This week I learned that my mom wrote an essay for one of her classes about me. Was I shocked? Not so much. I’ve been my mom’s muse for quite a few of her various projects. I was definitely honored though; I mean, who wouldn’t be? It was also such a nice essay that I had to share it on my blog. Without further ado and for your enjoyment, “A Woman’s Best Friend.”
I have always loved animals. As a child, there was nothing better than heading to the nearest animal shelter, horse stable, or even a pet-owning friend’s house to spend quality cuddle time with any furry, four-legged denizen I could get my hands on. I knew only second-hand about the joy of having the constant presence of a pet. It wasn’t until I adopted Prudence, a furry beastie of my own, that I realized what a wonderful friend a pet could become.
Every morning becomes a delight as I awake to warm, somewhat smelly breath warming my face and informing me of a watchful presence. I open my eyes to a pair of deep, soul-searching, dark brown eyes and a few tentative licks from a bubblegum pink tongue. Good morning Prudence’s licks seem to say. Her nose twitches as she sniffs my face, making sure I hadn’t somehow changed during the course of a night’s sleep. We greet each morning with a cuddle and a scratch, her body relaxing against mine and filling a hole I never even knew was there.
Throughout the day Prudence almost become indistinguishable from my shadow. As I move from room to room she trots behind my heels, nails clicking on the floor. The small but distinct noises she makes, a yawn, a sneeze, sometimes a humph of air as she lays down, are a reminder of her ever watchful presence. I could be devoid of human company, but I never feel alone, never wanting for anything more than her wiggling tail and perked ears.
I often find myself chatting away to her patient and kind eyes. “Are you hungry?” I always ask as lunch nears. Her head cocks and her eyes brighten. “What are you in the mood for?” Her stump of a tail wags and her behind follows suit. I know she will never answer, and she may just be listening for key words she knows like “treat,” “lunch,” “walk,” or “bacon,” but her attentive stare and happy, tongue-lolling pant makes me feel otherwise. It’s like she’s hanging on every word, completely absorbed and interested in everything I say. More often than not I start letting loose secrets and fears never before expressed. Prudence takes it all in, no indifference, judgment, or annoyance passing over her scruffy features. She may not understand the words, but her head on my lap and soothing nose bumps often let me know that she understands the emotion behind them.
It’s often that human friends come and go, leaving an impact but not always remaining a constant. With Prudence I have found my constant; a friendly and furry anchor. She will always be there for me, patient and kind as always and willing to lend healing love when I need it. Without her, my life would surely be a less happy place.
Happy tail wags!
Tags: humans, it's all about me
Don’t I make the cutest donkey ever?
