Picking the Runt of the Litter
by Sue
(East of the Mississippi)
Golden Retriever Puppy in Basket
Everyone seems to warn you against picking the runt of the litter.
Why?
The puppy guidance books scare the beejebers out of you by saying that the puppy will be sickly, have personality flaws and behavior problems.
It's NOT true!
Or in our case, it couldn't have been a better choice in the entire world.
My son, who was 8 years old at the time (and one of those boys who was born to have a dog), spent eons researching how to pick a puppy. We found a breeder recommended by several people along with the Vet in the area and waited for the next litter to be born.
Tyler was determined to choose a female and the biggest, most hearty puppy in the litter since that's what all the "professionals" recommended.
Well, when we walked into the room filled with wriggling fluff balls of energy, all that research went out the door. Tyler threw himself into the center of the writhing mass of puppies and started to introduce himself.
It was love at first lick!
Tyler didn't pick the biggest, boldest, most brave female in the litter. He picked the smallest, fattest, laziest, quiet male puppy who snuggled right into his lap and gently licked him the entire visit, pee'd in his lap and gnawed on his finger while all the other puppies were crawling all over him in excitement.
We visited his new found love every weekend until his was big enough to come home with us. Tyler did have a few doubts at first. He wondered if he should select one of the more livelier puppies, but with each visit, as he was welcomed by his snuggly little rolly-polly furball all doubts flew right out the window.
Rory, has become the love of our family and a joy for us all each and every day. He will always be Tyler's dog and his very special friend but he is also a full-fledged member of his adoring family who love him more than tongue can ever tell. . .
And to think that he was considered (fat as he was) the smallest runt of the litter. We couldn't be happier that Tyler picked the runt of the litter or we wouldn't have our beloved Rory!
Sue
