She was just a poodle (miniature, that is). But she was a kinda special poodle to me. She was born the morning of my first date with my EX (“G”). G showed her to me when I got there; she looked like a little black salamander.
As time traveled past Debbie became cute, then funny, then just plain puppy. One Sunday morning I taught her “fetch” and a lifelong relationship blossomed.
Now G was a breeder and handler of showdogs. Many. So discipline in the barracks was of some concern. G was not bad, she truly loved all of the dogs; but she had to maintain some order. And my little Debbie was of great spirit.
I became Debbie’s lawyer. I had to defend her for all the frenzies I soon learned I could work up in her. She’d watch me for an hour to see if I was scopin’ out her rawhide chew. And she wanted me to try for it. I was obligated.
And once it went down, the riot squad came out and my poor little scapegoat was in cellblock D again until I could plead bail once more.
She worked out her show career (when G and I split a few years ago she gave me all of Debbie’s show stuff) and lived a pretty good life, for a poodle.
G took good care of Deb and she became the Queen of the kennel. She lived in G’s bedroom and was well taken care off. She went blind about a year ago, and I visited her a couple of times - last ~3 months ago. She knew it was me when I walked in. And I could still work her up over the phone.
G called me at the office to tell me this morning - said, "… - well skip what she said. A poodle’s life; good as such goes - she almost made 15 years. End of an era.
I recognize that the above might sound like wailing and gnashing of teeth over an expired pet. It’s not - it’s more a fond remembrance; and I really didn’t expect Debbie to hew a much longer trail, anyway. The awkward part is that I know it’s a big hurt for my EX. I feel bad for her, but there’s not much I know how to do about that. We are definitely permanently EXs, but it’s amicable. I guess I’ll just try to stay in touch for a little bit.