Dallas

With the sound of Mr. Jones, sang by Counting Crows, I drowned out the sound of my echoing heart beat. With sweaty palms I gripped the sizzling hot, leather wheel cover as I anticipated the green light we awaited. That was the day Jared and I would meet our son, our new Dalmatian puppy. Jared saw the advertisement in the newspaper the previous day and only one was left from the litter. The intoxicating excitement rushed through my body like venom as I knew he would be mine within the hour.
The sun smiled brightly from his thrown, illuminating the earth with a summertime glow. Flowers were blooming with happiness on the sides of the road, while birds and bees buzzed about their business in what seemed like an effort to share my bliss. Nothing could have spoiled our day. This was the day Jared and I would find our common ground… something to tie us together closer than before.
We knew nothing about our newest family member at this point. It was like the nervous anticipation of a mother not knowing the gender of her soon-coming baby. The faint smell of mystery and purpose walked hand in hand with honeysuckle, dandelion, and coconut air-freshener that summer day.
As my car approached the driveway of my destination, I fought each tree and obstacle in my line of sight for just a glimpse of my new glory. Sound of rocks inching my tires along accompanied my arrival while I gaze at the blue van parked directly ahead. The driver climbed down from her seat to greet us. In her weekend best, this humble lady had a focus much greater than her own appearance. With un-kept attire and hair pulled back, she had an aura of peace and tranquility.
From a distance I stare into the window at a filing crate perched in the front passenger seat. I anticipated a black and white speckled head to pop out atop the crate wall. My expectations were dismembered as the side door slams open. Out hopped the goofiest monster of a dog I had ever witnessed. With a head much too large for his body and an awkward bunny hop, he could not have won my affection any quicker. He was the runt and for good reason. Though, how could I have been so fortunate? With eyes bigger than silver dollars and a personality of a circus clown, who couldn't love him?
He accompanied Jared in the passenger seat on our ride home. The journey home was amusing as his yawns and fatigue were met with a fight to stay focused. He gazed out the window, mapping his journey until he reached his new home.
Dallas has been a member of our family for almost three years. With loyalty that stretches the world over and love deeper than the ocean, I couldn't have dreamed him into existence any more perfect. I have to wonder, do I make him as happy as he makes me?
This is a true story - one written many years ago for my college English class