Ode to Elston

September 2003


September 6, 2008.

Elston is 11 years old today. Humor me while I give you the highlights of her life.

Adoption/Coach house on Buckingham
I still remember the random Saturday when Nicole and I drove past the Anti-Cruelty Society and decided to stop in to see the dogs. A few hours later, we had adopted this little red dog. We spent the rest of the day getting dog supplies before we could pick her up in a few days. We went out to dinner with my sister, Amy, at a restaurant that was across from the shelter. We tried to point her out to Amy. She was the one who came up with the name, Elston, as we drank beers. The first few weeks were rough as we tried to teach her to go outside in the bitter cold of a February snowstorm. I wouldn't even take my coat off. I would just sit bundled up at our kitchen table - warming up before the next trip outside.

That was one of Elston's many living spaces and the first of three in Chicago. She mostly stayed out of trouble as she gained weight and grew out of her puppy phase. It was a great neighborhood for dogs. Her favorite spot? The Belmont rocks on Lake Michigan.

Logan Square years
- Taking her to meet our potential landlord. She hated riding in a car so we gave her relaxation medicine so she wouldn't appear so hyper. It had the reverse effect but we still passed the test.
- She would look out the window at the various drug dealers. Good times.
- Elston and I moved to a different apartment in the building when Nicole and I broke up. She had a different view of the same drug dealers.
- She was attacked by a neighbor's Rottweiler. It turned into the feud of the summer.
- She met Jane.

Eugene
- Her first cross-country move was probably the most difficult. She was very agitated on the drive. We couldn't leave her alone at all.
- Her firsts: flowers, crazy spiders, actual parks, and staying in hotels.
- She met Sophie, Brian, Abby, and Bonnie.
- She nearly died from a bee sting.
- She watched different type of drug dealers from the living room window.

New Jersey
- She saw lots of dirt.
- She had a terrific group of dog friends.
- First vacation - Provincetown and another vacation to Chicago.
- Became addicted to Greenies.
- She fell in love with Mary.
- No drug dealers but crazy old lady across the street to watch over.
- Took lots of care of her mom.

Portland
- The last cross country move.
- First place with an elevator and a fireplace.
- Two vacations to California and a vacation on the coast.
- New friends - Vida, Erin, Kiki.
- Back to flowers, grass, and spiders.
- Started living with cats.
- Watched people going into the library and then a boring front yard.

She still looks young and has lots of energy. Elston has been there through the worst - the moves and the break-ups. Yet, she really hasn't changed over the years except a growing addiction to treats and a little more sleeping. When she was a puppy, my vet said that she would be the best dog I would ever own. How true. I just wish she would always stay young. (I can't go there otherwise I'll have a breakdown).

Unlike her first birthday, I didn't force her to wear a tiara on a walk around the neighborhood. A new toy and some treats were her gifts this year. Happy Birthday, Elston.