Just a Miracle, on Friday the 13th.

It’ll be two years the middle of this coming October, since my dear doggie died. It’s the most painful loss I’ve ever experienced as an adult. Just when you think you’ve learned to love as deeply as humanly possible, a four-legged creature makes your heart expand even more.

On a walk yesterday, I took a different route than I normally do. I spent some time with food vendors at a local park, and had a very pleasant exchange with one gal selling farm-fresh chicken and eggs.

Whenever I go walking, I indulge a little fantasy that I might encounter a stray dog that needs a good home, or miraculously happen upon some puppies. A leash and collar has sat on the back seat of my car for months, just in case I’m magically in the right place at the right time to find a pup I can love again.

My beloved pitbull, Cleo is a hard act to follow. I’m aware I haven’t been ready to love like that again. My two felines, Samba and Tango have since been the happy, sole recipients of my affection.

On my way home from the park, I heard a child’s spirited voice calling out, “puppies for sale, puppies for sale!” and I immediately crossed the street to investigate. There was an entire litter of pitbull terrier puppies~ my first, and favorite breed. I adore their faces. Put little rounded fuzzy ears on ‘em, and they look like bear cubs.

Here were the most darling little (9 week old) creatures within a wire enclosure, each vying for my attention. My heart felt like it was bursting. This lovely man, “Nick” whose dog birthed the litter, placed one of the females in my arms. She fervently kissed my collar bone, neck and chin. I musta tasted salty from the warm day’s exertion, I thought—but just like that, a bond was formed.

I’ve missed my dog so much, I’ve rarely walked since she passed. I need the movement, but it’s just not the same without her. I often imagine her spirit with me, but it’s not like seeing her sweet ears flapped back as she trotted along just ahead of me~ an image that never failed to bring me glee. It was way too cute!

I can’t identify with people who are on their phones while walking their pups, as if being with their companion is an obligation. For Cleo and me, it was our special time together, once I figured out how to avert getting pulled down on the asphalt, when she spotted another dog on the road. Whew! Lotsa injuries, that first 6 months or so.

Late at nights, New Years Eve and 4th of July were our favorite times to hit the road, ‘cause NOBODY else was out with their canines. Drama averted! My dog was unfazed by fireworks, earthquakes and fire engine sirens. She did however, get worked-up over coyotes howling in the middle of the night, so occasional sleep disruptions were predictable.

I’d talk to Cleo during our jaunts. Upon arriving back home, she’d lie on the floor of our foyer while I cleaned her paws with baby-wipes, if they’d gotten especially dusty. It was our little ritual.

I’ve been a cat person all my life, and have had magnificent love affairs with several~ but the love of a dog is a whole different deal. Cleo made me a dog person. She had a huge heart (literally and figuratively) and was a special soul, despite her early abuse and neglect. It appeared she’d been used as a breeder. I hear breeders are the worst in terms of treatment to their dogs, which seems utterly unfathomable to me.

My biggest mistake and greatest regret, was watching Cesar Millan videos. Avoid these at all costs. If you give a dog affection, treat them caringly and empathically, and understand that their sole aim is to please you, you will have a devoted and loving companion for as long as fate allows. There’s always an adjustment period. Don’t rush it. You can’t expect to fall in love within a week of meeting a human, can ya?? (Don’t answer~ it’s a rhetorical question, unless you’re dating Borderlines.)

Nick generously allowed me to bring this adorable puppy home for a trial run. My concern is always for Samba and Tango, but I hoped that a 9 week old puppy would be less fearsome for them, than a grown dog (been there, done that).

My new baby is the sweetest, smartest, most adorable little ball of joy~ and wow, was I ripe for this (maybe a bit overripe, to be honest)! I was resigned to never getting a puppy, because their internal muscles take many months to develop, before they’re able to control their emissions. Most folks are never educated about this, which is why so many dogs are screamed at and beaten when they’re little, or surrendered to a shelter.

It’s tragic! We don’t expect human babies to hold their poop and pee (which is why diapers were invented). Kittens and puppies have precisely the same limitations!

In my view, humans need training a lot more than dogs. Anyhow, last night was my first, with this darling little one. She’s an amazingly fast learner! We’re gettin’ accustomed to frequent ‘potty breaks’ outside, and she’s learned to climb stairs like a champ!

It cracks me up when she chases my female cat around the living room. She gets hissed at, but no injuries so far. For her first day in a brand new world away from siblings, parents and familiar humans, she’s adapted remarkably well.

So, I think going forward, my Friday the 13th’s are gonna be Good Luck days. I’ve been praying for a miracle, and this one feels like the best I could ever have hoped for! I’ll figure out a name for her in time~ but for now, she’s simply Precious to me.