"Treat Lady"

I am the "treat lady" and Maggie, May, Violet, and Lucy are my pack of weird, wild, and wonderful wolfies. "Treat Lady" was the nickname my boyfriend, well May, decided to call me when I first visited his quant duplex in the countryside. After spending a year in quarantine with his (J's) favorite pup, he created a little voice dialogue for his dog May and narrated as she bounced around his home!

Below are mini excerpts of the dogs who have found their way into my life over the past four years. Some contain memories, while others just note little personality quirks and tics that have shifted and shaped my life for the better. These companions are now pieces of my soul that I am beyond happy to share with those willing to listen.

Maggie

Maggie, aka Mags, is as hyper as a tornado, spinning her claws into your legs as she twirls and smiles and pants and squeals in absolute delight. It does not matter if her nails are clipped or if she's been trained for 12 years straight; Mags jumps until you grab her and hoist her up into your arms. She is slightly bulky and when held will stick her neck out awkwardly, but absolutely adores the gesture. She may look uncomfortable to a stranger, but from the look in her eyes, she is held and happy!

Maggie sits loyal beside me as I begin to sit and sift through our memories together. Our Saturday night under the lights, pacing Sunday morning trails near waterways, leading into weekdays hitting as many puddles as we can because I know she loves the splash of water under her paws.

She was born a Pisces, my little water dog. She was my life changing decision when I was walking towards Walmart the week before Easter, 4 years ago. She was in the back of some beat up car's trunk, panting yet playful. I remember being on the phone with a friend and saying if they were still there when I came back out, I was grabbing her. Lo and behold, she was still there and I would be initiated as a dog mom. Born a cat lady (and still happily am a proud mama of 6 beautiful cats, indoor and out, with two ridiculously cute kittens), found the initial adjustment to be quite arduous.

I had been used to sweet purrs followed by swatting paws and was never bound by something. It was a new adventure, loving Maggie. She taught me a discipline I never quite understood before and a love I couldn't even fathom existed. I was a last minute, one way ticket kinda gal who found herself committed to caring for an energetic angel covered in fur.

Her playful energy saved my life. Running in and out of puddles, flinging her body every which way just for the fun of it showered me with endless laughter and granted me a very valuable lesson on living. She opened my heart back up to childlike qualities and allowed me to be carefree and truly adventurous.

We were and are the very best of pals, always challenging each other to run a little faster, or be still and cuddle fiercely. She gifts me so many wholesome memories, I can even recall one from moments ago! She is the most nurturing of them all, granting sweet kisses on my cats' heads.

Even last night when I found myself tossing and turning, she found her way under my covers (as the cats took up all the space on top) and she cuddled beside me, knowing it would help me fall asleep.

We surely have experienced what feels like a lifetime together, travelling for jobs, having to stay in hotels for training, driving 17 hours back and forth from NJ, to months of depression and me suffering through mental health issues to great times of athleticism where I couldn't wait to explore, camp, climb, anything to keep us proactive and healthy. She has been my protector when I'm feeling anxious and rests her head on my shoulder to let me know she's there for me. Maggie is the pup I never expected, but oh so desperately needed. I am forever grateful for her.

Now for her sisters.....

May

As sweet as the spring, May bounces around the room; her fur is thin and though her body still appears frail, she's all muscle now. Once ill stricken with Parvo and told she may not make it through, May now expresses herself freely as she puffs and sighs when she finishes her rawhide before the others and now has to sit in torture, watching the others gnaw their way through what she now believes is hers by right. She's a Scorpio and has the moodiness to prove it! Both J and I are Virgo's so its a perfect match.

Who is the most spoiled? Most certainly May! She earned that right as well as the title, Buddha. Now my epic cuddle buddy, May always pushes her body against mine, especially if it's been a tough day. A Buddha by day, and bone snatcher by night, May has finally reached womanhood and enjoys her leisure laid back energy as we sit on the couch together, softly resting our eyes as Maggie and Lucy pounce on one another, declaring themselves the most ridiculous.

She pushes firmly whenever she can sense you're about to get up or push her off (as 4 dogs and two humans on 1 couch is a bit much sometimes!). We laugh and let her get away with it, letting her readjust however which way she decides to plop beside or on top of you, regardless of her size.

Violet

Oh sweet angel Violet, who started living late in her life. J had been driving for FedEx and saw her walking on the side of the road. Friendly at heart, Violet approached him and was happy to join him for the remainder of his shift! Unfortunately, she proved to be a fearful old dog, as her previous owners must have hurt her in ways we truly cannot fathom and it hurts my heart just thinking about it. She now stays with Mags and I, where she has the freedom of a backyard and extra indoor space to roam!

This sweet girl has completely transformed. I cannot express to you enough the absolute delight I feel when I look into her eyes and see the genuine glisten, as if life itself has been restored within her. Being able to see her play with toys and sprawl her body in the sun puts a massive smile on both our faces, as we can imagine her life before was hollow and horrific.

She is now an old yard dog, who perks up when I invite her for random car trips. Windows down, she closes her eyes and lets her ears flap freely as we coast across some old backroads listening to country music. It is as if she is a puppy again, playful and innocent, just like her look-a-like, Lucy.

Lucy

Lucy in the sky with diamonds. The famous Beatle's song played over and over in my head when I first saw her at her previous owner's residence. All black fur coat, nearly identical to Violet's, Lucy was and is the most curious thing, shoving her long snout any and everywhere. The most rambunctious of them all, Lucy is a treat. She was once a stray, taken in by an expecting mother, who could not cater to both a newborn and their already full house of previous animals. Now well fed and surrounded by friends, Lucy flings herself across J's home as if she's in a hurry to see the Queen herself!

Her stray qualities still come out when she awkwardly stands on you looking for pets. Still unsure of herself, she hangs over you with two paws on your chest, randomly sticking her tongue out as if to clean you, but not sure of how to proceed. A few nights ago was actually the first time she ever truly laid down and relaxed with us. Usually she is too preoccupied with sniffing around or finding a toy to toss around with herself, even after hours of playtime with the gang. Her sweetness is slowly oozing out and we can see her transforming as did Violet.

J's duplex has now become the puppy playground, housing both May and Lucy, while I house the "old dogs" until we invest in a home in AK. Occasionally we all come together for a four dog free-for-all throwdown. I say that as you can probably imagine the energy levels colliding when all four dogs get together like a group of old friends headed out for a weekend of fun in Vegas. Yes, it can be that kind of energy! And we wouldn't have it any other way.....

Here's some more photos below because what animal lover doesn't have thousands to show off!!