Day Fifteen-

Roxy and Eken

                The last few days have been pretty busy and I have neglected my happiness project a little.  I was surprised to realize that I miss it.  The lack of ‘me’ time made me crave some fun and after looking outside at the beautiful weather, I knew just what would make me happy.  I needed to recruit a friend for this plan, and I knew just the one…

For as long as I can remember, dogs have been my absolute favourite animal (my baby book even says so).  There is not a dog in the world that doesn’t make me melt.  There is something about their innocence, companionship, selflessness and loyalty that is truly admirable.  Unfortunately for me, my parents do not share the same passion and growing up my brother was very allergic AND we were constantly travelling for hockey.  Ultimately, these factors contributed to my sad, dogless childhoodL.  I knew today (with the beautiful weather) would be the perfect day to do something I have never done before: the dog park.  My friend Melissa is the proud owner of two, yes TWO, Great Danes (one being just 10 weeks old!).  She is well aware of my doggy love and is constantly suggesting we go for a play date.  Well, today was the day.  When I called her she was thrilled and decided to call a few more of our dog-owner friends.  By the time we got to the park, we recruited a German Sheppard, a Boxer, a Pug and the two Danes.  I was in doggy heaven! Not only was I playing with my friend’s dogs but I was surrounded by dozens of playful dogs that seemed just as happy as me! Eventually we had to leave so Melissa could go to work, but I was on a high for the rest of the day.  I have already made plans to go again next week and dream of the day when I can bring a dog of my own. 

11 week old Paikea

 The day however did bring some sadness, remembering an old friend.  It is difficult to describe the relationship to others but I will try my best.  My family is very close because we own a cottage and live on the same block as my mom’s sister.  When I was in grade 8 my cousin got a brand new golden retriever puppy and from the moment I saw Cujo, I loved him.  We use to joke that he was my adopted dog because we spent so much time together.  When spending summers at the cottage he wouldn’t leave my side and I was constantly at my aunt’s house so I could take him for walks. 

CUJO!

He was always excited to see me and my uncle always said he knew when I was walking up the driveway.  He truly was the goofiest, clumsiest dog I have ever seen.  He once at a light bulb and decided to turn it into a bloody game as I tried to get the remaining pieces from him.   I know it sounds silly, but I considered him family and he was one of my best friends (and he wasn’t even my dog!).  This past October he suddenly passed away and I never got a chance to say goodbye.  Dogs can be the best edition to a family but it seems that because of their big hearts and insurmountable love, they can only be with us for a short time.  Being at the dog park made me sad remembering Cujo but it also made me smile because I can only imagine the mischief he would be creating with the other dogs.  I hope he is in doggy heaven causing havoc among the other dogs.  Most of all, when I get a dog of my own, I can only hope he is half as amazing and half the companion as Cujo was growing up. 

Wishing you slobbery kisses

Hanging Out at the Cottage