When I was about 6 or 7 years old, a friend of the family dropped in to visit. I don’t remember his name, but I do remember, he brought a dog with him. 

The dog was less than a year old, and very well-trained. He was a black medium poodle, with a great disposition, who loved to play. 

I am not sure what the negotiations were like. All I know is when the friend of the family left later that day, Jocko stayed. 

I was so excited I walked to every home in the neighborhood with Jocko on a leash, knocked on the door, and introduced him. 

“This is my new dog – just wanted you to get to know him ‘cause he’ll be around the neighborhood.” And then off I went to the next house. 

Jocko, in spite of his awkward master, was very well accepted in the neighborhood, and by my brother and sisters.