To my dogs at the bridge

Dear Loki and Gemini,

It occurred to me the other day, that you may be sitting on your spots on the mantle wondering "WTF?" The lives of the dogs who live with us now live very different lives from the ones you both lived. When you were with us, you ate good food; You got lots of walks and play time; You had ample toys; There were always treats in the house; You got dressed up less.

The changes in the house started when Loki died in 2010, and I realized how short my time was with each of my dogs. It changed when I met Hailey, a dog who had very different needs then either of you. It changed as I started blogging and a whole world of dog products opened up to me. It completely changed when Gemi died in 2011.

Gemini and Loki

Now, while I am always on the quest to find the best food (to help keep Hailey and Zaphod as long as I can), the dog treats and toys have taken up 2 cupboards and a box, toys are purchased more often (in part because they don't last as long now), I want you to know something. Even though Hailey and Zaphod have more stuff, they do not have any more love than you had. The stuff is just stuff. Some of it is stuff you would hate (Gemi, I can see you looking at a puzzle and saying "A princess does not work for her treats, hand them over woman"; Loki, I imagine the look on your face if I dressed you up as often), I know there is stuff you would love. I wish I had known about it these when you were with me.

The love I feel for Hailey and Zaphod is different from my love for both of you. Loki, you will always be my first dog, and my special little guy. Gemi, you will always be my princess.  I just wanted you to know that even though I was slightly less of a crazy dog Lady with you, I didn't love you any less.

Missing you both every day


Your Lady

A letter to my dogs

Chelsea  at http://raszobai.weebly.com/1/post/2012/10/a-letter-to-your-dog.html? has challenged all dog owners to write a letter to their dog(s). Here is my attempt.

My dearest Hailey and Zaphod,

There are some things you should know. In my house, you are the sun and the moon. And while you may feel I neglect you etc, every decision I make in my life takes you into account. This includes the big decisions (such as finding our new house) to  little decisions (can we go out for dinner tonight and leave the dogs, can we settle into a movie or should we take the dogs out). You are the centre of my universe.

Much of my spare time is spent thinking about you and what I can do to make your life better.   I read things and researches them and try my best to give you a great life.  Sometimes I will not be as patient with you as I should. Some days you will fray my nerves. You must remember I am a person, and unlike dogs am not perfect. I will make mistakes, but I am trying my best to be the best Lady possible.

I know sometimes you think I worry too much about you and that I have rules you don't like. Before I had you both I had two other dogs. Two other dogs who were also the centre of the universe. They both died in spite of my best attempts to prolong their lives.  I will always have the time I spent with them (8 and 6 years respectively), but I don't have their future and that is hard. It is my goal in life to give you a future. I want you to see the double digits in age. I want you to see them in good health. It is part of my job to keep you healthy and safe. This is why I scold when you run away or get angry when you eat something you shouldn't. First I want you to be healthy and safe, and then I want you to be happy.

In the event you do become sick or hurt, know I will do everything reasonable to make you better. Know that a decision to say goodbye to you will only be done if deemed the best thing to do for you  - if there is no other treatment and/or allowing you to live will mean allowing you to suffer unnecessarily. I will never let you suffer unnecessarily. I promise to put my feelings aside and do the best for you. Know money will never be a factor in my choice. Know my heart will break a little that day and the scar will never fully heal.

While I want you to be safe and healthy, I do want you to be happy. I hope you feel half the joy and happiness I do when I am with you. I love seeing you waiting by the front door when I pull into the driveway. I love the enthusiasm with which you greet me. I love watching you run free and play. I love when you learn a new trick. I love watching Phod swim and Lee eat the waves.  I love our morning walks together. I love when you curl up on my lap or beside me and sleep.

I want you to know that my love for you is truly unconditional.  History has shown that there is nothing you can do to make me stop loving you and caring for you. I hope you do not take advantage of this and intentionally do bad things. This unconditional love will come with a bit of a price for you. I will do things like dress you up and embarrass you to get even for the holes in the wall, poop on the floor and other mischief.

I think I am a very lucky Lady to have you in my life. My life would be dull and boring without you.  If you weren't here, something would be missing. You make me happier and healthier than I would be without you. For that I thank you.

I wish us a long future together.


Your loving Lady