Stella!!!

Since leaving my homeland for the Windy City I have acquired two new additions in my life that I previously avoided. The first and most important is the live in boyfriend. For many obvious reasons, I did not want this in my house. After getting one though I have to say my mind has been changed. I cannot imagine my happy home without him. The second addition is Stella, my two year old puppy. I was hesitant to welcome the burden of pets after such a sordid childhood of animal after animal that I shied away from the entire concept altogether. After much thought I realize that my loving dog is also quintessential to this happy home.

Before my alarm wakes me up I am roused by the wet nose of Stella on my hand. She has impeccable timing and senses when it is time for her morning walk. Her eyes flutter open and she hops off the loveseat which she has appropriated as her bed. This was only after her attempts to sleep with us in our bed failed. Once on the floor she stretches her back legs ever so gracefully and jingles all the way to the bedroom. Our room is small and the bed barely fits in, but we left a space just wide enough on either side that she can fit through. Hugging the wall she emerges in my face, tail wagging, emitting the ever classic foul dog breath. She goes to my side because she knows I am in charge of the morning walk, she won’t even bother with my boyfriend. If I am not up and dressed in a timely fashion Stella will jump onto the bed and wedge herself between my love and me. If you can’t beat em’, join em’.

A similar pattern happens when I return home from a long day at work. I walk in the door and she is on the couch. She hops off the couch, stretches her back legs cooly, and then proceeds to jump on and around me vying for my attention. This love fest lasts about half an hour before she settles down again. Who I am kidding though? I love every single second. Those days she doesn’t peek out the window at me as I leave are the days I know will just be no good. If I come home and she doesn’t even get off the couch, I immediately feel slighted. I have come to find that the responsibilities of owning the dog pail and comparison to the bond you will form with the mutt. The unwavering devotion is enough to ensnare even the most cynical dog lover. It’s all in the eyes.