THE ARRIVAL OF APOLLO
Those of you who have read my Father’s Day post will have noticed the reply from my nephew, David Elster, who is also a member of TAFM. He really is my favorite nephew, even though when I say that he replies, “But I’m you’re only nephew,” to which I reassure him “It’s still a hig honor.”
Over the past four years, David became the bravest person I know as his marriage came unglued and he confronted how he’d arrived at that point, and then took steps and measures to deal with all those personal things that I don’t think I would have had the courage to attempt, let alone do. The result was he really did achieve what he wanted.
And then in the middle of the COVID pandemic, he announced he was going in search of someone to share his life with now. My reply doubted his sanity, given the overall situation at that time. Nevertheless, her pesevered.
And so the Amazing Amanda came into his life. It took me a whole two minutes to fall in love with her when he brought her up from San Diego to meet me. A terrific lady and once they both get the entanglements untangled, she’ll become my favorite niece-in-law. With his to boys (he shares joint custody with his ex-wife) and her daughter, they’re a blended family and they all get along well.
Today he let me know that yesterday, when they went shopping, there was a tent in the Target parking lot for Baja Dog Rescue, an organization that takes dogs off the streets of Tijuana and rehabilitates them for adoption here in the USA.
“They had a very cute ‘some kind of a dog’ there. The kids fell deep in love with him and after about an hour of them climbing all over each other and not even a hive or a wheeze from the boys, we took him home. He’s thoroughly crate trained but not housebroken. So our next steps are housebreaking and training this pooch.
“He’s adorable. The kids love him. Nate and Sam feel good despite their blood and skin tests being off the charts for dog. So much for science. Actually makes me wonder how deeply allergic they are to the foods.”
And yes, Apollo does look adorable. He’s a lucky dog, he is.
What a great Father’s Day present. (Even if Apollo isn’t a cat)
If anyone recognizes Apollo’s genetic background, let us know.
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There is so much to love here, in addition to Apollo. I saw David's sons' names - Nate and Sam. but what is the name of the adorable young girl, daughter of Amanda, missing one tooth or more? Here's to David & Amanda, to the children and to Apollo. It looks as though everyone lucked out. HAPPY FAMILY DAY!
Thank you, Tom; your stories today practically covered the range of life. It sum, your cup runneth over with love.
Interesting follow up on this.
A little background. My boys have grown up with allergies. We’ve had to use Epipens and Benadryl quite a few times. Allergies to dairy, egg, sesame, and a few nuts. In the past they’ve been very reactive to dogs and cats too.
Their mom has been on the “make them live in a bubble” camp all their lives. I have been on the “help them grow up to navigate the real world” camp.
I told their mom about the dog and the precautions and contingency plans we have in place. She has lost her mind and instead of addressing concerns with me she’s gone on the fearmongering path and has taken it up directly with the boys via text. Trying to scare them into not being with the dog because their allergies will get worse and they’ll get sick and how she’s going to make them change all their clothes in her garage when they come home from my house.
Nate and Sam who are 14 and 10 respectively just came out to us and said “if mommy makes us choose or keeps making us miserable about this, we will live full time with you. She WILL NOT take us away from our dog!”
Never get in the way of a boy and his dog.