Andrew was writing a book about how to live with crazy humans. He died before he could finish it. When Rita came on the scene, she decided to finish the book and really tell humans what is wrong with them.

Curb and Leash Your Human

By Andrew Ludwig Rita Ludwig

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2010 Andrew Ludwig and Rita Ludwig
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4520-5043-0

Contents

Foreword........................................viiAndrew - First Meeting..........................1Rita - First Meeting............................7Andrew - First Weeks............................13Rita - First Weeks..............................19Andrew - Spirits................................27Rita - Spirits..................................31Andrew - Unconditional Love.....................36Rita - Unconditional Love.......................40Andrew - Vet Visits.............................43Rita - Vet Visits...............................49Andrew - Grief..................................54Rita - Grief....................................59Andrew - War....................................63Rita - War......................................66Andrew - Rules..................................69Rita - Rules....................................73Andrew - Holidays...............................82Rita - Holidays.................................88Andrew - Fishing/Camping........................96Rita - Fishing/Camping..........................103Andrew - Entitlements...........................109Rita - Entitlements.............................115Andrew - Happiness..............................120Rita - Happiness................................125Rita's Post Script..............................129

Chapter One

Andrew - First Meeting

I was headed to another dog show; this time it was in Davis, California. I was born and lived in Concord, a mere hour away, so the ride wasn't going to be a long one.

My problem wasn't with the ride, because I loved riding in cars. My problem was that I had to share a kennel with my sister. I didn't like her too much; she was bossy and pushy. Needless to say, she didn't give me much room to spread my legs out. Mom had to go along also, because we were only three months old.

Our breeder was a nice enough woman, but she had too many dogs. Mom got to ride up front with her. Someday, I was going to ride in the front. None of us were allowed to put our heads out the window and feel the fresh air. We were told we could get hurt doing that. I never understood why we could get hurt. I thought air was soft and comforting.

Dog shows were not my favorite thing to do. I didn't know what my favorite thing to do was, but I knew there was something more fun out there than dog shows.

I'd only been in one show and I took second. I guess that would have been a big deal, except my sister took first, so, of course, she got all the praise and attention. Maybe that's why mom liked her best.

I didn't know much about humans and assumed you would always live with the one who brought you into the world. After all, I loved her and had no idea I could even love another human.

All of that changed the minute I spotted MY human walking onto the grounds of the park we were at. Oh, my goodness, I could tell just by looking at her that I wanted to live with her. She smelled like my soul-mate, even a hundred yards away.

We had just finished being shown and again, I took second to my sister, who was busy trying to lord it over me. I tried to ignore her and concentrate on my human.

She was with a friend and as they came closer, I could hear their conversation.

"So, how come you've never had a dog?" her friend asked.

She laughed; I loved her laugh.

"Oh, I don't know. Never had the time, I guess. All my friends have dogs, so I just enjoy them."

I knew I could make her forget all those other dogs, if she'd take me home with her.

"What kind would you have, if you had one?"

My ears perked up, waiting for the answer.

"A whippet," she replied quickly.

My heart started pounding and my body began to shake. I had to get her to notice me.

"A what?" her friend asked.

"A whippet-they are like greyhounds, only smaller."

We are not like greyhounds, I thought to myself. We're better.

When her friend asked why she wanted a whippet, she responded, "Some friends of mine had whippets and I just adored them. They were cute, affectionate and friendly, highly intelligent, too. They are elegant, funny and serious all at the same time. They are delightful."

I was ecstatic. This had to be my human, but how would I ever get her attention?

All of a sudden, her friend pointed towards us. "Look, whippets."

"Where?"

"Over in the corner; let's go."

My heart was in my throat as they approached. She was the most beautiful human I had ever seen. Well, okay, maybe not the most beautiful, but I knew I already loved her. The next thing I knew, they were standing next to my sister and my mom. Would she even notice me?

"How cute," my human observed. "How old are they?"

She glanced over at me. I know she did.

"Three months."

I almost gagged when she reached down to pet my sister, but, being the bitch she was, she snapped at my human. I could have killed her at that moment, but I was kind of glad she did it. My human looked at me. I so wanted to leap into her arms and beg her to take me home.

Our breeder explained that my sister didn't always take to strangers (excuse me, she never was nice to humans), but, she had taken first place in the dog show. She also noted the beautiful white and fawn coloring of her and her mom. Oh, barf!

She added that my sister and I had been in two shows, and, of course, had to mention I had placed second both times.

It was pointed out that I was white with dark brindle markings and had a spot on my side that looked like a saddle, and a cute exclamation mark on top of my head. I would have blushed if I knew what it all meant.

At that point, my human looked over at me and I sat up and stared right into her eyes.

"Are you interested in whippets?" my breeder asked.

"Well, actually, I've only met two and I absolutely loved them. I was telling my friend that if I ever got a dog, it would be a whippet."

"He is for sale," my breeder stated, and my hopes grew. "I'm keeping the female. I'd like to find a buyer for him soon. He's more than old enough to be on his own."

Way to go, breeder, I thought. Sell me to her.

My human muttered to her friend, "Sure he's expendable because he didn't come in first. Look at that face."

I tried to smile.

"But," the breeder interrupted, "you'd have to be willing to show him. He comes from good stock. His grandfather won several championships."

"Oh, I'm not into dog shows. I want a pet and companion, someone to go camping and fishing with."

Inside I was screaming-don't ruin it. I could see my breeder cringing at the thought of my doing something besides dog shows. But, I want to go; I'll do anything, even if I don't know how to fish or camp.

My breeder gave my human her card and mumbled something about calling her if she changed her mind.

What was I going to do? My human was getting away. Couldn't someone do something?

"You know, I could always show him for you," my breeder offered.

Say yes, say yes; anything to get me out of here and into your life.

"That would mean he'd be gone on weekends when I'm off work and would want him with me."

She's going to ruin it; say yes.

Her friend butted in, "Why would she want to show him if he always comes in second to his sister? You have a champion in her-why not let him go?"

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