My Life in Dogs: A Tail of Friendship and Furry Shenanigans
From the moment I arrived in this world, I was never alone. My first guardian wasn't a human but a fiercely protective German Shepherd named Kimo. As a toddler, my playground was the neighborhood itself, and Kimo was my unwavering chaperone. I like to think of him as my furry bodyguard—no one could get within a ten-foot radius of me. Kimo’s dedication to my safety was so profound that not even my parents could sneak into my room at night without his permission. He wasn’t just a pet; he was the keeper of my dreams.
I've had dogs my entire life. They are not just pets; they are my family. After Kimo, there was Bruschi, a yellow Lab named after the great Patriots football player Teddy Bruschi. He was a prodigy of the canine world, mastering an array of tricks by the tender age of seven months. Tragically, his curtain call came much too soon, and I was heartbroken. But then came Brady and Token, a tale of two Labs whose entry into my life was as dramatic as any soap opera.
Picture this: me in a shelter, torn between a hyper yellow Lab and a chill black Lab. Outside, a persistent lady heckled me about which one I’d leave behind. Her nagging pushed me over the edge, and in a defiant act of both spite and compassion, I declared, “I’m taking both!” Walking out with a Lab under each arm, I felt like a superhero saving the day.
The next 14.5 years were a whirlwind of joy and chaos. They not only destroyed my house but they completely stole my heart. The irony of their personalities was sitcom-worthy: Token, the "chill" black Lab, turned out to be high-strung and ended up on Prozac. Brady, the supposedly hyper one, was actually the chillest soul. Their names? Well, that's a funny story. I named Token in a heartfelt tribute to remembrance, and Brady to continue the Patriots theme. It wasn’t until my friends burst out laughing that I realized the accidental comedy behind naming my black Lab Token. Oops!
hot coffee token
Years flew by, and after Token passed away, Brady became my shadow. Every day, he accompanied me to my job at Patagonia, becoming as much a part of the office as any human colleague. He spent his days sauntering around, charming treats out of coworkers, especially his office besties, Trish & Lisa.
When Brady’s steps started to slow at the age of 14, I brought home Snoozanne, thinking he might want company. But oh, was I wrong! The puppy energy was not what he had in mind. Initially, it was hard for me to bond with Snoozanne, as I was still so attached to Brady, my best dog ever. But as time passed, especially after we lost Brady, Snoozanne grew on me. She transitioned from being the annoying little sister to becoming my right-hand girl—or should I say, right-hand dog.
Through all these years, through all the laughter and tears, my dogs have taught me more about loyalty, resilience, and unconditional love than I could have ever hoped to learn on my own. They’ve been my protectors, my entertainers, and my confidants. As I write this, Snoozanne is snoring peacefully at my feet, reminding me that no matter what changes, some things, like the love of a dog, are forever.
If you’ve enjoyed these tales of tails and the chaos and love they bring into our lives, why not consider opening your heart and home to a furry friend? Shelters everywhere are full of dogs just waiting to steal socks, hog beds, and, most importantly, offer unconditional love. Whether you’re looking for a spirited puppy or a wise old soul to share your days with, adopting a dog can enrich your life in countless ways. So, take a chance on a shelter pet—your new best friend might just be waiting to make your family complete. And who knows? Maybe you’ll have your own hilarious stories to tell about the joy and jumbles a loyal canine can bring into your life. Head to your local shelter or visit an adoption website today; adventure awaits with every wagging tail!
