Small Gal Big Pal

My hooman is working. I know if she had seen the EmPAWlee of the Month contest, she would be nominating me as quickly as her little fingers can type. But alas, she is focused on her projects. She often tells me “someone’s gotta bring home the bacon” so I allow it.

Worry not, I’m not too humble to not nominate myself. I know I deserve it because I do everything for my small gal. I’m her big Pal, a big ol sheep dog she rescued in the mountains of Idaho. I used to protect a whole flock before I was abandoned. The day this little hooman took me on a walk at the shelter, I knew she’d be the object of my protection and affection.

She’s never been one for commitment, but her decision to get me proves she is capable. And man is she good at loving me.

She’s single and closer to 40 than she is to 30 now. She kisses me while she tells me I’m all she needs, but she must know I won’t be around much longer. She can’t rely on me alone so I’m taking it upon myself to find her a loving beau worthy of protection.

I wake her up early with my wet nose so she can get the most amount of work done and we can go on a big walk sooner rather than later. Also, the suave eligible bachelor who lives in the neighborhood runs shirtless at 7am.

My small gal is groggy before the sun rises and she’s downright cranky. I see the handsome beau coming our way and I know she’ll be upset, but I run a circle around her, wrapping my leash around her legs, bringing her to the ground. The man gasps and sprints her way, helping to untangle us. His eyes meet hers and I swear I see the fireworks above them. I wish she had brushed her teeth before we left.

“Ooh my gosh,” she screams, grabbing her ankle. She tries to stand up and can’t put any weight on it. He doesn’t seem to even think about it before he picks her up as he asks which house is hers.

Am I brilliant or what?

He carries her a block to our house. He gently lays her on the couch and she offers him a pumpkin spice hard seltzer.

“Excuse me, a what?” He chuckles.

“It’s almost Autumn in Florida, you know, even though it’s 92 degrees.It’s a pumpkin spice hard seltzer and it’ll cool you down at the same time it reminds you of the wonders of autumn. The fact that I even offered you my last one is a huge surprise and compliment.”

His smile lights up the small house. He takes a sip of the seasonal seltzer and holds it at as arms length, peering at it as if it is the most surprising thing he’s ever seen. “Not too bad,” he admits.

Their conversation is easy. My small gal looks happy. As the next days pass by, I have to be strategic. I am an impeccable break encourager. Let’s go stretch our legs, I hint, or hey let’s have a snack. Let’s pack snacks and go on a long walk! It’s always the same time the handsome neighbor is running.

“Hi, neighbor. How’s your ankle?” He asks with a big smile.

“Almost as good as new!” He then asks if he can take her to dinner on Friday. I am beaming as she says yes. I know they’re hitting it off. I know she’ll be taken care of when I’m gone.

She goes back to work on Monday but smiles the whole way through.