Movin’ On With Nellie 

A Cocker Spaniel, a classified ad, and unknown singer George Strait

On a sunny afternoon in October 1977, my former husband, a graduate student at the local university, and I, extremely pregnant, responded to a classified ad for a cocker spaniel puppy.  The address was on Uhland Street, across the street from Herbert's Taco Hut in San Marcos. The ad gave a phone number and the name: “G. & N. Strait.” 

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Movin’ On With Nellie 

A Cocker Spaniel, a classified ad, and unknown singer George Strait

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On a sunny afternoon in October 1977, my former husband, a graduate student at the local university, and I, extremely pregnant, responded to a classified ad for a cocker spaniel puppy.  The address was on Uhland Street, across the street from Herbert's Taco Hut in San Marcos. The ad gave a phone number and the name: “G. & N. Strait.” 

As we drove over, I was so excited to meet a puppy again. The last few months had been difficult with the loss of our Llaso Apso Pokey one night driving to pick up my husband after his midnight shift ended.  Pokey jumped out of the open car window after a cat. His leash snagged under a semi-truck and he was crushed. The veterinarian tried to save him, but his little body was too hurt. 

The ad listed a phone to call. My husband called and set up a time to meet the last of the litter. I had just heard Ace-in-the-Hole band with George Strait purr “Lonesome Rodeo Cowboy” over KCNY AM 1470. So, I knew his name as a local singer. Otherwise, Strait was not known. Out loud, I asked, “I wonder if he is the G strait or George Strait, the same singer I’ve listened to on the radio?” 

As we pulled up to the ranch-style home with its garage door open, I remember getting a feeling of home. We exited our vehicle, that I called a boat, to shake hands with high school sweethearts Norma and George. Behind Norma’s leg was their young daughter and a bouncy, buff colored, three-month old cocker spaniel with its wiser, calmer mother.   

Both my husband and I shook George’s hand. “Are you that famous singer I’ve heard on the radio?” I asked him. 

Humbly, George responded, “Oh, it’s not me, I am not famous. I sing with a local band at Cheatum Street Warehouse.” He was also working toward his [1979] Bachelor’s in Agriculture at Southwest Texas State University, he said.  

“This is the last pup of this litter, George said.”  As I petted and interacted with the little cocker, Norma slipped her arm around George’s waist. I smiled. I didn’t know if he was the guy I had heard on the radio for sure, but I thought so; I just knew they were a happy couple, happy family and with our new happy little cocker. 

I don’t remember if Norma, George or their daughter asked, “What will you name the puppy?”  

“We are naming her Lightening, because the baby lightens first then is born,” my husband said pointing to my bump. 

We paid them for little Lightening, made the notation in the check register, and shook hands goodbye. To their delighted waves, we backed out of the driveway and drove home with Lightening. 

I always remember that day that I met long, tall, lanky, humble and handsome family man and country singer, George Strait and brought Lightening, my second cocker, home. 

Note: On Google, George Strait is noted for winning more than 60 major entertainment industry awards throughout his career, including 22 CMA Awards and 24 ACM Awards. He holds the record for most CMA wins and is the most nominated artist in CMA history.

Nelda Curtiss is a retired college educator and long-time local columnist. Reach her at columnsbynellie.com or email her at columnsbynellie@gmail.com.