Carol A. Hand
When my beloved dog Cookie died, my heart was broken. We had weathered many challenges during our eleven years together. She survived many moves from her prairie home – to the northwoods, Rocky Mountains, and different Great Lakes region cities. I knew as we shared our last walk together in October of 2013 that no one else would ever take her place. I had no intention of ever adopting another dog. I hoped my grief would pass with time, but instead of diminishing, it only deepened.
By the end of October, my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter went with me to see if I could find a larger female dog. (I’m sure I wrote about this adventure, but I can’t find the story anywhere.) When we entered the animal shelter to look, the first dog we saw was Pinto, then tiny, a Papillon/Chihuahua mixed-breed.



My granddaughter fell in love with him at first sight. Who wouldn’t? I promised her that we would walk him after we tried the two large female dogs that were waiting to be adopted.
I did walk the two larger dogs, Barbara and Ginger. They made me aware of my age and physical strength limitations. Both were powerful, spirited, and emotionally wounded. My daughter laughed heartily at the spectacle of me trying to control Ginger when she started jumping and tugging to avoid going back into the shelter. When I was eleven years younger, Cookie could pull me over and drag me. Ginger almost did the same in the animal shelter parking lot on her maiden walk.
“Maybe a smaller dog would be wiser,” I thought, so it was finally Pinto’s turn. And he was a joy. He didn’t jump and pull. He merely trotted proudly with his butterfly ears in constant, graceful motion and rolled over so my granddaughter could pet his belly. It wasn’t until I went to pick him up a couple of weeks later that the shelter listed his challenges. He had been abandoned so they knew very little about him except the health issues when he arrived and his behavioral challenges. Many of his teeth had to be removed because they were too badly infected to be salvaged. And he was too dangerous to be around children.
We’ve been together for a little over three years now. I’m glad to say it’s been months since we’ve had to deal with a feral incident. Because I’ve agreed to listen to his “no brushing my ears command,” his feral fits only happen occasionally over some forbidden outdoor “treat,” like rabbit or deer droppings or a twig that will be sure to make him choke. His timeout kennel is still in the living room just in case, although my special leather gloves for handling him have been repurposed for outdoor work.
He really is very gentle with my granddaughter.

I made a choice early on that accommodates my personality. I don’t like to fight or try to bend others to my will. With Pinto, I haven’t tried. I can only imagine why he’s so terrified when the grooming brush approaches in a gentle trusted hand. He snarls and fights for his life. I would rather be the safe person who gives him a place where he can sing even if he’s grown a little plumper and his lovely fur is a little dreadlocked. He really is a gifted singer.
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The frozen image on the video clip above doesn’t do him justice.

I’m truly grateful for his mellowing presence in my life.
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Oh Carol, this is one of the best posts ever! XOXOX
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Thank you, dear friend. ❤
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What a little sweetheart! Ooops, my masculinity is slipping again. Oh no, I’m in touch with my feminine side again!;-)
I wonder how Pinto hears this music, what his take is? Is it the soulfulness of these female voices that moves Pinto to sing along, or does it remind him of his long gone pack speaking to the creator?
Pinto reminds me of my mother’s dog, Pepper, a mixed breed, but the funniest and most intelligent dog I have ever been around. I was in college, and I would practice my chosen instrument, saxophone, and then the Pepper would start howling. At first, I can remember being annoyed with his participation, but one look at his little head up in the air, howling away, always made me laugh. So i would come out into the living room and play for Pepper, and his head would cock this way and that, and then he would commence vocalizing.
I loved that little guy! I miss him, as I do my parents.
I’m glad you have Pinto, Carol! And I’m sure Pinto is glad to have adopted you. too!
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This is such a delightful story about Pepper, Dave. I love it 🙂
Pinto is partial to first sopranos – the one’s who can reach the highest notes with crystal clarity. It doesn’t matter what he is doing when they begin singing – he is immediately attentive and can’t resist the urge to raise his head and sing along. And he sings in tune and rhythm. He didn’t sing much when he first came, but now I know he will always sing the “The Flower Duet.”
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Good for him! Animals are such a blessing, a great gift!
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Reblogged this on An Outsider's Sojourn II and commented:
Here is a respite from all the hell. A gift from Carol Hand and Pinto!
