Chapter 7: G is for Greyhound
Asher nudged Ziva as she was working at her desk in the office at home. She paused to pet his head and scratch behind his ears. He was such a good dog, rarely barked and loved all of the children.
Ziva spoke to the greyhound, "Yes, Asher, I love you too. You are a good boy." He nuzzled her again and then settled down at her feet as she worked. The family had adopted Asher via a retired racing greyhound adoption group nearly six years ago. Within the first week, Asher had made it quite clear that Ziva was his alpha person. LJ was also his favorite.
Asher was very patient with baby LJ. When LJ used Asher as a prop to stand, the dog stood still and waited for LJ to move. Tony liked to joke that they had the only kid who was taught to walk by a dog. LJ would stand with his hand on Asher's back and then boy and dog would move together. As LJ got more confident in taking steps, Asher would move away from the boy and wait for LJ to walk to him. Both Tony and Ziva had many video clips of the LJ walking to Asher and then hugging the dog when he was successful.
Many times, Ziva would find LJ curled up on one of Asher's beds with the greyhound and both would be sound asleep. One of her favorite pictures of LJ's first year was a picture of LJ curled into the dog and Asher's head gently resting on LJ's back
When each of the four cats had shown up at the DiNozzo house, Asher had been the first to welcome them. He shared his beds with the cats; often he could be found on a bed with at least one of the cats curled up with him. Even the second dog, Daisy, had been welcomed immediately by Asher. The two dogs were so different in demeanor; Asher was so laid back and calm, where Daisy, with her Border collie traits, tended to be a lot more active and energetic.
Ziva shifted her position in her chair and Asher stood up, resting his head on her upper leg. He looked up at his alpha human. Ziva put her hand on the dog's head, "Are you telling me it is time to stretch? Do you want to go for a walk?" Asher perked up and his tail wagged. Ziva stood up and Asher followed her to the hall bathroom. "I will be right out and then we will go for a walk."
At the front door, Ziva picked up Asher's leash and he was by her side immediately. Daisy came trotting into the entry hallway waiting her turn for the leash to be clipped to her collar. "Let us go for a walk!" Ziva opened the front door and the two dogs ran outside, tugging at their leashes as Ziva locked the door and tucked her keys and cell phone into her pocket.
