A Birthday Letter to Dixie: in I am I Said.

Dearest Dixie (Doolittle):

My little tiny terror, my best friend, my $8,000.00 dollar rescue puppy. You turn 3-years-old today. When I adopted you I didn’t think think I could love another dog as much as I did the others who had recently passed on. I was wrong. I didn’t know that before you were a year old you’d need so much medical attention. But you did and we fought back and you’ve been as good as new since.

Each dog I’ve ever had has shown me something new, and each teaches me a different lesson.

You, Dixie, refresh or kick me in the ass and remind me persistence pays off – if I want it bad enough and I work hard enough for it, I can have it or make it happen. You’ve taught me not to stagnate unfulfilled and to just go for it.

You taught me that no matter what health/physical issue arise, I can continue to move forward any way, no matter how much it hurts. I have to. You comfort me when I am sick or sad, and in that way, you take care for me as I did for you.

You make me laugh, every day and remind me to be happy with the small things in life. The excitement of your morning – chasing me around waiting for me to undress and shower. Amping up your ‘hunt’ as I start to undress, dancing and wagging your tail … all for me to put my sleepwear onto the futon. You make my heart smile by being that excited - jumping onto them – rolling around in them – as if I smell like the best thing in the entire world. Then, finally, you lay down and let out the sweetest sigh of contentment and you go to sleep. My heart smiles seeing you in a little ball with your nose tucked into my night-shirt.

You want to always be close to me. Snuggling with me every night – I am never alone, and I hear that same satisfied sigh before you fall asleep curled tightly against me where you remain until I get up.

I love you little Dixie, no matter how many things you seek and destroy; no matter how many times you poop on the floor right after we’ve been outside, thanks for making a compromise and always peeing on the pads girlfriend. ;)

Most of all, I love your devil-may-care-attitude and your spunky mischievousness. You remind me to maintain a tiny piece of childlike wonder, daring and curiosity within myself.

I just adore you.
Love,
Your Human

Last updated June 29, 2016