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Thank you for sharing this with such a lovely comment, Dave 🙂
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What a beautiful voice. 🙂 Great post.
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Thank you for your lovely comments. 🙂
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A very wise choice! I love how he sings along, with real emotion. I hope he has many good years left with you.
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Thank you for your lovely comments, Vellissima, and for your kind wishes. I wish you health and safe travels and look forward to hearing about your next adventures.
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I hope you are well and weathering the national storm. I’m in Australia and not traveling at the moment. But the adventures are coming.
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It’s good to hear you have a brief respite. These are certainly interesting times. I feel fortunate to have things I can do, although small with no guarantees of long-range impacts. I’m co-teaching a class on social justice trying to inspire students. This week, I’ll also be returning to editing a book manuscript on Native American child welfare intended to educate and touch people’s hearts. Small actions guided by visions of a kinder future we could create by working together and caring enough …
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You are doing something very valuable. I wish I were. It is certainly time to get on with it.
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Great singer! What a great little spirit. How fun.
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It’s always a treat to hear from you, Tubularsock. Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Pinto is a great spirit and such a delight to watch these days as he leaps through the snow.
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What a beautiful story. We also do not plan on getting another dog. But then plans have a way of changing.
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Thank you for your lovely comments, Maria. It’s hard to bear the loneliness when we lose our friends, and sadly, there are so many who need safe and loving forever homes. ❤
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adorable!!!
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Thank you, Didi. 🙂
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I love this post, Carol. Your story, the pictures of Pinto, and Pinto with your granddaughter. What a sweet little dog. So glad you adopted him and are happy together.
Our little one also growled and yelped and ran when we tried to bathe him and dry his hair.He would run up and down the corridor, running into rooms, all the time loudly complaining. Then, at last, he would lie happily under the blow dryer. He made me laugh, and I bet Pinto makes you laugh too.
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Thank you so much for sharing the delightful story about your puppy, Cynthia, and for your lovely comments. I’m glad to know he makes you laugh, as Pinto does for me. 🙂
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Adorable, Carol. Seems like the perfect companion…for you and your granddaughter.
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Thank you for your lovely comments, Kate. Pinto is a delightful friend who often makes me laugh and helps my granddaughter see herself as “special” because he likes her despite his reputation..:-)
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He is so beautiful. I had to laugh to see you are not his Alpha but must learn to understand what he communicates to you. And of course you do, and he is learning to be gentle. He’s lucky to have found a home with you.
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Thank you for your kind and playful comments, Diane. Pinto’s expressions and attempts to communicate touch my heart, and his antics make me laugh. You’re right, he is learning to be gentler, and even sometimes, to play. I think I’m the lucky one. 🙂
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Please see post on sojourner page.
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Thank you for your comments, Caroline. I appreciate your message. 🙂
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Ah, little Bean you have found a good home. Take good care of Carol.
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Thank you so much for your lovely comments, Bernadette. 🙂
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What an adorable puppets and I love how he sings along with music!!! So sweet!!! 🙂 ❤
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Thank you so much for your lovely comments, Natalie. ❤
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You’re so welcome Carol❣️😘
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Blessings to you, your family, and PInto.
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Thank you so much for your lovely comments and blessings, Xena. We’re sending our blessings to you, too. ❤
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Oh Carol, you are like me! My best friend is Kira, a mix between Cocker Spaniel and Pomeranian I adopted almost ten years ago. She’s absolutely crazy but I adore her and can’t think on the fact she’s getting old and I’ll lose her…
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Such delightful comments, Sylvia. I’m not surprised to hear that your best friend is also an adopted dog who’s eccentric. 🙂 Each pet is special and irreplaceable, I still miss Cookie and often think of the lessons she taught me about being peaceful and kind. I don’t regret the decision to adopt Pinto a month after Cookie died. They have little else in common besides the hard lives they had before ending up in a shelter, but both have taught me such important lessons about what’s important in life..
