My Dog is a Hero

No, he didn't drag me from a burning building or call for help in Lassie-like fashion. It is far more complicated than that. Being separated with a divorce looming is nothing short of horrific for anyone to have to go through no matter how you got there. When I moved out there was no way I was leaving without Castle. For one, my soon to be ex-husband has a major aversion to all things poop and vomit, plus he was hardly ever home. Not the best environment for a pet to live in. Besides, the dog chose me from the very beginning of our relationship. I will explain what I mean.

We had been looking for a dog for a few months and had gone to the same rescue organization several times before we saw this tiny ball of white fur with five of his other litter mates sitting beside him. Castle was the smallest (the runt) and was the one that the lady handed me. He had a small scar on his head which she explained was from an injury he incurred when he and his family were abandoned, locked in a crate with only a small bit of food. He still has that scar, plus a few cuts in his nostrils, all of which only add to his adorable snoring and ultimately his very character. When that lady placed him in my arms that day, the very first thing he did was nose me and lick my chin. It was love.

How has this little furball become my hero?

In the midst of some of my darkest days he offers snuggles and a kindness only a furkid could offer. Almost as if he knows that I need it most that day. Deep down I know he relies on me so in my mind I have no choice but to get out of bed every day, get dressed, look for a job that will make me happy, so that I am able to take care of what he needs. We are undoubtedly a team.

It is unconditional love at a time in my life when I sometimes feel that love is a word that people throw around just to sound good or for convienence. I know it is horrible to say that but there are days that I have felt that I have been lied to for years by someone I trusted, loved, and believed was my soulmate. Castle restored my faith in that word when I needed it most.

Even now, as I write this, he lovingly sits nearby snoozing away. He is never far from me. Almost as if he wants to say "You had my back then mom, and I have your back now".

Now that is love.