THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MISSY

In my childhood home I enjoyed the love of two dogs. Lassie died a few years after we adopted her and Rambo, her brother, disappeared several years later. I did not mourn Rambo as I did Lassie. I saw Lassie die, and I guess I expected that Rambo would come back one day.

Playing Hide And Seek

In 2009 I moved to a new home, and decided that I wanted to have a dog again. I was barely settled when a close family member unexpectedly died. Less than two weeks after I bought Missy from a pet shop. Though I was adamant that I did not want a female dog, when I saw Missy, there was no question that she was the pup for me. There was a male puppy with her, who seemed to be more of what I thought I wanted. He was shy and quiet. Missy stole the spotlight, and she’s been doing that ever since.

There are many organizations that use dogs to assist disabled and sick people. I’ve often been fascinated that dogs can be trained to be assistants. In my case, I had no ailments, but when I brought Missy home, I was very sad and depressed. To accept the death of a loved one is a challenge that I’ve always failed at. It is very hard for me, because the people I keep close are irreplaceable.

Missy had me from hello. She is full of personality. If she was a person, she would be an artist. The responsibility of caring for her was a new experience. I never babysat anyone. And when I had the first two dogs, I shared them with two siblings. From feeding her on time, to dealing with poop in my house, Missy was the distraction that I needed. She gave me a reason to smile every day.

The genuineness you get from a dog is unique among any other relationship. People change throughout their lives, but except for a traumatic experience animals are consistent. An animal does not judge or ridicule. That’s why I think pet lovers tend to treat their pets with the tenderness they would bestow on children.

Just A Few Months Old

Missy’s character in the book is similar to her in real life. She gives the feeling you get on a very hot day, when you hear the patter of rain on your roof. You get happy.

Missy took away my sadness. She never got tired of my cries or confessions. Without her, I don’t know how long it would have taken me to pull myself together. Those are some of the reasons why I’ll always love her just a little extra, and spoil her forever.