I have a four-month-old Yorkipoo puppy. His name is Teddy. (Full name: Teddy C. Schnitzel, sometimes known as Schnitzy.) He’s a lovely little puppy, almost housebroken, and he has magic powers: He makes people happy.
I live in a little village within the city of Montreal, half a block from the main street, Monkland. I watch the faces of the people we pass when we’re walking down the street on the way to get a mini soft ice cream with dark chocolate sauce and peanuts (that would be for me). Many people ignore us. But many others look at Teddy. Their faces soften and they smile.
Some people stop to talk. “That’s a puppy, isn’t it?” “How old is he?” “What kind of a dog is it?” Yesterday a guy took out his phone to show me a picture of his dog that died last year. We talked about his dear departed dog and it soothed his soul. People like to pet Teddy and fortunately, he’s very friendly. He makes everyone feel seen and loved. He makes people feel special.
Dog people like me have a deep primitive connection with our pets. My previous dog, Chloe, a Jackapoo, died last August (like the German Shepherd of the guy who showed me his phone). She was 17 and I really thought that maybe I wouldn’t get another dog. I mean, I live in Montreal. Winter is long and cold. Do I really want to go out at 6 am when it’s 30 below and snowing?
After Chloe died, everyone asked me, “Are you getting another dog?” and I would say, “I won’t even think about it till spring.” Really, I wasn’t planning to. But . . . the first warm day, I just casually took a peek at Kijiji (an online marketplace) and saw this little black Yorkipoo puppy. It was the first dog I saw. I texted the owner and asked if the dog was still available and they wrote back one word: “Oui.” I responded, “Okay, I’ll come take a look,” and that was that.
It’s a lot of work taking care of a puppy. I haven’t slept through the night since March 30 when I got him. I’m exhausted. Walking and training and playing with him is taking up a huge part of my day. I’m spending a fortune on puppy classes and vet bills and so many toys. But I love him so much, I don’t even think about all that. He loves to run to me and catapult into my lap. He soothes my soul.
Years ago, my hairdresser and I were talking about our pets while she cut my hair. She had a cat. I mused, “Why do we have animals anyhow?” and she responded, “Excess love.” I never forgot that. Giving love is just as satisfying as receiving it. It’s a basic human need.
I’ll sign off now. It’s 9 pm, Teddy’s bedtime. Time for the last walk and then crate-time. G’nite, Teddy C. Schnitzel. Sleep tight!