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I have a little dog, Alfie. Alfie is small in stature but HUGE in character and personality, he is a miniature Yorkshire terrier. He loves everyone and everyone loves him back. Alfie has accompanied me with unconditional love, through many journeys over the years we have been together and I am very aware of the loss we will both feel when the other departs so I hope I am not the first to leave, his little heart would break without me in his life. Like you, I have vowed never to have another dog. How we trick ourselves! Alfie is a rescue dog and if I have the choice, I will probably head back to the shelter to give an old dog a loving home. Thank you for this lovely writing Carol. Every time I read your blogs, I am reminded to be kind. xxx
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Dear Nelly, thank you so much for sharing delightful stories about Alfie and for your truly kind comments. ❤
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Pinto is just adorable. I enjoyed his serenading you. I understand why you and your granddaughter lost your hearts to him. He seems to be thriving because of your love and devotion. I am surprised to hear that he has lost so many teeth. You can\t see that by the pictures.
I think the dogs choose us, we do not chose the dog. I share your love of dogs. Thanking for sharing your story.
Honey
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Thank you so much for your kind and lovely comments, Honey. Perhaps Pinto did choose us, and I’m so grateful that he did. Sending my best wishes to you. 🙂
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Such a lovely little guy. His singing was music to my ears! I bet he would get along with Willow. Willow doesn’t roll over, but she recognizes and accepts when another dog wants to be boss. In the world of dogs pride or ego never gets in the way of chasing the ball or getting a scratch on the scruff. Someone long ago said humans were the smartest. We even refused to call ourselves animals. Imagine the arrogance! Lovely picture of Ava. Getting nipped is never bad. Take care. Bob
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Thank you for your kind and lovely comments, Bob. I am sure Pinto would love to run and play with Willow, and maybe he would even teach Willow to sing along with The Flower Duet song. That would be something special to witness. 🙂
Sending my gratitude and best wishes to you and your family. ❤
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Oh precious Pinto! I love the video so much! Thank you for sharing, I am smiling so much right now. ❤️
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Thank you so much for your delightful comments Marahu. I’m not sure if Pinto knows that he’s brought joy to others. (He’s sleeping peacefully on his couch at the moment.)
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Pinto is a real sweetie pie (snarly face notwithstanding!). ❤
I've had many dogs accompany me on my life's journey. Each one has come into my life at the perfect time and with a personality to fit exactly what I needed at the time. The pattern holds with my sweet little Fozzie. 🙂
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Thank you for sharing your important insights about our canine life companions, Lorna. I appreciate your kind (and funny) comments about Pinto as well. 🙂
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Sorry to hear about Cookie. My hubby lost his dog many years ago. Shrapnel incident. A German Shepherd. My hubby doesn’t talk much but I know… Am very happy you found another to love. Ps- lovely granddaughter. And very cute dog. 😃
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, Global Residence, and for sharing your hubby’s feelings about the loss of his beloved companion. The memories of love and sadness often remain with us. I am grateful that PInto came into my life and has learned to be kind to my sweet and lovely granddaughter. I send my best wishes to you and your lovely family. ❤
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🤗😊
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such a cute
sweet connection
to a best friend 🙂
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Thank you for your kind and lovely comments, David. ❤
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Pinto is gorgeous ❤❤❤ Oh my God, what a bundle of joy, Oh my God such lovely fur and look at those adorable paws!!!!
Am super glad that you have a new friend with you!
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Thank you so much for your kind and delightful comments, Saadia. I send my best wishes to you. ❤
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What a looker! 😉
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He is that, Kev, and a wonderful singer, too. Thank you for taking time to share your kind words.
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Oh my goodness I was brought to joyful tears with Pintos phenomenal singing. What a sweet soul. I love this story and so happy you and Pinto are journeying together. I can only imagine all the grand adventures you and Cookie had together in 11 years. Animals were my first friends and to this day my best friends. Thanks for sharing ~ hi to Pinto!
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Thank you for your delightful comments, Tori. Pinto is an amazing singer, although I had to chuckle when I read your post about Styx. Pinto was naughty this morning. I think he’s jealous because my granddaughter is here for the week and isn’t always the center of attention at the moment. Now he’s sulking but I have faith he’ll recover soon. ❤
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Haha so very funny I’m sure he will find his spot in the mix soon. I truly enjoy their unique personalities. No more horse incidents with Styx (thank goodness)! Have fun with your granddaughter!!
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Its so adorable! Ive been wanting a dog but I doubt I can soon 😦 I hope your dog will stay with you long ❤ cheers
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Thank you for your kind and lovely comments, Sally. ❤
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I love your story
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Life with Eleven. 🙂
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your dog is cute
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Thank you, Life with eleven.
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your welcome.
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thank you
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