Puppy Love – The Love For A Puppy

” … Hmmm.  I think I’m in love…”

Chloe Valentine – the given name of Punk 1 has recently turned ten.  Reflecting back on the first days with her swell my heart with such love for this creature.  How is it possible to love a dog so much?  When Big Bear suggested that we get a dog,  my first thought went to a beautiful Golden Retriever. Those big sad eyes and friendly demeanour God love them they’re amazing dogs.  But when he mentioned a Standard Poodle,  the obvious response of anyone who is not familiar with this breed is this:

“You mean those fluffy foo-foo dogs that prance around that all the other dogs laugh at?  What the hell would we do with that?!”

Yeah.  Well.  How wrong was I.  Big Bear just happened to let me in on a little secret.  You see,  he grew up with these dogs and knows that once you have a Standard,  you will never get anything else.  Now,  don’t get me wrong!  I am a lover of ALL dogs.  From Afghans  (gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous) to  French Bulldogs  (cutest dogs EVER) to the gracious Vizslas and we can never forget the all loving mixed mongrels… If I see mistress with her dog walking down the other side of the street, I’ll go out of my way to get over there to say HI.

But thanks to Big Bear,  my true love will always be the Standard Poodle.  Smarter than a dog has a right to be and more emotionally tuned in than a lot of people,  the first time I met our breeder’s stud,  he sauntered / bounced  over,  stood up to put his paws on my shoulders and gave me a hug and a little lick on the cheek before he came down on all fours again.  I looked down at him.  He looked up at me.  A waggy tail and grin on his face confirmed all that Big Bear told me.

Hmm.  I think I’m in love.

Three months later,  we came back to pick out our puppy from a litter of eight.  Five girls,  three boys. Her name at the time was ‘Red Collar’.  Their bitch momma Jade was playing rather roughly with them;  throwing the pups around,  sitting on them.  Yes it was cringe worthy but apparantly quite normal.  I spotted ‘Red Collar’ sitting off to the side quietly watching the shenanigans with a calm demeanour that just sucked me in.  I knew right away that was my girl.

Now,  depending on who you are whilst you read this love story,  you may be thinking that a)  I need to get a life  or b) you totally understand where I’m coming from.  Chloe Valentine – named for my Valentine’s Day present from Big Bear – has helped me become the person I was meant to be.  Some people have children that help them understand what it is to love.  She has successfully taken the place of such.  I am just blessed that she has let me become a part of her life.  What is that wonderful quote?  ‘If Only I Could Be The Person That My Dog Thinks I Am.’  Not quite there yet.  A journey and learning process it is.

Thank you Chloe Valentine.  I love you with all my heart.♥