"We've always had dogs," he said as his dog pulled desperately on the leash. "They sure are good company," he added with a smile that suggested the benefit of a dog for those of us who live alone, without acknowledging my quiet house.
There were many busy days (years in fact) when being alone was a goal rather than a problem for me; however, these days, my home is mighty quiet and alone is the new normal.
"I do think about it, sometimes," I offered, "and the thought of a pal sharing my porch on summer evening sounds inviting. But, the thought of having to make plans with a dog walker if I go out for the day and the idea of bundling up for a walk late on a cold winter night have been deterrents. Plus," I added with a smile, "pets are like kids, you never know what you are going to get!"
"And," he laughed as he was pulled down the street, "most of the dogs on this street do have minds of their own."
"I'll settle for strong-willed, visiting grand-dogs," I offered, but he was long gone on his walk/run after his beloved and strong-willed pet. Yet, my heart was remembering that long ago downy soft drowsy puppy snuggled next to me. "Grand dogs for me," I reminded myself, sternly!
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Our beautiful Lucy, a 9-year-old Pyrenees Anatolian mix, died one month ago from congestive heart failure. I remind myself of all the time I have now that I am not walking her, taking her to the vet, picking up her dog food and grooming her. I also remind myself I do not need to book a kennel when we go away. Everyday I browse the Pyrenees Rescue Site and I go through the same argument in my mind!
I am the proud grand-dog pet sitter for my son and daughter-in-love. (In fact they just made sure it was okay for us to pet sit while they go away for Christmas.) It is all the dog commitment I can make at this point in my life. We had to say good-bye to our wonderful mutt almost one year ago. I can't go through that again. Cats, though? We've got two and they warm my heart.
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