Requiem For a Chiuahua

My relationship with dogs is more complicated than the Presidency of Richard Nixon. There are good facets and others best not described. If I like any breed it is because there was an exemplary example. A great Golden Retriever, A Scottie with heart and my favorite dog was a black Pomeranian.

Reconnecting with a colleague who had an iconic chihuahua (that word is hard to spell.) the next group was chasing Chico. One dog is fine. Five dogs- various roommates decided to take on their own chihuahuas. I did not want five small dogs on the couch as I tried sitting down.

The couple broke up. Weirdo that I am, both remained friends with me. Different people have different strengths and there was no infidelity to speak of. We only discussed exes historically. One took custody of the two chihuahuas. There was no court case and he took responsibility for those dogs.

That was another bone of contention. It's not like he didn't take them to the vet and they lived long, enriching lives. No dog lives long enough. My family, thanks to my sister, had cats.

Keeping cats as pets had no bearing on perception of dogs. The two things I do not like about dogs is when they bark and bite. Most keep quiet unless someone knocks on the door and I have never been bitten when the owner is around.

My sister's most famous cat- one that I shall probably showcase in an article- lived almost twenty years. That's a long time for a cat. Most dogs do not make it to fifteen.

Willy made it to seventeen. I recently had my tenth anniversary with his owner. Relationships usually don't last that long. Nice work if you can get it. I never knew Steve without Willy and Grace. They had Facebook accounts at one point. I was not connected and it would have freaked me out if they responded.

Speaking of social media. I learn about many connections who lose a pet. I never really know what to say. Some can say "It's only an animal." That's a limited view. Pets are beings in the house and they are loving. When they pass away it is not as serious as losing a family member. It is still difficult.

My sister's children are fascinated by their mother's cats who were gone long before she met their father and there was any chance at marriage or starting a family. I enjoy talking about these cats. It is the return on investment for having a strong memory.

So how do I recall Willy? I saw him when I was at the house. Those visits became less common as time went by. I was not interested in "Kisses" as this dog was into licking.

If a cat licks you he thinks you need a bath. If nothing else he was stewarded by Steve who gave him a good home. Pet ownership is not cheap. There should be Universal Health Care for pets. You never think about that until it is time to pay out of pocket.

I was saddened to hear about the passing. Seventeen is a full life for a dog. It must be hard to take on a pet because more than likely you will outlive said pet. All you can do is enjoy the time you have and cultivate a good relationship.