I spent a majority of this past weekend on the verge of tears. Fortunately, I did not experience a life altering tragedy or watch an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition marathon. Instead I read the New York Times Bestseller The Art of Racing in the Rain. This book was a Lifetime movie for dog lovers. And... well... two of my favorite things are melodrama and man's best friend. (If I had a Favorite Things episode, the audience would leave with a Nicholas Sparks DVD box set and a puppy). My favorite part of the book has to be the voice of the narrator, Enzo, the family's terrier mix. (Please insert Best In Show sound clip "God loves a terrier" because I lack the tech skills and copyright). I couldn't put it down, although I'll admit I glazed over a lot of the racing references. Enzo's endless dedication to his family is absolutely compelling. I am one of those crazy saps that honestly believes our pets can relate to us on a human level, and I'm glad that Garth Stein was able to write about it! I believe kibble and belly rubs are fair trade for constant devotion and companionship! The human animal relationship is much simpler than adult relationships.
Although, like many adult relationships, I met my dog online. I was web browsing at the office (I was waiting for a document to load, I swear!) and I came across his picture. It was love at first click. With his little face and small stature I knew he would not be at the shelter long, we had to act fast. The next afternoon my husband and I met the little guy who would make our world a little brighter, and it was terrifying. At least you have nine months to mentally prepare for a baby. Also, it's acceptable to put diapers on a newborn! But, I'm pretty sure parenthood is much more difficult and overwhelming in every other aspect. Not that I've randomly researched private school tuition or anything like that.
A year later, it's hard to remember how we went through endless rolls of paper towels, or what it was like to come home to a quiet house. A long day of working hard for the kibble is eased by coming home to an out of control tail on thirteen pounds of excitement. Especially when that ball of energy curls up into a ball of cuddles while you read a great book.
P.S. I know I didn't fill in my tag line here, but here is a link of something so wrong it's right. These will be perfect for my dog themed vacation house!
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod134540090&parentId=cat40350756&masterId=cat40510812&index=33&cmCat=cat000000cat000553cat40510812cat40350756&isEditorial=false
P.P.S. If you want a link to some cute pups in need of home check out PAWS Chicago.
http://www.pawschicago.org/adoptions/dogs-available-for-adoption/%20
P.P.P.S Here is a link to a selection of photos of my dog, I'm pretty sure this is not what Steve Jobs had in mind when he put a nice camera in the iphone.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.611589492819.2142817.22803056&type=1&l=c7a9e67f48
