Marshall
A Story of Incarceration, Attitude, and a Love Connection
“Wanna go on a jailbreak with me?” was the question that changed our lives.
“Ummmm...yes?” was the response that made us accomplices in the greatest heist of our lives.
The “jailbreak” was a visit to the Lawrence Animal Shelter, where three local dogs were being incarcerated during their mandatory waiting period before being released for adoption. April and I had never been there before, and Lawrence’s Animal Control Officer (a saint among animal saints) introduced us to the three adorable “inmates” who were up for parole. That’s when it happened. The sky cracked open, and a beam of stunning sunlight streamed down, illuminating the small white dog that was among the parolees. Angels sang. Doves and butterflies fluttered around us. He was bathed in a golden light of beauty.
Actually, none of that happened. The quirky brown dog went into an IBS moment, the beautiful silky terrier was trying to mount everything in sight, and the little white dog frantically leapt into my arms. Bam. Connection made. Hey, not everything can be a Disney moment.
He stared deeply into my eyes and told me he was in love. I told him that I barely knew him and I wasn’t that kind of girl...but I conceded to date him for awhile. We brought him home to foster him and consider the future of our relationship. His name was Marshmellow, which I refused to call any possible future life-long soulmate, so we transitioned him to “Marshall” to match his elitist, aloof, I-am-not-a-dog attitude. Seriously. This guy did NOT belittle himself to acknowledge nor align himself with the rest of the pack. He trod on their heads like stepping stones to come drape himself lovingly across my chest. He trampled them like fresh summer grass and used their backs to springboard himself at my face. He sat on whatever dog was curled at my side and used its head as his cushion. The word “dog” was not in Marshall’s vocabulary. But his obsession was alluring, and over the course of time, his adoration broke me down and won my heart. Decision day came when we found him attempting to play with the rest of the dogs, and we realized that there was hope for his rehabilitation into dog society.
Marshall is a “character.” He is charming, eccentric, adorable, intelligent, and funny. He sits with us for dinner on the stool of his choosing - okay, I admit it: it’s the stool next to me every time - a dignified table mate who is blessing us with his very presence (insert eyeroll here). He is an intent observer who allows his prominent underbite to speak what words cannot. He imitates Falkor in order to gain the attention of the Luck Dragon ilk; so far he has not been acknowledged by them...but it doesn’t stop him from dreaming. He likes to have “private moments'' with his dog bed, and when someone walks by, he freezes and pretends nothing is happening until the intruder has departed. He then continues on, knowing that his “invisible dog” powers have once again triumphed. How can someone not be crazy about this guy’s confidence level?
We couldn’t have asked for a cooler addition to our tribe. His obsession for me has not waned, and I must admit, I have grown completely smitten with him. Marshall has brought us laughter, love, and entertainment in a way no other dog could. Thank goodness I fell victim to his persistent, liquid-brown eyes that radiated an enchanting “come hither” look.
So, if anyone ever says, “Wanna go on a jailbreak with me?” the answer is always, “Hell, yes!” (and hope you are going to an animal shelter; otherwise, you’ve got a lot of explaining to do!). Thank you Sweet Paws...another soulmate has found his match.