I grew up in the country and always had a dog. Usually a larger, mixed breed that stayed outside except on the coldest nights. The last dog I had – her name was Bailey – lived with me until she was 15 and too ill to cope any longer. What a horrible decision to end her suffering! And that horrid experience caused us to declare that there would be no more pets!
But I couldn’t stand the house so empty. No little clickety clack of nails on the hardwood greeted me as I came home. No warm little furball to snuggle with at nap time.
After applying online to several dog rescue sites, and being turned down several times (apparently you are supposed to save your dog’s dental records for seven years????!!), Natalie rescued me.
We are somewhat inseparable now. She comes hiking, camping, canoeing, shopping and gardening. She executes a mean “down dog” on my yoga mat.
What I love most about hanging with Natalie is the constant reminder that love is all that really matters. She probably had a traumatic past (rumour is she was wandering too free in California before Toronto Humane Society imported her) but her joy at each moment is inspiring. It inspires me to move on from whatever stress is catching my awareness and seek connection instead.
There are very few situations in life that can’t be made better with a puppy cuddle.