Friday, October 2, 2009


Mom, It’s Just a Dog

When we were a young married couple we had a cat before we had children. He was the king. I adored him but after a year I found out I was pregnant and when the baby came… our beloved “Shokey” was somehow transformed into “just the cat”.

We continued to have cats throughout the next 30 years of marriage and though I loved them all, they were just cats. But about seven years ago, our last cat died and because of Fred’s asthma we did not replace the cat this time. We decided to get a dog.

I found my little Shih Tzu’s mug shot on the Internet. He looked sad and forlorn and was just an hour’s drive south. We hopped in the car and the rest is history. We named him Cappy after my deceased father in law. Cappy much to the chagrin of my two daughters, is not just a dog. He is one of the few things that make me happy in Florida. When I come home after a stressful day of work, he is there greeting me with his unconditional love.

At night he cuddles with me and rests his head on my chest. When I am upset or sick he senses it somehow and makes me feel better. He has a great personality and I have never once minded walking him, staying up with him when he is sick, or even the money and added expense of vet bills. I just love him.

He travels well and I like to have him with me when I drive north alone. He has several carriers, one is purse like, but the one that I like and just irk the girls is my front carrier. Someone recently gave me a stroller but I know I better not go there.

I am sure there is some psychological transference explanation. I miss my children and my grandbabies so Cappy fills the void when I am alone here in Florida. He just had a birthday, I hate thinking he will get old and I will lose him. I try to visualize me with my grey hair, a cane and Cappy in his front carrier, blind and like my daughter Annie says with a “Popeye” look. He is not just a dog, he is my baby.

3 comments:

  1. I can't wait until your kids leave you some day maybe you will get a dog and know how they help fill a void. If you and Jaime moved back to Florida, I would not get another dog if something happened to Cap, I wouldn't need one.

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  2. I know just what you are saying Laurie about your dog. From one dog lover to another, they are part of your family. I had dogs even when my kids were little and when they passed on, the whole family mourned. When I die, Snicker's ashes are going to be buried with me.

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