Sweet Bond

It's been too long since I have written.  I have a great excuse, though.  Every spare moment has been devoted to getting to know my new sweet companion, Oliver G.  He was a little shy when he arrived and I wondered if he would be the snuggle companion that I was hoping for. He tolerated my constant hugs but he was content to entertain himself.  The first few nights I had him in bed (shh!  don't tell anyone!), he slept at the foot of the bed.  As the days have passed,  he has grown more and more affectionate.  I had a lump in the throat moment earlier this week when I stepped out of the shower to find him curled around the strap to my robe.  He had maneuvered it into a little pile of "smells like my momma" and had wrapped himself around it. I thought to myself "The bonding has officially begun". He is becoming my constant companion, following me from room to room, always curious but never invasive.  He rests quietly at my feet while I work and never seems to mind that I periodically bring him into my lap for squeezes and kisses.  When we go to the park, he runs behind me with ears flying and tail wagging and what, I swear sometimes, looks like a smile. He is patient with my two older dogs even though they have been less than open to him.  I have no doubt he will win them over eventually.    He looks directly at me when he is afraid, hears loud noises,  passes strangers or other dogs, as if to say "Am I okay?"  To which I always respond, No worries, Oliver, I've got your back. And I do.


Oliver came from a breeder in Alabama, Sherri Smeraglia.  Sherri has not only blessed families with these beautiful fur babies, but using her website and social media, has built this community of caring and loving families who have brought her puppies into their homes.  I have had the opportunity to meet people online  from all over the country and they all have one thing in common - They Love Dogs!  The facebook members are a constant source of support for one another.  Just log on,  day or night and let the love, support, advice and funny stories just wash over you.  I have yet to escape without a tear or a belly laugh.  Love lives there. 

My friend, Rita, sent me an email tonight with a number of touching quotes about dogs, each designed, of course,  to tug at your heart.  One of the quotes was from Gilda Radner and I think it fitting for this post:   "I think dogs are the most amazing creatures.  They give unconditional love.  For me, they are the role model for being alive".    No one I know has escaped heartache or fear at some time in their life. It would be so easy to allow those experiences to harden our hearts.  Dogs don't think this way.  Regardless of what they have been through, they just love.    I hope that I take the time to learn from Oliver (and Leo, Chloe and Sydney) every single day.  I know that I will be a better person for it.