When Kitty Brigham’s boyfriend was on a business trip to New York, he happened upon a box of free puppies.
“Dave was not of a mind to own a puppy – his job has him on the road a lot – but since he was not looking forward to getting back on the road, he tarried a bit and decided to have a look at them,” says Brigham, who manages jinny boutique in the Short North. “He sent me some photos of the litter by text, knowing I am a dog lover and already owned a five year old pitt-mix named Marley.”
Dave finished looking at the puppies, having convinced himself it was not a good idea to take one home, when one climbed out of the box and planted himself on right on Dave’s foot.
“Dave sent more pics and explained his reluctance to take the puppy,” says Brigham. “I assured him I would pitch in and was overjoyed at the idea of having a puppy again. I was in love! I wanted that baby puppy!”
Every time Dave placed the puppy back in the box, the puppy climbed back out and came over to him.
“Between the puppy’s resolve to be near him and my enthusiastic encouragement, Dave finally broke down and agreed to take the persistent pup home,” Brigham says. “I think one big deciding factor was learning Buster and I shared the same birthday, November 1st.”
The little puppy got his name on his trip home to Columbus.
“Many names were considered during the drive,” says Brigham. “The pup would answer to none. Finally as the puppy howled on and on, most certainly missing his litter mates, Dave said, “That is it buster!” in hopes of him stopping. At the word ‘buster’ the little puppy snapped his head around and went silent. From then, on the little free puppy in a box was known as Buster.”
When Buster arrived, Brigham was slightly concerned about introducing Marley to his new little friend. Buster was weak with a few illnesses, but those were straightened out right away with a visit to Dr. Dan at Clintonville Animal Hospital. Once Buster gained his strength, Marley started to groom him and would gently nuzzle and wrestle with the puppy.
“You could tell Marley enjoys being the big brother,” says Brigham.
The couple loves to take their dogs on walks and car rides.
“One of our favorite outings with them is going to Sycamore Creek Park here in Olde Pickerington Village,” she says. “There is a skate park with ramps and ridges and when there are no skaters around we let them loose inside. The dogs just go crazy, leaping over the barriers and galloping up the ramps.”
The dogs enjoy daycare at the Pet Palace by the airport, to have time to socialize with other dogs.
Buster and Marley like to have rope toy battles with seven foot long rope toys Brigham finds at Jungle Jim’s.
“Dave and I feel Marley and Buster have a strong and unique bond with each other,” she says. “One moment they will be battling over a bone or other toy and the next Buster will nuzzle Marley’s chin requesting his ears and eyes be cleaned. It is heartwarming to see them curled up together and funny watching them vie for our attentions.”
“Somehow that little puppy knew his person had come for him that day in New York and made it clear by insisting to be taken,” she says. “He climbed out of the box and into our hearts!”
Feature photo by Walker Evans.
From March 3rd to March 9th, Columbus Underground is celebrating Pets Week 2014! Throughout the week, we’ll be showcasing the extraordinary ways that pets can change a person’s life, fun places to take your dog, pet related businesses, and more!