239. Dogs

There was a game I used to play with my dog Wiggles. She was only allowed in the kitchen/dining room area of our house. Our main floor floorplan has a loop going between the front hallway, kitchen, dining room, and den. Our dog was only allowed in the dining room/kitchen area. I’d often go near the front door and play a version of hide and go seek, walking on either side of the hall where she wasn’t allowed. I’d eventually hide in the front closet. She’d look confused for a few seconds before I came out and scared her. That was a lot of fun.

I haven’t had a dog since we put her down about eight years ago. I remember that she was put down in the summer of 2008 while I was at camp. I was sad about it, and a little shocked, but I kind of knew it was time. I probably took the dog for granted in her later years. It was tough to keep her as a big part of my life because I was at boarding school, and then at college. I regret that I didn’t take more time away from the computer or video games or whatever other crap I was doing at the time.

The thing that always amazed me about Wiggles was that she was great with other people. I don’t ever recall her biting someone, or getting angry at another human being. But she really didn’t like other dogs. When we brought her up to the lake, she’d eventually get into a fight with one of the other dogs. I couldn’t walk her with any other dogs. She was just a little too angry.

One of the things she learned about me was that I was a softie. During thunderstorms she’d come up to my room and scratch at the door because she knew nobody else would let her in. I’d let her lie next to my bed and I’d scratch her head as the evening storm went through. I’d leave the door open so she could go back downstairs. I do miss those moments.

I still like dogs. I like my friend’s dogs. My friend Addie visited with her dog Stella(!) earlier this year. The dog is an energetic breed and I don’t think she was used to staying in a small apartment. At first I wasn’t sure that I’d want her on my couch, but the dog wore me down. I’m really a softie at heart. My friend Corey and Ashlyn has a few cute dogs. They were part of his wedding.

I don’t know if I’m going to get a dog just yet. I don’t think I’m ready to take care of one. I still like planning things for myself and I don’t think I’m financially committed to it just yet. I thought about a cat, but as one friend told me, “If you get a cat, you can say goodbye to our friendship.” Fair. I’ll table that for a later date.