It was a choice between Nickel and Dime: fluffy, feisty, Westie-looking brothers looking for fun and a permanent relationship with a new human. Dime was sweet, but with a soft coat and rather a long bod for his little legs. Nickel’s rougher coat gave him a loveable scruffiness, and his expression reminded us of Frasier’s doggy nemesis. We chose. Nickel would be ours when we got back from London.
We returned today to pick him up at the offices of ACE Animal Care near Fuengirola. We did all the paperwork and handed over the fee. Made sure he was chipped, and took possession of his Pet Passport. Signed his adoption papers. And fastened on his smart new red collar. Finally, in a simple ritual that was part admin, part christening, we all pronounced his new name.
Eddie.
After a quick photo call and fond farewells to ‘the Dog Formerly Known as Nickel’ from the staff, we headed for the car with our new prize. Funny though, his coat seemed to have grown out smoother. And his bobbed tail had made a remarkable recovery and now waved long and feathery over his back.
Fred called it first: “Are you sure we’ve got the right dog?” I felt silly going back to the office and returning our new mutt like a parcel from Amazon. A staff member ran the chip reader over him, and sure enough – they’d given us the wrong dog to take home! Poor Dime (see photo below) was whisked back into the shelter, while Nickel-now-Eddie, just coming out of sedation after seeing the doggy hygienist, was bundled into the back seat like a dognap victim or presidential candidate with an over-eager protection team. A bracing start to our new life together.
Well, he’s sitting at my feet under the dining table now, tired out after his big day – he’s already left a little pressie under my chair, been out for walkies four times, wolfed his food, and got into his basket. And out again.
Tomorrow he will be here to greet us, and tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, all down the years we hope to spend together. And every day, I think we’ll be glad we brought home the right Eddie.
PS: Real Eddie is the headline picture. The Other Eddie is below. He is a sweetie...someone please take him home and love him! You can call the office at: 669 018 736
