Buddy
Best Buddy
Shortly after adopting Chihuahua mix Buddy from the ASPCA, his pet parent, Tania K., wrote him a letter.
Dear Bud,
When we first met three weeks ago, I was this close to wanting another dog, but every day you show me how silly I was being and why I’m glad we picked you. With those sparkling, chocolate brown “I’m always up to something” eyes, how could I resist?
You are perfect in every flawed way. You’re too jumpy (the way you hop on the bed or from the sofa to the recliner is like watching a live documentary on rabbits or kangaroos), you beg for food when we sit down to dinner (don’t think I don’t know your daddy secretly gives you food underneath the table), you like to continue to bark when you’ve been told to be quiet (I think you like to hear your own howling), and you’ve done your “business” a few places where you shouldn’t have (even though I know you know better than that!).
Yet you have reminded us what it is to be patient, how easy it is to forgive and let go of anger, how laughter is the best medicine, and that life can be quite enjoyable with the simple wag of your tail and what I believe to be a smile when you show us all teeth with your mouth wide open, tongue hanging out.
When we tell people that we adopted you from the ASPCA, they tell me how great it was that we rescued you, but it was you who rescued us! You are the best “Bud” we never knew we always wanted; so loyal and unconditionally loving in such a short period of time. No matter what kind of a day we’re having or how we’re feeling, you’re always happy to see us, following us around wherever we go. You have brought us so much joy and happiness; it’s odd to imagine that you weren’t around before we brought you home. You have found your way into our hearts and souls.
Our journey is just beginning, but I can promise you this: We may question ourselves from time to time if we’re being good parents and if we’re taking care of you properly (knowing I forgot to brush your teeth this morning doesn’t help!), but we will always love and protect you, each moment of every day, for your entire life.
Love,
Mom and Dad