Meet Rasputin!

Aaron and I have been visiting the pound ever since I found our new apartment. I was taking one of my evening walks in early June when I spied the For Rent sign on which appeared the words "pet friendly." I'd found a place that accepts dogs, and I jumped on it. We moved in at the end of June, and getting a dog has been on our minds since then.

Last week Aaron spied the dog that I would name Rasputin. An 11-pound chihuahua mix with chocolate-lab fur and white feet and chest. He is three years old and quite calm. Not a jumper or a barker. He has big, expressive eyes. He's a love bucket.(The photos posted here don't do him justice. These were shot in low light, and he has his moon collar on to prevent him from licking his stitches.)




He had to be neutered before we could take him home, so we picked him up from the animal hospital yesterday morning. He's really taken to me, following me wherever I go, staring at me, content to be constantly petted and rubbed and massaged by me, but not a beggar for affection if I leave him alone. He has toys, but he prefers to just look at me.

Aaron has had a more difficult time with Rasputin. He took him for a walk yesterday afternoon, and Rasputin broke his collar and ran away. Aaron ran after him for blocks, and Rasputin almost got hit when he dashed across Fourth Street. Eventually, Aaron and a passing motorist who stopped to help cornered the little guy. Later, when Aaron tried to put him in the cage he is to be in when we're not home, Rasputin bit him. Though yesterday and most of today Rasputin backed away from Aaron or made himself scarce when he was in the room, he is eventually warming up to him, allowing him to pet and feed him.

Aaron has said several times that he really missed not having a real pet throughout his entire childhood and young adulthood--gerbile and suicidal goldfish not included. Aaron really wants to form a bond with Rasputin, and I'm sure that Rasputin will grow more comfortable with him and loving toward him in time. Perhaps he associates Aaron with his traumatic attempt at escape and his brush with death on Fourth Street. (When I walked Rasputin this morning, he refused to walk on the street side of Fourth. Instead he walked as far away from the traffic as possible.)



Why "Rasputin"? Let me count the ways:
* From a young girl on, I have been fascinated by the historical figure.
* Our little dog has a bear face, which somehow makes me think of Russia.
* We lived next door to monks at our previous residence and now this one too. So why not live with a dog with a monk's name?
* It's unique. I've never heard of a dog named Rasputin.
* The name seems to fit him because, like his namesake, who single-handedly brought down czarist Russia by having sex with virtually every female member of the Russian court, our little Rasputin is a lady's man, preferring attention from women and a bit standoffish with men.

I am so in love with Rasputin. I am so happy to have this little love bucket around. He does wonders for my mood, and I'm sure he will have a positive effect on my health. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Rasputin, for coming into our lives!