Ruger the Gentle Giant
Having made some deal with gravity, or maybe from having learned a super-secret handshake, Ruger—I am convinced—can walk on air. Time seems to hold him differently, between each brief encounter of paws touching the ground. He moves with a chest full of helium, along with a dog leash to keep him tethered to the ground. I’ve been a Shepherd lover since I can remember, so I may be a little biased.
Dana Denison, owner/mom to Ruger, tells me how they first met. The runt of seven puppies and nearly last to be chosen, Ruger walked up to Dana and laid himself right at her feet. He was so small yet so decisive, choosing his person then and there. “There he was, that was my dog,” Dana had said, ready to take him home that instant.
Ruger is a gentle giant (emphasis on “giant”) who fits perfectly into the Denison family. I’ve had Shepherds throughout the years, so I know all about their silly personalities. I’ve been told that Ruger will play fetch until he drops; to remedy this, the family has found a hiding spot for his ball. (It’s on top of the freezer—don’t tell him I told you!)
While his family was on vacation, Ruger himself went on one too, treated like royalty by Coombs Kennels. It makes me smile knowing that, as I write this, the Denison family is back home safe and reunited—probably all snuggled up on the couch, everyone in their place, with the tennis ball on top of the freezer.
