I love having her. Love her gentle kisses and stinky breath. Love the way she pokes her head between my legs while I'm trying to tie my shoelaces because she's knows it means we're going for a walk. Love the way she thinks nothing of jumping on my bed because "su casa es mi casa, si?"
And I especially love watching Hazel and Nadeen together. Not so long ago, the two were each mourning the loss of their companions (both, ironically, from bone cancer), so it makes my heart happy to see them spring to life when together. They howl with hysterical joy at the mere sight of the other. Drink from the same water bowl. Share the same chewy bone treats. Sleep side-by-side just inches apart and walk belly-to-belly, just as Nadeen once did with Jasper and Hazel once did with Olivia.
In fact, the two have so bonded that Nadeen's mom, Nicole, has now invited Hazel for two play dates a week versus the previous one. I accepted her kind offer, even though it adds another hour to my already horrendous three-and-a-half-hour-long commute. I'm sucking it up because it makes both dogs happy and that, in turn, makes me happy. As I sadly learned with my former greyhounds, the lovely Lucy and most recently, my sweet Olivia, a young age is no guarantee that any dog will live a full, long life. Hazel is just five (as is her BFF), but that means nothing.
And so, for however long I'm lucky enough to have Hazel, I'll continue driving out of my way to take her to play dates. Spend money I don't have to buy her quality food and safe treats. Treasure every minute we share and do everything in my power to give this crazy, goofy, playful canine spirit the best life possible.
Because at the end of the day, any joy I can give Hazel is just a fraction of the joy she brings me.
1 comment:
What a great photo and good story!
Post a Comment