Has Tyrone been adjusting OK, Harley?
Dear Las Vegas,
A few weeks ago, we went to pick up Tyrone in the Bronx as The Breeder, Dark Dynasty K9s drove him down from New Hampshire.
When we arrived I couldn't believe how gorgeous Tyrone appeared. I was also pleasantly shocked that they had brought with them
his father, The Hulk, the world's largest pit bull. The Hulk was the most docile and wonderful dog I have ever met. Then his size?
Well, a crowd quickly gathered and recognized him from his 35 million YouTube hits. Marlon and Lisa were great as they introduced The Hulk
to everyone and let everyone take photos.
Well, as I mentioned, my Mom was dead set against me bringing home a dog and knew nothing of this plan. Needless to say, when we arrived,
all hell broke loose. Eventually, she calmed down and grew fond of the "little guy" who ate everything in site including all the cat's food. My cat,
Oskar, a rescued street cat, took several swipes at Tyrone who ran away.
Even though my Mom calmed down, I was over taken with a sense of shame for having somewhat deceived my Mom. Although this was the 4th pit bull
I brought home against her wishes and I had been alluding to the fact that I was interested in a "Giant Pit Bull" and we might get a visitor, I felt a massive
amount of shame. Given how terribly flawed I am, I am not equipped to take on more guilt or shame, especially when it emanates from my own Mom.
I told my Mom the dog was going back to New Hampshire tomorrow. She said no. She agreed to keep him.
However, as Tyrone howled all night in his cage, I realized that there was not enough patience and ability to deal with sleep deprivation to properly house
train an 8 week old puppy. I called The Breeder at 2:45 am and we spoke. She said that she would take him back but would think of a plan to perhaps
salvage the situation.
The next morning, as I made plans for Tyrone to be driven back up that day, Lisa suggested that she take back Tyrone and house break him. Well, that sounded
pretty good. Also, given that Tyrone was going to be trained for a very high level of home and personal protection on the street and at my office, she suggested that
she just keep him until all his training is done. This is routinely done by them as they sometimes keep a dog for 12 to 18 months before the owner takes him.
Given the training Tyrone will undergo, the fact that my Mom liked him and that he is just incredible in terms of looks and disposition, Tyrone is back in New Hampshire
for full training. I suspect I will take him back in about 10 to 12 months if I can hold out that long.
It was a difficult process and one that sent my heart rate up and down for quite some time. In the end, I think it will be best although I wish I was better able to have
the "puppy experience." I plan on going to visit Tyrone occasionally in New Hampshire so that we can begin to bond although Lisa said that isn't even necessary but not a
bad idea.
Harley
