by Rachel Montague
My Lovely Friend
I had the pleasure of having a little friend that was so special to me. She chose me one night after jumping into my arms and kissing my face. She had also eaten her parents bowls of food. I quickly learned that was a foreshadowing of her life! She was a lover, and an eater. She had by far, the prettiest coat of red and blonde hair. She knew she was a looker. When she patiently waited for me to run an errand, I would find that young and old would have already stopped to tell her how pretty she was and to keep her company when I hastily returned. She didnt like being left alone - so much in fact, that she would let me know by eating my books and magazines when I didnt stick to my routine.
She had a unique way of communicating. Since she was little, she would huff and puff around if I didnt get up to play or let her out. She would run and get her leash when I put on my running shoes and groan while following me around as I brushed my teeth each morning. When she needed a belly rub, she would walk up to the couch and put her arm up on mine while nuzzling her nose under my arm. She wouldnt take no for an answer! It was impossible to keep her from jumping on my bed. She would flop down next to me and cuddle in for some warmth, but when opened an eyelid just one little slit, she would pounce on me and wiggle incessantly with glee. Scott and I would joke that to her, every morning was just like Christmas to a child. She loved her Scott too. She knew how his car sounded and knew that once he arrived, she had a good dose of wrestling and teasing coming. He also held the key to the squeaker. Oh the cries she would make when he came to the door!! She could not contain her excitement within her little body. She also had the uncanny ability to step or nose Scott in an unfortunate place. It always made him laugh though. How did she know how to do that?
Now, my friend wasnt a great security guard. She often gave her best growl behind a closed door and such, but when push came to shove, even a little tabby could knock her socks off with an evil glance. She much preferred her people to socializing with other animals. Miss Mopher never gave up a kiss upon my urgence, but she did give the best hugs. She even knew when to comfort me when I had the flu and even when she knew I was worried about her. The last day I had her, I woke her up to a barrage of insults about how lazy she was, followed by an intense foray of kisses all over her body.
My favorite moments were when she would nap with me on the weekends. She was so warm and I often took advantage of her body heat by pulling her half-dreaming body up to my chest. She quickly fell back asleep though. The worst she could do was drool some snot onto my shirt and shed a little. I never cared. I loved that little wiggler. The last time she did this was on Christmas Eve while I watched Its A Wonderful Life. I exclaimed to my mom, Did you ever know a dog to lay like this? I was constantly reminded what a one-of-a-kind friend I had. She was so good to me to remind me so often. Who knew a dog would be so patient to endure all my prodding and pulling and kisses. I doted on her like none before. I got her the best and healthiest treats, went on errands with her (to make sure she wasnt alone too long) and found the best toys for her. Although she helped herself to a few off-limits ones from time to time. My Paddington Bear is still without his shiny black buttons! I knew every inch of her furry body. I knew where her hair was wispiest, where she had scars from chasing balls in the park, and the fact that her biggest pet peeve was trying to take a nap when her head didnt have a resting place. She got so many comments about how pretty she was. I always replied that I think she knew she was a looker. People were often complementary about her blonde wispy legs. They were a challenge to keep clean! I would announce that it was Time for a bath and you would have thought I told her it was the end of the world. She would sulk and walk to the tub and wait for me to come clean her up. She didnt love it, but she would do it for me. Plus I think she knew it made her pretty. She would strut her stuff when she dried off, only after she rubbed her wet ears all over the floor.
As goldens go, they are an eating breed. Sophie came to me with a full belly and never missed an opportunity for a morsel of food. I gave in to her requests for graham crackers, and sandwich crusts, but reminded her that she had already eaten! She conned treats from security guards, coffee stop vendors, strangers passing by, and even two children running a dog treat stand last summer. And I thought they wanted to sell me lemonade! My favorite treat to give her, when she had been really good, was to put peanut butter in her mouth and let her work it off the roof of her mouth. She LOVED it! One time when she was on a diet of only chicken broth, Scott found out that his bowl of cereal went missing. She was not going to take the restriction the vet had given her. She only did it once we were out of the room, she was so smart (and a little trickster). I still cant load the dishwasher without remembering how her searching tongue almost cleaned the utensils before I could start the wash!
Her vocabulary was very extensive. Far from the usual sit, stay, come, and "lay down, she knew go for a walk, swimming, go to grammys, get your leash, get your toy, dinner/food, squeaker, and time for bed. She also knew when I would laugh at her. Sometimes she took offense so I was careful about not laughing too long. She didnt like being left out, either. She learned how to swim when another dog played in the water fetching sticks. She waded out, then jumped around, and finally got the courage to let her paws leave the sand. Once she started, it was impossible for her to stop. She jumped in a swimming pool once when I was swimming. I laughed but knew I would have to tie her up a little better the next time! I am pretty positive she knew I love you Sophie. I said that all the time. People listening might have thought I was crazy, but who could resist that little black wet nose and those confident, supposing eyes? She was irresistibly huggable. Her nose had a dent in it from my lips. Her belly had ridges in it from my caresses.
My little friend was so great that she brought me tons of joy, constant love, and eventual heartache. My heart is broken from missing her. She only lived 25 months. She gave more love in that short of time than some could ever give in a human lifetime. God must need her because she had done her job on earth extra fast. I am so proud that she was my best friend. Sophie, I love you.