My Fur-Ever Loves

When I met my first pet, Oliver Bean, a one-pound-five-ounce Chihuahua, he leaped into my arms. I was walking into a Kroger supermarket with my girlfriend, and an older woman had him in her arms. He must have known we would become best friends, and that was something I learned to appreciate more than anything else. We spent thirteen and a half years enjoying a lot of incredible moments.

Then came Brody Bear, a black and white Chihuahua and a feisty little critter who loved my girlfriend more than anyone. He died one evening during a blizzard, but his human momma took some extraordinary precautions to save him. He would snuggle between her bosoms like it was the safest place on Earth. I loved his aggressive nature to protect his surroundings.

Hanging at the mall, my girlfriend needed to pay a bill. I walked into the pet store and found another soul-pup that earned his place in my adoring heart. Grayson Binks hopped around like an adorable bunny. My foster father called him a pogo stick. After I had major surgery, this little pup laid around my neck and slept for 80% of our days. We remained on the sofa for the entire time I healed up.

Losing one after another, animals are critical for knowing unconditional love. I have known love in abundance. When we determined Grayson may need a sibling, a fawn female with doe-like eyes came into our lives. Penelope Pee-Pot proved that the spoils of adoption are invaluable. She and Grayson started wrestling day and night. They became closer than I had ever experienced in owning a dog-pack.

Having these personalities in my life is an imperative part of the responsibilities I learned. In all the years, these pups required care, hand-feeding, endless walks, and cuddling, coming off as selfish—when they absorb the entire bed at night. They are only seven inches long, so how is their sprawling possible?

However, I have determined they are fortunate. I have always done my part.