Roxanne: Part One

Roxanne: Part One

So I was thinking I should counter my last blog with a happier story. So here we go, this is the story of how I obtained my sweet Roxanne, and the battle of wills that ensued...

Mobile, Alabama - June 2001

So I bought Roxanne, my Basset Hound, at the flea market, and if you've never seen a basset hound puppy live in person be warned, there my not be a more cute animal in existence. It was over nine years ago, I was cruising the flea market with my old roommate James in search for interesting belt-buckles. For some reason I had a strange fascination with belt buckles at the time. So James and I were walking the booths when this overweight southern gent in denim overalls smiled at me and asked me if I was interested in some Basset Hound pups. I looked at him and his grin, and the wad of tobacco pushed into the deep recesses of his lower lip  -No thanks.

But then I looked down.

There were these long velvet eared creatures, and as sure as the sun will shine I felt myself begin to melt.

I looked to my left, at James, and he too bore the twinkle in his eye, the same to which I instantly felt in my heart.

Those are the cutest things I have ever seen- James said.

So we were at a cross roads. 

How much are they- I asked. 

Two-hundred- the man said following this with a spit into a paper cup.

I looked down.

There amongst the puppies was one, a small one, she was sleeping. Her white nose was freckled with brown spots. 

One-hundred and fifty- I returned. 

Growing up in Las Vegas, and having been to my fair share of flea markets, I slipped into barter mode with the ease of a Sunday afternoon. 

These are papered dogs friend-the big man said and again emptied his spittle into his paper cup. 

One-fifty or I'm walking. 

One-eighty.

Alright James let's go.

And with that we started to walk away. 

Alright, one-sixty is as low as I can go. 

I turned and smiled- done!

So I picked up my new little Basset.  She was still sleeping so when I took her small body into my hands and lifted her in the air I awoke her.  The little dogs blue puppy eyes opened, and met mine. 

Roxanne- I said - naming her instantly.

To be continued........