LIFE WITH ARCHIE
When I was asked to write an article “bragging” about our little dog Archie I said “yes, of course, because he is such a special dog.” I did have one big concern about the request. How could I write this article using 300-600 words when a million words wouldn’t make a dent in describing our great little guy? But, I said I would do it, so here goes.
Archie, our 10-pound toy schnauzer is the most calm, sweet, loving, smart and just all around most wonderful dog ever. We have been in Archie’s world for 12 and a half of his 13 years. In human life that is 91 years old but Archie still looks and acts like a very young dog. Other than a slight heart murmur he is a healthy little guy.
Archie came to us from Chandler, Oklahoma in a small crate on United Airlines. His first solo flight and he did quite well. I think this early flying experience explains how easy it is for Gary and me to fly back and forth to Florida with Archie in his carryon pet carrier. Archie, without medicine, flies like a champ. He has logged so many miles on Southwest Airlines it has been suggested to me that he have a frequent flyer account (maybe a hint for the airlines to do that 😊.)
From the moment Archie first landed in Columbus, Ohio he has been such a joy. He gets along with every person, cat and dog he meets. Archie makes actual friends with other dogs. Avery, a 70-pound Labrador Retriever, who lived two houses from us in New Albany just adored Archie and Archie him. Avery would bend down to Archie’s level to give him puppy kisses. It was quite a sight to see the big white lab walking or playing with the tiny gray schnauzer.
Our dog sitter in Ohio has a dog and two cats. Who does Archie play and cuddle with? … the cats, of course! Archie knows no enemies! We have 6 grandkids who adore Archie and he them. They love him to death sometimes but he is very patient with them 99% of the time. Sometimes even the sweetest dog has had enough cuddling.
No dog is perfect and as a puppy Archie had one mischievous thing he liked to do, or, he bought stock in Cottonelle Toilet Paper. I do know if you had stock in Cottonelle then you would have made a fortune because our family bought so much. I don’t understand how Archie did this because he is so small, but he could reach up to the toilet paper holder and grab a piece and drag it all over the house.
We went through rolls and rolls of toilet paper until finally we just moved the rolls to higher ground. I’m not sure why, but one day Archie just stopped his little game, thankfully!
We did have one very scary moment with Archie last year. I was on the golf course when I received a text from our cleaning lady that said Archie is okay. Had no idea what that meant but soon found out that the door had been left open when one of the cleaners walked outside for a moment. I can honestly tell you that never ever had Archie ventured out on his own so I had no idea why wanderlust suddenly entered his thoughts. Well, a very nice young lady who knows Archie saw him on the cart path going towards the green on hole six (we live a few houses away). She called to him and took him to safety for which we are forever grateful. Again, I’m not sure what Archie was thinking, but don’t think I would begin a first-time golf experience on a hole nicknamed the Devil’s Backbone. I guess we all need some big adventure once in our lives.
Archie, all 10 pounds of him, can stand toe to toe with any dog no matter the size. He is not afraid of anything. In fact, dogs who get along with no other dogs will come up to him with kindness. Archie must send off a sweet vibe or, maybe , because he never barks. In all the 12 and a half years we have been blessed to be in Archie’s presence I have only heard Archie bark one time and that was really just a squeak. He is just a very chill dog.
No kidding, we have friends who will call us to ask how Archie is doing. I had a friend who drew a beautiful pencil sketch of him, just because. When we have people over Archie is picked up and held by them because he emits love and calmness always.
For those who have a pet you will understand how Archie fills our hearts with joy every day. From playing catch the toy with Gary to cuddling with me Archie is the perfect little dog. Everyone who knows him loves him and he loves all of them. This is definitely Archie’s world and we are forever grateful to be able to share it with him.
