Me Too

Me Too: A tale of a dog

By Kiera Hansell

Hi, I'm Demitri.

This is a story about my life and my human. Thank you for taking me from that loud box. All these other people are so loud. Can't you hear them? I'm a 4-month-old, about 10 pounds, Cocker Spaniel. You set me on your lap for the first time tearing up. Rambling to your daughter about how you wanted a dog since you were in high school and I was the one, and the rest is history.

"Do you want to come home with us?"

You hold me directly onto your heart. Like you've known me all your life. Like you've been expecting me this whole time. I know we've only just met, but I feel as though I'm right where I'm supposed to be. This I know.

"Outside? Let's go for a walk."

You struggle hard to put this "contraption" on me and I fight back. I'm just playing I promise. I'm just very ticklish, I think.

The smell of fresh grass, oranges, and wind blow past our noses. Like it's sunny with a hint of clouds, but just perfect for our first walk together. I look up at you silently asking you, "Is there something on my nose?" Because you're smiling your brightest smile down at me. My red harness on this marbled coat is just right and everything you never could have dreamed of in your best friend.

That night after a long day. You lay on the floor cuddling me into your arms. Forgetting about the world, and everything in it, as time has stopped with us in this one moment.

The first year. You can't believe how fast I've grown. I love laying with my stuffed grey hippo with a in-home self-made pierced ear, and you. Our morning routine is one of my favorites. You play on your noisy toy in your hand, and I lay under your legs for a mini nap. You make my breakfast, then make yours. You don't seem to want mine, but I definitely want to try yours. While we could run around in our own world. It's very tense in the house between the humans.

Two years in, we take so many little trips together, and I love the car. Although one time I dropped my toy pumpkin out of the window, I miss it dearly. Things are still tense with the humans but the bonds between you and I are stronger than ever. With the new house, we still get our morning time together. Nothing but up from here.

Three years isn't long, but to me, it's a lifetime, and I'm convinced our hearts are intertwined. Everything happens just as it should. You cry yourself to sleep from an inevitable divorce. It's ok because this was the most peaceful Thanksgiving. We spend it at the park. A dog park that you said is for me, but I think it benefits you more. There is that smile. I swear it gets bigger and bigger every time I see it. You hold me so close to your chest that I could hear our hearts beating as one. We swing happily, smelling that grass, oranges, and wind again. I hadn't felt you laugh like that for a while. You are finally free.

Four years in, I'm still pushing open the door of the bathroom in the morning just to make sure you are all good. You've been in there for a minute too long as always. You've bought me all these toys. Thank you. But for this morning's mini nap, the hippo is still my pick. Today we go to another park. This one is definitely for me. The open grass, the humans fishing, and this sunset. What more could I ask for besides my dinner. Your daughter takes so many pictures of you and me sealed in a timeless photo forever. I love that because I will be timeless with you, and I would go anywhere with you.

Five years in and a lifetime to go, every day with you is still my favorite day. This day in particular. I wiggle my tail and settle into the couch with you. It's like our thing. Asleep with the lights on just like always. Just like any day. Except for today, I'm not feeling all too well, but we can still play with bubbles and toss the ball. I love to see that smile on your face. Maybe after my vet visit, we can take one of those long naps on the couch. Not again with this contraption your sliding onto me. Maybe we don't have to go after all.

"I'm sorry I never want to disappoint you."

For the first time, I felt like she could actually hear me speak. Not like the imaginary voice she always gave me. As I lay here on my side I want you to pet me or massage my ears like you always do. Don't tell me everything is going to be alright. Tell me that you will be alright when I'm gone.

"Disappoint me? You are my best friend. Do you remember that one time we sat on the couch all night and we fell asleep until 8 and I missed my breakfast at 7? That was my favorite day. I always secretly miss my breakfast, but I'd rather lay with you."

Tears stain your face as I'm desperate to get to you. My best friend needs her daily cuddles this is the objective that I've made for myself.

"Stay with me please." She begged the angels or anyone who will listen. Maybe she even begged time. The time that once stood still for us. The space we thought we could live in for eternity. "I love you so much, I'll always be here with you."

"Me Too, I'd go anywhere with you."

That night she walked out of the vet with that red contraption daggling by her side. That night she's home clutching it to her chest. That night she turned off the light to sit in the dark. Just to wake to the light. Months later, while one angel fell another has been waiting. To those we have lost are never forgotten, for those who love you deeply hold you close to their hearts. She walks into the store, and yet again time has stopped. You know you are where you're supposed to be. This you know.

Hi, I'm Loki.