BarkingProse

My life has had so many twists and turns, mom says I could have written my own novel. From a filthy death row stray to a pampered princess, my life has been a surprise in so many ways.

As the end of the year approaches I’m excited to celebrate Christmas again. I’m not a religious mutt, but Christmas holds special meaning for me. Last year on Christmas day I was officially adopted into my pack.

My mom and dad said I was their special Christmas present to each other. They tied a red bow around my neck and said I was part of the family forever.

I was so overwhelmed I could barely stand. In fact I think I stumbled around the room and collapsed in a heap on the rug. Mom took pictures, but I was shaking so much they all turned out blurry.

I have lived at Asherpark since April 2011. The shelter people told mom I wouldn’t live six months, but I’ve outlived that stupid prediction many times over.

I don’t know how old I am – maybe sixteen. It’s hard to tell because I’m so used up. Mom thinks I was hit by a car. I’ve got signs of old injuries and my brain is messed up. But I’m not so worn out that I can’t enjoy my life at Asherpark.

My day job is to follow mom everywhere she goes. Boy, does she move around a lot. Sometimes I get so tired trying to keep up with her, mom closes me in the studio by myself so I can take a nap. I don’t mind being alone. I know somebody will always come get me for dinner.

Jack and Tess get freaked out when the people leave us. Jack moans, Tess runs in circles. That silly behavior is a waste of time. I just curl up and sleep until the people come home.

Last night Codie came to me in a dream. Remember Codie is my spirit guide. She’s the one who arranged for me to come to Asherpark.

Codie told me I should prepare for the time when I join her in the spirit world. She wants me to keep a journal and be mindful of how happy I am in my forever home.

Codie told me not to worry. She said I would feel no pain as I leave this world, but my people will weep when I leave them.

I will do as Codie asks. She saved me from an early death and sent me to her people who still mourn her passing.

I am not to talk with Tess or Jack about what Codie told me. Only Asher can know what lies ahead. It will make his dear little boy heart break to lose another blue dog. Perhaps Codie and I can find someone to help fill that emptiness.

There is much to do, for I have not yet reached the end of my story. I will bark more in the days ahead.

 

 

 

 

Ash is already worried about mom leaving us. She’s going to the ranch for a long weekend. I don’t even know what a ranch is, but when she comes home she sure smells good.

Mom loves to ride horses in the high desert. She says it clears her head and makes her grateful. We’re glad she gets to go do something fun, but we sure don’t like being left behind.

Ash doesn’t understand why he can’t go too. Turns out there’s a rescue Aussie at the ranch and a couple of funny little Corgis.

I guess the ranch is like summer camp for adults. The people leave their pets and kids behind and go make new friends. There’s no TV, phone or internet, so people laugh and talk and stare at the night sky.

When mom leaves us we all fret in different ways. Ash gets real sad. He won’t play ball, doesn’t bark much and mopes around the house.

Jack sticks real close to dad and pees on the furniture. Tess really doesn’t care because she belongs to dad. There’s more space on the couch for her when mom is gone.

Me, I’m kinda lost. Mom chose to keep me when I was stinky and full of pee. She named me Nellie and tells me I am beautiful. She never gets mad when I have accidents in the house. At night she whispers she loves me and asks me if I can stay with her for another day.

When mom leaves I try to be brave and not cause problems. I mind my own business and stay in the studio most of the time. That way when mom comes home she will know where to find me.

I know it’s hard for mom to leave us mutts. She makes lots of food and treats, lays out all our pills, and writes instructions for how to take care of us if we get sick.

When it’s time for her to go to the airport, we all huddle around her at the door. She kisses each one of us and slips a yummie treat in our mouths. She asks us to be good and take care of each other.

Jack won’t kiss mom good bye because he’s too upset. Ash lets mom hold him tight as long as she wants. I push my head into mom’s hand as hard as I can and lick her fingers. Tess just smiles knowing she can get away with murder until mom comes home.

When the door closes Ash stares until he hears the car drive away. Then we all settle down and wait for time to pass and mom to come home. I hope she brings us something from the ranch.