Roaman Thomas Bahama

We adopted a baby boy... Puppy!!

Introducing Roaman Thomas Bahama (or Roameo, Roamie, Roam, Roams, The GooGoo Baby, Little Punk, Kiddo, or just RO)...

THE STORY

Jake and I have always loved dogs. When we met, we were each nurturing separate relationships with two different dogs. Jake loved his best friend's/roommate's dog, Riot, and I loved my sister's/previous family dog, Pedro. When discussing our loves of dogs, these two took the cake, and although they were not "our" dogs, they sat comfortably in our hearts and have been two very loved dogs in each of our lives.

When we moved to the Bahamas, we started noticing their absences, and an aching hole was beginning to develop. I was able to Skype with Pedro a couple of times, but it only made me more heartsick. We began having discussions about adopting our own dog, and as time passed, they became more serious and more frequent. Since Jake had a significant amount of free time, we thought, he could put in the energy to train him and take care of him while I study, as well as provide him with a source of entertainment. We also thought that this new companion could keep me company when Jake's departure to the Air Force approaches. We decided it needed to be a small dog, to make traveling easier, and most importantly, we knew we wanted a rescue dog. We began looking at the Humane Society's websites here on the island, just to see what our options were. There were several! Most of them were large breeds, but even with the remaining few small dogs, we were not confident how to decide. Were we ready? Was now a good time? Which dog would be the right one? Almost defeatedly, we came to the conclusion that we'd wait. We'd wait until we were back to California so that we could visit the shelters in person, and also wait until we knew it was the right time. Something, some sign, some look in a dog's eyes... something would let us know it was the right time. And with that decision, we let the hole in our hearts remain empty, and considered it "case closed".

About two to three weeks later, I woke up and checked my Facebook as usual. In the middle of my newsfeed, one of my classmates had posted a picture of a puppy she had found on the side of the road. He was malnourished and almost hit by a car, and as such, she had taken him home to keep an eye on him. She had coincidentally worked at veterinary clinics before going to medical school, so she was accustomed to dealing with puppies and strays. Something grabbed me. 

When I saw her at school that day, I immediately asked her about the puppy. She said he was a small puppy, probably a smaller breed, and really sweet. She said she'd keep him if it weren't for the fact that she was medical student and needed to focus her energy on studying. She was unfortunately about to walk outside to call the Humane Society to arrange a pick-up time. Without really thinking, I asked her not to. I asked her if I could come see the puppy after class, and that if I didn't adopt him, I'd take on the responsibility of calling the Humane Society. She happily obliged. We both knew what the fate of a malnourished puppy would be at an over crowded animal shelter, and anything else sounded better. 

As we walked to her house after class, I was considering my options. Both were heavy ones. I could adopt this puppy, which would be a big decision, or I'd be the one delivering him to his final days. I still hadn't even talked to Jake! My mind and my heart were racing. Am I really doing this? What did I sign up for?

We walked through her house and to her backyard, and as soon as I saw him, I knew with certainty that he was mine. He ran right up to me, and I was overcome with so much love, tears flooded my eyes. He was literally (and I do mean LITERALLY, not figuratively), literally the dog of my dreams.

Before grabbing a taxi home, I bought some puppy food and a chew toy. We also took a picture together...

Now I had to tell Jake I got him a puppy. I rode the elevator up to the 7th floor, with our new baby nestled in my neck. I was nervous and excited, but mostly excited. It had been a while since we discussed the topic, but I knew he'd love him. I knew Jake would still be asleep, so I quietly unlocked the door and tip-toed across the room to the side of the bed. I knelt down a little, gave him a little shake with my free hand, and said "rise and shine"... He looked up at me with the "why are you waking me up" death stare, but after a few moments, his eyes eventually found what I was waiting for him to see. His features melted to an expression of surprise, warmth and love, and he began to sit up as I put the puppy in his arms. 

He was quiet as he cuddled the tiny, docile little boy, but eventually he asked me why I decided to skip school and go to the animal shelter without him.  I laughed and then filled him in on the story. We never discussed whether we were keeping him or not. It was obvious to us both.

Jake took him to the vet the first thing the following morning. He was tested and cleared for all diseases, had no fleas or ticks, received his first round of vaccinations, and aside from being malnourished, he was completely healthy. The vet said he'd be a smaller to medium-sized mixed breed (what the Bahamans call a "Pot Cake"), and estimated him to be around 6 weeks old. That placed his date of birth to right around when I landed on the Bahamas (he must have known his mama was coming!). 

Since then he's put on around two pounds and received his second round of vaccinations. He goes everywhere with us, and receives lots of attention. He is so smart and so intuitive. With the exception of the occasional piddle, he already knows to go to the bathroom outside and can sit on command. He is so sweet, but also very independent. He likes to be NEAR us all the time, but not ON us. I probably would like it if he were a little needier of his mama's love, but he's teaching me how to be more independent, by forcing me to give him his space. He's perfect for me, and for us. He and Jake are two peas in a pod, and it's clear Roaman respects his daddy. He knows he can get away with more from me, and I'm working on that, but to Roaman, Jake is the ultimate pack leader.

I've heard horror stories about strays and puppies on this island, and locals continually tell me that Roaman has won the lottery. I can't even begin to explain how it's us who are the lucky ones. Roaman is truly an angel sent from Heaven. The first week I had him, my quiz scores improved, and I credit that to Roaman and the anti-stress and anti-anxiety powers he has over me. It's amazing how many moments have been slowed down. Just digging in the sand, or playing in the grass, or sleeping next to each other... Moments that before I'd let slip by in a sea of quiz questions, concept diagrams, Viral Attachment Proteins, Electron Transport Chains, cranial nerves and facial muscles and kidney diseases... I'm given a break to watch this little puppy learn about and enjoy life, and it gives me so much peace and strength. I can't wait to watch him grow, and am looking forward to the many years we get to spend together. 

Don't read my blog if you don't want to see more pictures or hear more updates about Roaman! I am obsessed with this baby and I'm not even fighting it...