A Dog Called Joey

I grew up with dogs and always loved animals.
My gut kept urging me to get a dog but my practical mind kept coming up with reasons why I shouldn't. I knew deep down that having one would be good for my daughter and I. After a few months I finally gave in to my guy and began searching online. I was sent around in circles by sellers for six weeks. I then came across an Ad, the pictures were badly taken, all that could be seen was the dogs side profile, no face. He was about two years old.
He’s the one, my gut told me. A viewing was arranged but deep down I felt as though I was going to collect my new dog.

It was a two hour drive into the countryside. A quaint bungalow with a large shed to the rear. A farm I supposed.
The lady was in her 60’s and very pleasant in greeting. Once inside I quickly realised this lady was a cat lover, not so much dogs.

There were pictures of cats, cat beds everywhere and three cats sitting about the place staring at me.
When she brought the dog into the room, he greeted me like I was an old much loved friend who'd not seen me in years.
While interacting with him I asked her why she was selling him. She said he was her daughters, who was in New Zealand. She’d originally headed off for 6 months which then became 12 months and was now extended to the unforeseen future.
I’d asked her about the dogs traits and routine but she was quite vague.

I couldn't make much sense of what my gut was telling me. My mind was racing as I took it all in. The dog appeared to be shedding a lot too, which would be a problem.
Meanwhile my gut was telling me this Lady was not being truthful with me, to be cautious. But also it was telling me to take the dog.

My mind had a great many reasons to be doubtful, but I bite the bullet, followed my gut again and bought the dog.
A few days later, having been unable to get the lady out of my mind, I went to the same website and found her to be selling three puppies that looked similar to my dog.
Turns out, the location she lives in is a hotbed for puppy farms.
So it was a farm as I first suspected, just not the kind of farm I thought.

He’s been with us ever since, and long may that last. He’s so placid, loving, playful, undemanding and funny. A part of the family.