My Family - My Dog

Growing up in a small town in the middle of the MidWest of Canada, was interesting. Let's say that.....7 liquor stores and 7 churches. Everyone watched the same Soap Opera's and shopped at the same clothing stores; Mondetta, Club Monaco and Guess. I didn't follow the trend. I wasn't the type to follow the "crowd"...they always seemed to have their own personal agenda to push when you did become friends with them. I didn't really mesh with anyone, I thought a lot of it was real so I stayed focused on my life and my gifts and talents.

Luckily now, I look at it as an advantage because from a young age, I had realized how to sharpen my focus on what mattered and not to get caught up in the drama or outside world. To become so focused on myself, my dreams and goals that the whole outside world disappeared. Like it essentially had never even existed at all. It was just myself and the main character, yet something was missing in a big way. A sidekick ?? Possibly but I couldn't stand people so I would need a pet of some sort.

After having this thought a few weeks prior, I walked into the house and my father called a "family meeting". My anxiety instantly shot up, as I had wondered what I had done wrong now. Was it my teachers? Sports? Did I get into an argument with someone? When I got to the table he looked through me with his piercing blue eyes. Then said "We have decided to get a new puppy. Someone to add to the family, and be around. He said that he got lonely around the house sometimes and needed someone to keep him company.

I had asked what kind, as my mind had raced....German Shepherd, Collie....I didn't have a clue. He then replied "Shih Tzu'' I then replied "What is that?" It sounded foreign, as I silently prayed deep in my head that it wouldn't be ugly. He had then brought a photo of the dog's mom out that we were getting. As I had looked at the dog I had seen that she would be perfect. I just made a silent wish that she wouldn't bark and bite at me. Making living at home unbearable. Haha...this could be a lot of fun !!

I still remember the day that we brought the dog home. She was a beautiful puppy. She was so small that she could fit into your hand and slept all of the time. I was excited though for when she would be older because she would be able to play and go for walks with me. As an only child growing up in the house, I was excited to have a family pet that I would be able to love and spend time with.

She was a beautiful dog inside and out, she had a carefree attitude and the perfect dog to grow up with. We all joked in the house that it was my "sister", I loved her and she was a great dog. The best memories I had was when I taught her how to sing. I would sit on the couch and taught her how to howl, she loved to be held by me and howl. She would love to lick my face and give me kisses all of the time. I loved how she would give me a lot of affection and attention.

My best memories are when I would be on the couch and she would hop onto me. She would want to cuddle while I sat on the couch, we would cuddle while she had cuddled up on my lap. Growing up, the dog was the most amazing dog, family member and a friend. It was my first taste of a great companion. I loved when I got to take her for a walk, when I got to run with her in the field, and spend lazy days cuddled together.

Words can't describe how much I truly miss my dog, friend, and family member everyday.