I never had a dog growing up, and was actually a little frightened of them, since a big dog knocked me down in my toddler years. My brother actually had a dog, and I got over the fear, but had no real relationship with Happy.
Then when I met Gershon and his family, Doobie was part of the package, and he was a very cool dog. I guess I bonded with him to some degree, because I really cried when he died. But then another 17 years passed before a dog came into my life.
7 years ago my kids wore down my resistance, I gave in, and we got a dog. He was my first dog, a Pug, and the boys named him Nacho. And I fell hopelessly in love. I finally understand the whole dog thing. In fact, the whole animal thing that I never comprehended as a child, when most of the girls I knew were crazy for dogs, cats, and horses. There is such an incredible spirit in animals, and such a passion between us. It became a whole new obsession for me. When my kids were little, I used to admire other people's children. But now I'm a sucker for every dog I see.
I recently read "The Art of Racing In The Rain" by Garth Stein. It's quite a tear-jerker, but in a good way. And he has created a wonderful character in the dog Enzo. He captures the beautiful love between dog and human so well. If you love dogs, read it. If you don't love dogs, read it anyway and you might feel differently.
I feel like I missed out on a lot, when all the other kids were enjoying animals while I stood aside . But I'm glad we found Nacho before my kids were entirely grown up. I think he really made a difference. As with having children, or making friends, once again you find that giving your love to someone new brings more love into your life.
I saw a greeting card that said something like "We walk side-by-side, two completely different universes, connected only by love and a leash." That's Nacho and me.
