How we got Barfi - the full story

     It seems as though everyone who got their dogs had a smooth journey - They drove to the kennel, picked up the puppy, went back home, and then spent their life living with their dog. But Barfi's story is different. It's hilarious, upsetting, and surprising all in one, so read on to find out what exactly it is!

    It was a rainy day. I had been waiting for weeks, months, years even, for this time to come. And now suddenly I couldn't move, while the full realization of the events about to occur washed over me and I turned white. My palms started to sweat and I trembled. I was getting a dog! I was getting a friend, a companion, someone who would love me no matter what, who would always be there for me! I was about to meet the creature who was going to be a part of my family. 

    Barfi's arrival had already been delayed for a week because of the heavy rains taking place. Now, more impatient than ever, the four of us - my mom, dad, sister, and me, stood in the hall waiting for the phone call that would change our lives. As it rang, we jerked out of our sleepiness and waited for my dad to pick it up. As he spoke, my heart was pounding. "The breeder has gotten a little delayed," he said. We'll have to go only by 8." To which we all groaned and slumped back in our seats because this was the second time we had been informed of a delay. Tasty snacks sat untouched on the table as a feeling of unease crept into my stomach. Was everything okay? Was this a bad idea? As I voiced my concerns to my parents, they reminded me how much we had all waited in anticipation for Barfi's arrival, how we had fought over his name, and how, before he even came into the household, he created so many memories. Bearing that in mind, my fear was replaced by a cluster of butterflies in my stomach.

    When it was finally time to set off, after many quarrels and much excitement, we bundled into the car, loaded with toys, treats, milk bones, and a small crate filled with blankets for Barfi. We were asked to meet the breeder in a place around 45 minutes away from our building. The obscure area was hidden behind many bumpy roads, mud trails, and stony paths. Somehow, our car survived the drive, and the thrill of meeting Barfi was what motivated us. After all, we had only seen a few pictures of him so far. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we pulled up in front of a white building with a rusted black gate to the side.

        As we ran out of the car towards the gate, our jaws dropped in amazement. There, standing before us and looking extremely sleepy, was Barfi! His fur was of a light golden color, and he was very plump. His cute black nose, almost entirely resembling a button, sniffed the air curiously, and his tail wagged as he was placed in my father's arms. To this day, Barfi always seeks comfort and security by snuggling up to my father. He also enjoys the occasional massage when my father gives him a bath! When he was put in my arms, I kissed his face many times and breathed in his warm, puppy smell. At that moment, I knew I loved him, and I knew that he would be a perfect addition to my family. My mother, at the time, was scared to hold him, but after spending a few hours with him, she couldn't help but love his goofy way of living life.

    In the car, Barfi refused to stay in his crate. He jumped out, grabbed all of the toys, and began to inspect them closely. At last, he chose a blue bone and began to chew it. After a few minutes, when he pressed his nose against it, a loud squeak came out of the toy and he jumped back as though it was a bomb! Later, after much coaxing, he agreed to stay on my sister and my lap, and we stroked him gently as he chewed on his new favorite toy, a white and blue tug rope. As we reached the highway, Barfi let out a strange whimpering noise and started to twitch violently. Being first-time dog owners, we had no idea what was going on and were very worried. Later, we would find out that it was just a case of the hiccups! We stopped the car and gave him a little water, and then my mother agreed to take him in her lap. As she patted him on the back and sang softly, Barfi closed his eyes and slept in her arms for the rest of the ride home. Just as he feels safe in my father's arms, he always loves sleeping next to my mother and goes to her whenever he's scared to feel warm and loved. 

    When we reached home, my mother set Barfi down next to the doorstep. As soon as the door was opened, he ran inside and sniffed all of the rooms intricately. This went on for around 15 minutes, and when he was finished with his inspection, he strolled over to the carpet and peed on all of my mother's favorite pillows! It took all of my willpower not to laugh, and when it had been cleaned, we gave him dinner and then went to bed. 

    The breeder had advised us to sleep with Barfi for the first few days, as he was used to sleeping with his brothers and sisters and would feel more comfortable with the warmth of our bodies next to his. And so we spent twenty minutes spreading out bed sheets, pillows, and toys, creating some sort of a den with enough space for the five of us. When we were done, we called Barfi in, excited to see what he would think of this comfortable sleeping space, but to our amazement, he plodded over to the bed, squeezed under it, and settled down for the night! The next day, when I woke up, I almost forgot about the previous days' events until I stepped right into Barfi's pee. I remembered all right after that!

    So it took us some time to get used to Barfi and get to know all of his quirks, but we never knew that he would grow up to be such an important part of our lives. He is the sweetest, weirdest, funniest and at times most irritating companion I could ever ask for, and we will all cherish the memories he created with us for the rest of our lives.