at the front desk, her over-the-top exuberance when I do return is a great example of what researchers have recently discovered about canines. Dogs have in their genes something similar to what appears in humans as Williams-Beuren syndrome, a symptom of which is indiscriminate friendliness. You have no doubt witnessed this response in your own home.
Dogs experience their feelings on a level we humans may not be able to comprehend. They experience intense pleasure simply being around humans and it is easily triggered. I can’t tell you the last time one of my kids, or Margie, ran around in circles and jumped into my arms when I came home from a weekend away. And this extends to other species. If a dog grows up with sheep or goats they will be bonded to those animals. The ability to bond with other species may be a greater and more telling characteristic of a dogs potential than their ability to communicate with their owners.
Kalli exhibits social tolerance and social attentiveness even though she may not register as high on the interspecies acceptance. She is very dedicated to me and takes every opportunity to show her desire to protect. She has some level of WILD in her (being part Dingo is unique to the Australian Cattle Dog). Kalli is smart but stubborn, cautious and tough, loves to hunt squirrels and rabbits, often showing the focused stare of a wolf on the hunt when she finds one.
Kalli met this young boy and they became fast friends
If I step out onto the patio while Kalli is sleeping, she will immediately jump up and find something (usually there is nothing) to chase to the edge of the property and bark, only to return with the look of, “See, I can keep you safe. I am ferocious and more than capable”. And she is.
At home there has been a little struggle over who in our small pack is the beta. I am Kalli’s alpha, for sure, but she believed early on that she was the beta. Margie wasn’t aware Kalli had assumed the role. Kalli would lay on Margie at night using her as a cushion while gazing at me. The two of them do have a great relationship, with Kalli insisting on spending every evening guarding Margie as she relaxes on the patio. Margie may not care about the beta role that Kalli intends to keep. I’m staying out of it!
Dogs very much live in our world, responding to our demands, looking for our approval, learning our ways. But they add so much to our lives in return. Kalli has improved my health and happiness, reduced my blood pressure and made me laugh more. We are finding a unique joy in spending our days together. So far this year we have walked about 1750 miles.
I’ve learned to appreciate her evening zoomies as an expression of her love and joy in spending time with us. It is difficult to be upset at her when all she wants is to express her joy by running around the house in circles, jumping on the bed, diving under the ottoman, yelping at one or both of us, nipping at my feet and looking for me to throw one of her toys.
I’ve also learned that Margie often knows what is best for me.
I often think of Molly and her affection for us. I still miss her soft eyes and willing spirit. Kalli has a different approach to our relationship but she is as much a part of our family as any dog before her. She is also making life more interesting, if not challenging.