This Girl’s Best Friend

Man’s best friend? It’s a common saying I heard all my life, but I didn’t even know what it meant. It sounded like a nice cliche for people who loved their pets. But it wasn’t until I took this sweet girl home that I even began to understand its true meaning. It’s funny to think she wasn’t even my first choice. I had another kind of dog in mind altogether but this one attached herself to me and she needed a home, so home with me, she went.

I’m not going to lie and say those first few months were wonderful. She was, and will always be, an obstinate dog. I now find that to be part of her charm, as I admire an independent spirit, but when I’m firm she ultimately bends to my will. In those early days, it was more difficult, especially while living in an apartment in Southern California. What she had going for her though was her willingness to potty train quickly and her unbelievable sweetness. She is one affectionate pup and I often refer to her moony tendencies as “romantic”, as she loves to just sit on my lap and gaze into my eyes (and if you do not participate in the eye gazing she lets you know that your half-hearted pats are not enough).

So this morning as I sit at my computer and find her sleeping at my feet, as she often does, I look down and can’t help but ask myself, “Why would an animal love being with me so much?” She is my constant companion. She has helped me get through every day of this lockdown where otherwise I would be lonely and perhaps prone to depression. She is with me in the good times and in the bad. She plays with me when I’m in the mood to frolic, is always ready for the next great adventure, and offers her snuggle services liberally when I’m sad or listless. She apologizes if she offends (in her doggy way) and is quick to forgive when I offend. She knows me and has studied my ways. Even though I find her need to bark at any passer-by annoying at times, I know she is just doing her job as protector (according to her breed). She is the reason I sleep soundly at night; when she is at peace, I am at peace. Her love and loyalty are astounding and yet I know this experience is nothing new and that dog lovers have always known the pleasure of this special bond — a true gift from on high! I may have come late to the party, but I thank God every day for this “girl’s best friend.” 💝