Mel
Aloha!
Kendra was “just thinking” about adopting a dog. In fact, when she went to meet the pups listed in the Craigslist ad, she purposefully did not bring any money. That way, she rationalized, she wouldn’t adopt a dog. It was 2019 and she was attending college in Hawaii - a long way from North Dakota, where she was raised.
I get to go home with YOU?!
Alas, when she held the white, bright-eyed puppy in her arms, she was smitten. The little girl had a splash of brown on her left ear. “What a honey you are,” Kendra whispered in that very ear.
The heart wants what the heart wants. Kendra rushed to her car and slapped together the $50 needed to bring the ball of love into her life.
And so it was.
Mel loves a good car ride
After an hour long drive home (Mel loved it) Kendra’s (then) boyfriend declared in Portuguese. “Mel! It means honey.” It was a unique and special name, just like the little love bomb in Kendra’s arms.
As Mel grew, she learned to love the water. And ice cream. After all, this is Hawaii! Walks and playing at the beach were common for the growing girl. Until one day the ocean water created a bit of an “elimination” problem for the pup.
It didn’t much matter because in 2022, Kendra, Mel, and (new boyfriend/now fiancé) Ben were beckoned back to Minnesota, where he was born. Since Kendra was raised in ND, it was a good match. And, it was time.
Mel loves Dad Ben
Mel was the best girl on the flight back to Minnesota. Ben had been working with her and it was paying off. The long 9 hour drives from the Twin Cities to North Dakota to visit Kendra’s family was easy. Thank you Ben.
And thank you, Carver Lake Veterinary Center. Everyone is so kind to beautiful Mel.
Mel out with Mom Kendra and Dad Ben
As they settled in to their new Minnesota forever home, Mel was excited to learn that this water was perfect to run and play in. Lakes! Streams! Rivers! Ponds! It was a Mel Water Cornucopia.
Mel is always ready for a boat ride!
Kendra secured the clasp on Mel’s special life jacket. Tail wagging, Mel jumped on Kendra’s paddle board. Once Ben was also out on the lake, Mel gleefully jumped into the water and swam to Ben’s board. Happy and surprised, Ben helped Mel up. She sat in the bright sun, proud of her expert water skills.
Sailor Mel
This was Mel’s perfect day: water, Mom, and Dad. On other special “Mel” days, they stop at a dog park near Oakdale, where she has found the other dogs rousing. Especially those who proudly held sticks in their jaws. Mel thinks these friends are inviting her to play. Get a stick, Mel!
Aside from the fact that Mel does shed (a lot), the joy of lake adventures along with dog park/stick play, means she will need a bath. Usually a two person job, Mel’s 70 pounds of joy can turn into a major event in the household. Mel has gotten used to this ritual and since it involves water, she’s happy to jump in. But still, Mel is a lot of dog to clean…and love.
Mel loves her rides
Mel has a special relationship with her squeaky
From the beginning, Mel was not a vocal girl. Not much barking. Not much until the neighbor whose dog enjoys barking began demonstrating to Mel how it’s done. Soon Mel, too, learned to love a bow-wow here and a woof-woof there. It’s rare but when she does bark, Mom and Dad know to pay attention. They think it’s the Husky in her.
Mel’s bed near the prime bedroom window provides a clear view of any shenanigans going on outside as well as direct sight to Mom and Dad’s bed. At 5:55AM each morning, Mel gently rises and reminds her humans that it is time to get up. She stands next to Kendra, awaiting her acknowledgement. Kendra stands as Mel gently lifts herself onto the bed, circling twice to settle in the “warm” spot. Kendra will slip back in. There she is, a Mel toasty bed sandwich. About an hour later, Ben will quietly leave to make coffee. It’s Kendra and Mel cuddle time.
Soon Kendra rises. Mel stretches, steps down and accepts a last scratch from Mom. On her way back to her “Look Out Tower” (aka: ottoman), Mel stops at her pile of toys and grab her squeaky/crinkly toy. Or maybe a bone. Or both. She is good for the morning.
Mel lingers in the love of Mom and Dad
Kendra and Ben will be married in August. Of course, the best girl in their world will be the finest ring bearer at their wedding.
Their love continues to grow.