Big Dawg

In 2005, my home sweet home was broken into around 3am. Two men entered the house through the garage.  (Just as a side note, for those of you that leave your garage door two inches to a foot off the ground, for whatever reason...you might want to rethink that strategy.)  The door had jammed and didn't lower properly, allowing the men to pry it open.  They entered the house, scouted out the front rooms, and then went back to the garage to formulate a plan.  And I use the word formulate loosely since they were admittedly on a drug binge.  In the meantime, my greyhound Lexy had a plan of her own.  Once the men re-entered the house, she came at them from a dark corner and they ran out slamming the door behind them.  That dog saved my life.  Sadly, she has since passed away from bone cancer.  But a decision was made on that day to never be without a big dog again.

Four years later, along came Killian, of course named after the Irish red beer.  A search for a red doberman led to several places, including rescue organizations, but most were incompatible with the Boston Terriers that already ruled the house.  A quick internet search led to a breeder in Poteet that had, yes, one red dobie left.  Killian was four weeks old, was already eating dry dog food, and would later have social issues from being separated from her mother to early...but she was my new big "guard" dog.  And at the time, she fit in the palm of my hand.

Now days Killian is my side-kick. A 60lb dog that is smarter than the kids at the elementary school down the road, loves to play soccer, and thinks she is a small lap dog.  And yes, I know everyone's dog is smart, and Killian knows all the traditional commands; but you can also tell her to go find a specific toy in a specific color and she will bring it to you.  That kind of smart.

When I made the decision to sober up, Killian never left my side except for meals.  She was a large part of my healing process, and still is.  She loves me unconditionally...well, as long as she gets to play soccer, and is a one of a kind faithful companion.  The kind you wish would live forever...or at least as long as I do.

Two and a half years ago, someone decided to kick in the front door of the house.  I was on a short grocery store run and came home to a cop ready to pull her gun on my front porch.  I was out of my mind confused, scared, and pissed off.  There was no noise coming from the house which immediately made me think something had happened to all the dogs.  But once the house was cleared, all were safe and sound.  Killian was in the back yard coward down by the fence.  When she saw me, she came running and gave me a big bear hug.  I don't know what happened to her that day, and as it turns out she may not be the brave guard dog that Lexy was...but she is still my four legged best friend.

*For information on the criminal associated with the home invasion I first spoke of...google search "Joe Luna death row".  And keep in mind, this man was in my house...the outcome could have been a lot worse if not for the actions of my big dog Lexy.  And for the love of all things, do not leave your garage doors unsecured at night!