Muffin Mist - Part 1

Muffin Mist you came to me at 2 months old.  You were the smallest of the litter, had a very shot tail and looked like you just didn't belong.  But guess what? I had my eyes glued on you.  I petted your siblings but you were the one I picked up and held close to me.  Like all dogs that were and are with me, your first kiss left an imprint on my heart and there it will stay until we part ways and find ourselves at Heaven’s doors.  You are about 3 years old in man’s years now.  I guess it’s about time I write.

Every time I read about pets and what not, it’s either I laugh because the stories are funny or I cry because the stories are sad.  I guess your story would be both happy and sad. 

I’m the only human that will ever, ever love you for just being you.  No one will ever understand your personality the way I do.  You’re affectionate when you want to be but you hide a mean streak and always show it when I’m not around.  That’s what I don’t like.  I come home at times, to hear that you snapped at a child or that you growled or ran after someone.  What will I do with you? 

I can’t count the number of times that friends and neighbours suggested I have you put down.  I could never ever do it.  I thought about euthanasia for you if only to stop it.  But you know what, only a few have seen just how gentle you can be.  I cried rivers every single time someone tells me that I have to let you go. 

This is only between the two of us. 

Muffin, I will keep you for as long as I can.  I hope my loving touch will erase that mean streak you have and which you never ever show me.  Call me selfish.  But I’m keeping you because you make me happy.  I love the way you cuddle, I love feeling you right beside me in bed.  I love the way you greet me every morning.  Such exuberance! I love how you greet me when I get up from bed.  I don’t like the way you look at me at mealtimes though.  It’s as if you haven’t been fed and we know that it’s the exact opposite.  I love the way you just come to me at random and place your chin on my lap or reach out with a paw.  Others don't see that and that's okay with me.  They probably don't need to because that's your special side and only special people see it. 

I did a bit of research about dog pounds here.  They’re deplorable to say in the least.  Never.  I can never ever bring you to a place that would ultimately lead to your death.  Time away from me brings you anguish.  I don’t think I will ever stand that look of betrayal many dogs have probably given when their owners left them especially if it comes from you.  I'd probably have nightmares many times over.  So no.  The answer is a definite ‘NO!’

I pray that the only touch you will ever feel in your lifetime is one of love.  I tell that to you often and now I’m writing it too.  I pray to that we will be together for as long as I can keep you - where no calamity has separated us or some unforeseen event.  I can't really think of any other possible reason as to why we would be apart - except that I travel at times.  The most beautiful thing is that I'm excited to come home to you. So live, love, and just be you.Who knows, as a spirit, you may later on turn into something else – a human maybe – and you’d be able to read this.  I hope you'd be able to.