He turned 12 this week. I can still picture him on the day that I met him. His long skinny body, his short crooked legs and unusual ears… he wasn’t a rambunctious 10 months old dog but a bundle of insecurities that I instantly connected with. I was ready to take on the work it would take but wasn’t sure if I could provide him with the stability I saw he would need. He wouldn’t let me come near him and started anxiously barking whenever I turned towards him. So I didn’t and thought I might not have the right life circumstances for him or be the right person.
I stayed for a coffee and a chat between two strangers who connected over the love for the beautiful creatures that dogs are. His lovely foster home encouraged me to take him while she went on a week long trip and told me she hasn’t seen him interact as courageous as he did with me with any of the previous people who were interested in him but didn’t feel like the right home for him.
He’s all I could have ever wished for in a companion and so much more. He’s so many things I’m not and he’s truly my better half. He’s gentle, patient and courageous. He’s calm and balanced. What I thought I couldn’t provide him was what he provided me over the past 11 wonderful years that we got to spent together: stability and comfort.
He’s my rock and beacon in my darkest time. My bridge to relate to the world around me. He walks me out of pain into my best thoughts and he‘s done more for me than I will ever be able to pay him back.
He’s doing okay and doesn’t have any serious health issues but I find myself being scared lately thinking about the limited time we have left.
He has deeply affected my life and who I am as a person and I will be forever grateful for everything he is and honored to have him by my side and for the bond between us that’s deeper than words can fully capture.
submitted by /u/Wide-Meringue-2717
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