Memoirs of the Luckiest Dog
My Name is Zsa-Zsa. My Master says that I live up to the
name of the actress by the same name, whatever that means. Although both my Masters Joe &
Cherie say I’m a Cheeky Little Devil,
I wonder if that’s my real name. My time with my Masters has been a sweet and
gentle one. No matter what I’ve gotten into, I was never really scolded. I feel
so much luckier than most dogs!
Both Joe and Cherie have been incredibly patient and kind with
me
...even if I would get into the Laundry;
...or run up the stairs and hide from Cherie and Joe!
Joe would take me everywhere with him. I met Cows and I met
the World Famous Clydesdales’ – that was awesome! I had more Sea Time than most people have!
...Yeah, I loved every minute of it!
I always felt warm and safe with Joe and would fall asleep across his arm while he drove those long miles on every adventure. Those were my happiest times! Going out on all those boats was fun too! I'd fall asleep on his lap while he'd steer the boat.
Of-course there were those magical times I had to myself, over looking my domain! I was faster than any Opossum, Tree-Rat, Squirrel or Skunk!
I hate Skunks!
I've been a confident dog and in fact I'm lead to believe that I'm quite the Movie Star! I'm grateful my Masters never broke my Spirit but gently guided me with appropriate training and kind words, even when I got up on my hind legs and stole a slice of that Costco Pot Pie that smelled so irresistible or that sausage off the side of the grill. Sorry Joe and Cherie! Those were some happy times!
I've watched my Master get older and slow down just a bit just as I am getting older and slower too. I can't chase those nasty Tree Rats anymore and my hips hurt if we go for long walks around the block. So now we only go in the front yard on a leash or next door. Joe seems to know that I hurt. As a puppy he would put me into his jacket with just my head sticking out. I would feel safe and warm next to his chest and listen to his big heart beat just inches from me. I felt so safe.
I know I have it made!
My favorite is getting my ears rubbed! God I love that!
I can no longer see very well, I'm slowing down, I find myself confused a lot and walking in circles. I get lost outside, then Cherie or Joe always find me and lead me back inside. I'm such a lucky dog! Even though I can't see, I can feel his leg next to my face as he leads me around to the back of the house by a leash to a yummy dinner and fresh water! I know too that when I'm with them both, they wouldn't let me trip or fall off a curb or the back step that I can no longer see. I've been getting yummy potato chips as well as other goodies every other day this week. God I love these guys!
These past few weeks I've been feeling bad. I have an accident on the floor, where I couldn't hold it as I once did. My Masters never scold me, but clean-up after me and tell me how they know it wasn't my fault. I have a hard time remembering things now and find myself confused and walking in circles. I don't know why, but I also find myself staring at the walls for several minutes on end.
I feel grouchy around Merle (my buddy) and sometimes with my Masters because I'm in pain. I don't mean to be, but my worn body is hard to control. I can't remember when the last time I wagged my tail in happiness.
We got up early today. Joe took me outside to pee and then cleaned-up after me again. I must have had another accident in the house again - I don't remember. Joe picked-me-up and put me in his car (I just can't seem to jump into it anymore). Took me to my favorite Park so I could sniff around, then he took me to Whataburger where he gave me a couple of those yummy small burgers like he used to do when we would go on trips. It was so Awesome! I can't remember the last time when I had any - I loved it!
We drove to my Vet Doctor. I like him, but I don't like it when he sticks that stupid thermometer in my butt. I know that Joe wont let him hurt me. I can lay my head down in his lap to sleep.
Don't feel sad or bad for me; Rejoice in that I will be finally free of this tired, pain riddled body, my dementia and confusion.
I wont say good-bye because we will see each other again. Look for me - I'll be waiting for you by Grandma's side at the entrance of a much better world.
Until then, I fall asleep with memories of sleeping in your safe and warm lap going on another adventure with my best friend. I feel I've been the luckiest dog in the world!
I do not have much to leave behind for you but fond, beautiful memories of fun, happiness and love for you both Cherie and Joe. I also leave you with this little prayer...
Thank you both Cherie & Joe for a wonderful, happy, fun Life!
