The Joys of Dogness

On one gloomy fall day Wifey (formally known as Future Wife) and I decided to take a trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. We wanted to check out a few of the dogs that the rescue had. A dog has been on our list of 'things we want' since we were married. Fate, and more importantly, finances, had allowed us to finally get a dog. Wifey had done hours of research trying to find the perfect dog. She had been corresponding with Best Friends and narrowed it down to three dogs. Those three dogs were what we were off to drive an hour and a half to see. We really wanted a dog.

Like Disney Land, this place makes me happy and cry all at once.

We arrived at the tour center and told the lovely ladies what we there to do, and who we were there to see. One dog that stuck out to us was a Pit Bull mix named Honey Bun who we chose because of my love for both sweet pastries and adorable dogs. The ladies lit-up when they heard her name, and exclaimed to us how amazing of a dog she was. This filled our hearts with joy. They pointed us where to go, Dog Town, and away we went.

Pulling in to Dog Town, we heard the cacophony of barking. We wondered if one of those loud cries would be the perfect dog. We met with Kristi, who was happy to put a face to Wifey's letters. Kristi informed us that we would meet Honey Bun first. She took us to the little office and we met both Tim (the dog trainer), and Jacqui (who had been Honey Bun's caregiver for her time there). They were very nice and told us that we would love Honey Bun. I was a bit skeptical, as was Wifey. We chatted about the usual small talk subjects; our situation, school careers and work schedules. Finally, they brought out Honey Bun.

Both our hearts melted.

My usual icy heart after seeing our new dog. You win this time dog.

Out trotted this beautiful, light brown furred, golden eyed Adonis of a dog. Wifey went to her knees and began to hug her. Wifey then made a decision- we were taking Honey Bun home. I knew picking a dog named after food was a good idea. She was going to be our dog. What surprised us was how willing the staff was to let us take her home that day. After a long deliberation of about three seconds, we decided to adopt Honey Bun.

The staff was excited. They informed us that before we could take her, Honey Bun had to greet the next round of tourists. Honey Bun was a celebrity on the grounds of Best Friends and she greeted the tourists with her lovable, fuzzy, meatball head. They asked if we could hold off for about an hour and half so that the staff would have time to say goodbye. We decided to kill time back in the little town of Kanab. We checked the local sites and after what felt like an eternity, we went back up.

It felt manly, yet classy.

Wifey wanted to take the tour of Best Friends. I wanted to take our new dog home, but agreed. We went on the tour. While I will admit, it was very enjoyable, but I wanted to take Honey Bun home. When it was finished, we drove back up to Dog Town and filled out the required paper work. We had our pictures taken and the staff had their teary goodbye with the star of Best Friends. We finally were able to take our sweet little girl home.

The ride home was smooth and easy. Honey Bun was great the whole ride back to St. George. I will admit, that on the ride home, I felt a little bad. We fell absolutely in love with Honey Bun and did not bother to look at the other dogs. When we got her home, she was a bit anxious, and nervous. She would pace back and forth. Even though she was not use to the new environment and liked to chew on some of our electronic items, we were head over heels in love with her.

"Why yes, I am a huge beaner. You can tell by the case of refried beans in the corner."

She has grown accustomed to us and her new home. The love my wife and I have for her has grown more then I ever thought possible. Honey Bun is the perfect dog. I cannot picture my life without her goofy face. I just hope I can bring a fraction of joy into her life as she has brought to mine. Yes, I am a giant gay.