So many of my dogs have unusual or humorous backgrounds, but adopting Scarlett started out on a sad note. A breeder of AKC Irish setters lived down the street. At the time we had one Irish setter, Brandy, and we wanted a second. But the prices were too prohibitive, and we were, of course, happy with just Brandy. One day I was biking home, and I noticed a sign outside of the kennels saying, “FREE IRISH SETTER PUPPIES.” I did a double take, then turned around and pedaled up the driveway.
The wife answered the door and told me a tragic story. Her husband had been in a fatal dune buggy accident the day before. The puppies were weaned and ready to go, but she didn’t have the energy to do the AKC registration paperwork. She didn’t even want to sell the pups as unregistered dogs. She just wanted them gone to good homes so she could bury her husband in peace. I saw the litter and picked out my dog—a female I named Scarlett O’Hara. She fit perfectly into the handlebar basket on my bike. At home, our pleasure in her was somewhat dimmed by the circumstances. (In fact, the wife closed the kennel and left the property a month later.)
But we were happy with our new family member. Scarlett was a beautiful puppy who grew up into a beautiful adult. But unlike most Irish setters, she was calm and content without the breed’s boisterous Irish spirits—not that we loved her any less. It was just so unusual, especially when compared to Brandy. When my son and daughter were born, however, Scarlett’s temperament was a definite plus. She was gentle with them, even though my toddlers weren’t always gentle with her! My daughter was especially attached to Scarlett, who had become my children’s loyal companion. I have no unique tales to tell of Scarlett. She never escaped for unauthorized runs in the park like Brandy. She never stopped a man from breaking into our house like Brandy did—twice–but we always valued her greatly. Scarlett was a huge, beloved part of our lives.
I think people focus too much on the newsworthy feats of extraordinary search and rescue, military, and police K-9s. They forget that the vast majority of dogs aren’t superheroes. They’re like Scarlett—deeply loyal pets who are quiet heroes in their own way. They truly love their family and only want to be loved in return. Scarlett lived a long full life, and her absence left a big hole in our heart. To all the dogs like her out there, I salute you. Your families have been greatly blessed. I know ours was. Thank you, Scarlett. Kisses until we meet again.