365 Days
8760 Hours
525,600 Minutes
31,536,000 Seconds
However you choose to look at i t, it's a long time..
February 10, 2013 I helped my lil guy cross over to no more pain. And my pain was just beginning.
I know many would say, he is just a dog. To those I say you have no idea the depths of compassion a 10lb Toy Fox Terrier can have.
Not being one to support Pet stores in the mall, this is one time I did. I saw this tiny lump shivering in a cage, from outside the store.He drew me in, and when I saw his face I knew I had to get him out of there ! His paws were so small he could barely walk in that horrible cage. When I held him (only 4 lbs) he curled up in my palm, laid his head on my shoulder and I was lost. He was covered in fleas, but I didn't care- he needed me (or I needed him). I took him home that day, gave him a bath and he had the shiniest white coat I have ever seen. That first night, he slept curled in a tiny ball on my chest. I realize now, that is how he stole hearts. He may not have been a rescue, but he rescued me. I was facing a 2nd lung transplant, with little hope of it happening. Yet this tiny bundle of energy gave me the will to get up each morning, just to see what he would get into next.
His registered name is "Dragon Beast", his nicknames ranged from DB, Dibs, Dingbat, to lil buddy. He brought more chaos and more joy to my life than I could ever write here. In many ways he was like a child, he would keep trying until "no" became Oh go ahead ! Then he would run off with that little nub tail of his wagging in a circle faster than a wind mill. As a puppy he learned via hand signals. I was on oxygen and sometimes it was better to not talk. I'd point to the chair where his leash was, he'd jump up, get leashed and we'd take a short walk. Upon returning he would again jump up to have the leash removed.
As a puppy he loved to be on the back of chairs with his 2 front paws massaging your scalp. He'd pop his head around, look at you , disappear and start all over again. Ever the one for attention, that's Dibs.
I once caught him and CC his brother in the back yard playing tug of war with a bra- they found it in the dirty clothes basket. I guess it was fair game! He loved getting the others to play.... He became known as the Great Instigator ...
But I think his favorite of all was being close, hiding and warm. He always wanted to be on a lap or held. When I had to sleep on an heating pad for my knees, he would crawl under the covers and fight me for it !
He always slept at the foot of the bed, under all the blankets,and I had to shake him awake like he was a child.. Sleepy droopy eyes finally waking up and looking at me as if to say "already?" That was my Dibs..
In his final months he slept on a blanket at my feet under the ceiling fan. He was like me in that way, had to know air was moving to be able to sleep. That blanket is still in the same place to this day.. The only thing missing is my Dibs :( I touch it every morning and tell him hello, and start my day without him.
Some may not understand the connection we have with our babies. For my part I can only say that being told I would never have children of my own, I hold my boys dear. He rode in a baby sling the last few years thanks to a wonderfully caring FaceBook Friend Jessica and adapted to it like a champ ! Many times on our walks he even fell asleep, snuggly warm, and the sun on his face.
He would let us know when to do things. Bed time meant quiet time. He'd pick out a toy, run to the bedroom, wait a few minutes and come back out. Barely peaking around the kitchen cabinet as if playing hide and seek. Wide eyed, tail wagging, toy in mouth- signaling time to turn off the lights "I'm Tired"
On a visit to my Mom's one year he even came out with his bags packed on the day I was scheduled to leave as if he knew it was time !
We laughed until we cried at his antics that day ! Ever the showman, ever the attention hound..
That is my Dibs.... It hurts as much today as it did 365 horrible days ago... I miss you lil Buddy ♥
And he loved his toys....
