Boys Best Friend (2000-2012)
I firmly believe that life is only worth living because of the good, and the bad. I know I have spoken of some heavier issues in the last two chapters; so, I want to give you a short, but sweet palette cleanser.
That is why this week, I have chosen to cover one of the happiest parts of my life in my younger years, having the blessing of my little fur baby, Chloe- my first dog.
Chloe was a chocolate Labrador retriever that became part of my family in the year 2000, when I was just eight years old.
I will never forget visiting her litter shortly after she was born, and sitting with her and her siblings so that I could decide which of them I wanted to take home. For me, the answer was simple, whichever one really seems to like me the most.
That didn’t take long to figure out, as Chloe quickly latched on to me, and through our multiple visits I would see her even trying to impress me almost. While her siblings ran around, Chloe sat and put on her patient face, even though I could tell she wanted to run just like they were, she was more interested in who, or what the heck, I was, and why we got along so well.
When she was old enough, we took Chloe home, and it was the happiest day of my life to date at that time. Though, my brother wasn’t so fond of dogs at the time, I was ecstatic.
I didn’t know at the time just how important she would become in my life. She was there for the best times, and the hardest times of my life as I grew from a lonely little guy, to an adult that was heading off on my first adventure abroad alone.
She was there for me through all my operations, and all my healing time where I was stuck on the couch at home.
She was there when my parents' marriage fell apart. A story I will tell you I refuse to go into any detail on due to the hurt it could cause those involved.
I have no problem sharing about 98% of my life in detail with you; but, some things are private.
Other than that, know that I will be giving zero percent of my soul to a person I am sure you have noticed I have barely mentioned.
Just know that everything is not always as it seems.
And that I also like to have a little mystery about me.
What I will say is she was there when my mom and brother and I needed a protector, and oh man, did Chloe know how to show her teeth when she needed to.
She was our everything, and my everything for years.
I will forever be grateful for being as lucky as I was to have her in my life for twelve years.
All those years she gave us laughter, love, and protection.
All those blow up balls that went over the pool fence that she chased and destroyed with glee.
Losing her was one of the hardest days of my life, and the image of her giving me one last kiss after they administered her needle to put her to sleep because her health was rapidly declining, will forever stay heavy in my heart.
I am not one for crying in front of others; but on that day, July 12, 2012, I cried and screamed so loud after she was gone that the whole neighbourhood must have heard it.
At the same time, I was at peace knowing I had done the right thing not to make the selfish choice to try and keep her in her suffering to ease my own grief.
Chloe was with me at the most formative time in my life. And within two days of saying good-bye to her, I was to start a new chapter of my life- in going on my first tour of Europe.
I admit, I welcomed the distraction.
As I said, this post is a short one; and one all about love and growth.
All about my little furry baby, Chloe. A beautiful creature who saved me in more ways than I can begin to count.
