I have never been a small dog person. I understand that they have a touch of tenderness to offer; After all, they are tiny, furry things with big eyes and some have silly faces, floppy ears, and silly antics. But most of the ones I’ve met are just perpetual thieves of the piercing type, or toothy growlers, trying to be something they’re not. They are loyal to one and hateful to the rest of us. And his breath is atrocious.
I have had a Golden, a Weimaraner and two Jindos, among others. Big dogs look more real dogs for me
A good friend of mine is a dog through and through; I forgive you for this misstep and applaud your willingness to bring needy, misfit toys if I ever saw them, into your home. I have limits. Chihuahuas are a no. One of her, especially, hated me until she couldn’t see or hear anymore, and even then I got a bad vibe from her; another was barely tolerant, despite my gentle hints. I didn’t find either of them adorable, despite the ears. They only made my big dog bias stronger.
But recently my friend came home with a little muppet, of unknown genetic history (but no Chihuahua DNA, I think), who delights in the world and has been squirming in an empty pocket in my heart full of big dogs.
She’s so small that only a cat harness fits her, and she doesn’t need one anyway because when I walk her, she trots happily alongside me, looking at me every few steps to make sure I’m still there. His face is ridiculous, his neck is reminiscent of a meerkat, and his earmuffs and foot tapping, especially during his best Zoomies, are irresistible. His fluffy face and naked body/rat tail are a hilarious combination. The most important thing is that the puppy is never in a bad mood. She never stops smiling. Every greeting is a happy dance, touch touch touchand an immediate request to be held. All she wants is to be in your arms. And mine. (His breathing is truly a horror show, but we’ll let it slide for now.)
Note that, for the most part, nothing has changed. I still gravitate toward larger canines and wolves. Lately I also like sighthounds, especially the lanky ones with huge ears. hounds from Spain. Great Danes are also on my wish list.
But now, when I visit my friend, my first act after taking off my shoes is to pick up that little animal, which is already at my feet spinning and jumping, and hug its furry sweetness against my chest. If I get up, she gives me a kiss and then rests her head against my shoulder. If I sit down, she turns into a warm puddle on my lap. She doesn’t move to escape and there is rarely a reason to look down on her. We are both happy where she is.
#word
