Little Red Riding Dog
On December 28, 2013, I flew from Louisville to Atlanta for the fourth year in a row, trying to get back in time for church the next day. But this particular year was different. This year, I rushed from the airport to MARTA to my car and on to my apartment in the cold rain hoping to make it back in time to meet the little white shih tzu whose little blue eye staring up at me on facebook melted my heart.
At 7:30 that night, a gold sedan pulled into my apartment complex, and that sweet little pup jumped out of the car and into my arms. Her 10 pound frame fit in my arms like a tiny baby, and I felt a rush of anxiety. What if she didn’t like me? What if she ran out of my grip? What if the two rescue workers accompanying her didn’t think I was fit to be her new mom?
Look at that sweet face!
We walked into the apartment and the adorable ball of fluff leapt out of my arms, tail in the air, nose to the ground. Running from wall to wall and room to room, it felt as if she knew that this place would be her new home. And, even when she peed on my carpet, her tail continued to wag – my home became hers and I think I melted her heart (or at least her bladder) the way she melted mine.
By 8, the rescue workers were gone, leaving me with a new, extra cuddly roommate. Sookie was home to stay, and I can hardly believe it’s been a year since that night.
Sookie’s first sick day with me.
On December 28, 2013, Sookie became the best Christmas present I ever gave myself. I can’t believe I got lucky enough to share this journey called life with her.
Six months before I got Sookie, I moved into my first apartment by myself. All through seminary, I talked about wanting a dog, but knew I didn’t have the time to care for one the way it would need. Living on my own was great for many reasons, but it was also lonely. The time that used to be filled with books and friends was now filled with multiple hours of TV and take-out. The time I didn’t have before became time I need to share.
Our big car ride to Louisville!
And I can’t believe the amount of life we have shared together over the past year. Already, we’ve shared multiple dwelling places and lived in two states. She’s sat by my side as I’ve endured some of the most difficult transitions and hopped in my car as we journeyed through one of the best. She even consoled me through one major hair cut (that I’m still not sure I like)!
The best babysitting buddy around!
Over the past year, Sookie has weaseled her way into the hearts of humans and puppies alike with her goofy personality, lopsided grin, and big bright eyes. Each day, she reminds me how loved I am as she bounds out of her crate and into my arms, wiggling and jumping in excitement. One year later, I truly can’t imagine life without her.
Happy dance.
Sookie is a bundle of joy in a 10 lb body. Since December 28, 2013, I have experienced more love than I deserve, more laughter than I thought possible, and more carpet cleaning than ever in my life.
They tell me we could have more than 15 years to share with each other. On this December 29, 2014, I can’t help but think that this is the first day of the rest of our lives together.
To my sweet Sookie Bear – Thanks for a wonderful year! I can’t wait to see where the rest of our journey takes us!
To my Atlanta friends – if you are looking for a special friend to add to your household, please check out Fighting For Dawn. They are the best rescue around!
Rev. on the Edge 