My dog Summer
Posted: Mon August 24th, 2015, 1:47 pm
My first brief meeting with Summer was when she was with her young "parents" (my nephew and his girlfriend). "Wanna meet Summer?" "What, it's Summertime now." "No, our dog". "Oh." "Okay!" Immediately I felt a connection with Summer and blurted "Can I have her?" Huh? Those around thought my comment was very inappropriate. Really, I don't know why I said that. Thought I was being silly. I kinda meant it, but not really. I had a much loved dog 2 years prior and I could hardly endure seeing her through old age and death. I wasn't really interested in another dog. They want for alot of attention. I already had 2 cats. I preferred cats. I think I was a cat in some previous life. That was that.
Two years later I received an email from Summer's "mom" inquiring if I wanted to adopt Summer. They had new baby, a 1 bedroom dark apartment, 2 "parents" gone all day and 2 cats-made for little attention and activity for Summer. Did I want her? (See, if I earlier hadn't blurted out that "inappropriate" question of having Summer I might not have gotten this opportunity...just sayin'.) Hmmm. This is a big deal. Accepting another pet, a dog, a big young dog. And I already have 2 cats. Was I going to be The Animal Lady on the block? Did I have the time, energy, finances and love for another pet?
Summer and I met again. She looked at me with her big, brown, longing eyes. Her tail crazily wagging circles. And I swear she was smiling. She came to my side and was never more than 3 feet away from me the rest of the visit. There you have it. The answer had been made for us. We already belonged together. So, I took her home. Prepared the house and yard for a dog. Introduced her to the cats (who remained "top dogs" even with a real dog now in residence!).
I have never regretted adopting Summer. She adapted well over time with routines, consistency, attention and activity. She seems happy, confident and secure. She is mellow, fun and good-looking! She is a good watchdog and a good companion. Summer makes for a lot of laughter and moments of thoughtful pause.
And best of all, she is getting grey(white) hair at the same accelerated pace as me! Thanks for that, Summer! I love you more