Give us dirty laundry…..
Every family has its secrets…its own pile of dirt, swept under the front door rug. Why would our family be any different? We may look normal….Momma may appear to be a nurturing soul and she is but…she crushed my spirit, a long time ago and part of me still clings to that memory….
Don’t get me wrong. I love my Momma….and I know she would die on a cross for me but true love never runs smooth….
You remember, after meticulous research, Momma knew she wanted a Havanese puppy….a black and white Irish Pied…Male….Well, as it is plain to see, I only met one of these conditions….I was Havanese, but I wasn’t Black and White or a Male. Still doesn’t everyone want the Leader, the Puppy Einstein? I had attributes that should, could, would outweigh all other criteria.
The day Momma came calling, I tried my utmost. My hair was a bit shaggy, growing over my eyes, my head a bit big for my puppy body but still I was cute….maybe not as cute as my completely sable sister but for some reason, Momma ruled her out anyway…but my black and white brothers were perfectly proportioned, with heads that fit their bodies and no fur to cover their sapphire blue eyes. Momma picked me up. I wiggled and squiggled in anticipation. I sniffed her neck and shoulder. I licked her fingers. She put me back in my cage (what???) and picked up, my perfect Black and White Brother Fidel who cuddled in the crook of her arm and gazed in to her eyes. How could I compete?
Still, there was a ghost in the room. Momma had loved her American Eskimo Angel Dog Teddy who had caught his Blue Cloud to Heaven. She felt she was betraying him if she bonded with another. Momma had to make sure she was ready to make a commitment to love and be loved whole heartedly again before so being an Analytical Virgo she left empty-handed to think, before she jumped in.
While Little Black and White Fidel was baffled, my little puppy ♥ was broken. I was so ready for my Forever Home. Although my caretaker still fed brushed and bathed us, let us out the cage to run around, it did not feel the same. Did I did not measure up? Had I failed some Unknown Test of Life that you can not study for?
You know this story had a Happily–Ever–After Ending because after leaving empty-handed, Momma came back for me a week later. Now I live the Life of Riley with walks, homemade top of the line food, lots of fresh water, baskets of toys, dog pillows and so much love. Some people may even say I am spoiled…well, just a little.
Just the other day, Momma came in from shopping. I was sitting on the back of the couch in the sun room, waiting for her to return because, well, I miss her when she goes out….
…and you know what she said? ‘There’s my Angel Doggie, how are you, Angel Doggie?’ My ♥ melted. I knew… I no longer have to compete with Angel Dog Teddy. It may have taken six years…. but all is forgiven, Momma.