What I’ve learned…since getting a dog
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m whipped by my dog Agnes. She is the centre of my world, I spoil her rotten, and Pete is very aware that the love hierarchy in our house is: Agnes first, Pete second, everything else third.
Now, I must admit, until Agnes came into our lives I was always more of a cat person. I mean, I had cats all my life – Muffin, Ariel, Ginger, Micho, Pixie, Pocco, Lui, Bella and, of course, Precious (who Pete is still adamant in his beliefs that she looked like a cat version of Tina Fey). So the whole concept of owning a dog was a bit foreign to me. But once I committed to the idea that I wanted a dog, an Old English Sheepdog to be specific, my life changed in ways I never thought possible.
From the moment I laid eyes on her, I was completely and utterly in love. She’s sweet, loving, playful, but most importantly, she filled a void in my heart I didn’t even realize was there. And how could you not feel all those things when you look at that beautiful face. It really was love at first sight.
Since that fateful day, Agnes has been my everything. I love cuddling her, taking pictures of her when she’s being silly or cute or random, and I cook for her. That’s right, I make her this special rice thing that is basically the best thing ever created – at least I’m pretty sure that’s what she’d say if you asked her. But I digress.
Once Agnes entered my life, she changed it completely. She has given me more than she’ll ever realize. I’ve became calmer, more compassionate, attentive and, most importantly, I’ve learned to let my guard down and just freely love something. Because of her, our family is complete. She’s the first thing I see in the morning, and the first thing I kiss (that’s right, I’m all over kissing her nose first thing in the morning), and the last thing I cuddle with at night. Now this must sound weird to some, but I should have prefaced my last sentence by stating that Agnes sleeps right in between Pete and I, to the point she and I sometimes share a pillow. So yes, she’s the first and last thing that graces my day (I love you though, Petey!).
From someone who never thought she’d own a dog to someone anxiously awaiting her second, I’m proud to call myself a dog convert. Agnes is turning three in November, the same month puppy number two will join our home, and if these years have taught me anything, it’s to be prepared to feel more love, joy and happiness than I’ve ever felt before.
Speaking of Agnes, I should stop here as she’s just plopped her head on my lap as her way of asking for treats and cuddles (in that order).
Until next time…
