Change is in the Air

In the air. On the ground. And in the multitude of dog paraphernalia and gadgets assembled on behalf of Togo through the years.

Why? Because . . . Mia.

After Togo’s passing on February 1 and the high emotion of losing daily communion with a friend who shaped our lives and loved us no matter what, we, as part of the grieving process said, “This is too hard. We don’t think we can have another dog.”

As I recall, Nancy stopped saying that within a couple of weeks. I’ve never seen someone mourn a loss more passionately than Nancy has. A mention of Togo, a picture of Togo, a dog video . . . anything that might have a connection to our sweet friend. Nancy felt the pain. And still does.

We hadn’t quite made it into March before she announced that we needed not only another dog, but another Husky mix. Honestly, I wasn’t ready. And certainly not for another Husky. I patiently explained to Nancy that although all dogs’ lives are too short, we would be signing up for an energetic sidekick that would still be with us when we reached our 80s.

Speaking of aging, I’ve apparently reached that time in life when certain bodily aches and pains need to be addressed. And thus it was two weeks ago, I was in Dallas having a tenotomy on my gluteal tendon. Pretty minor deal from a procedure standpoint. Recovery will be remarkably easy. Medical folks do amazing things these days.

When I arrived home that night and was tucked into my recliner, Nancy told me that she had seen a dog on the animal shelter website that she really wanted us to consider adopting. It seems that a little female Husky mix named Mia had been found wandering around and was at the shelter.

I hoped against hope that this dog would find a home soon. After all, I wasn’t even walking steadily yet.

On Eclipse Day, April 8, Nancy announced that Mia was now available for adoption and that we were going to see her.

And we did.

There was no cooling off period. No chance to talk about it. Both Nancy and Mia had decided that Mia was coming home with us.

Mia keeping tabs on me from the bedroom window.

I questioned our sanity.

But I have to say that Mia is one incredible young lady. We were delighted to discover that she was housebroken. She lives for cuddles and pats. Sweetest, calmest Husky I have ever known. Up to now, I’ve never heard her bark, although Nancy said she did once the other day when she was running the fence line with her new pals and neighbors, Murphy and Millie. I put a few pictures up on Facebook through the week and many of you have already welcomed her to our larger family. And some have asked whether she will be contributing to Notes from Casa de Togo. We’ll see.

We’ve already promoted her to General Manager at the Casa. And she’s promised to leave all landscaping duties to me for the near future. She has real potential.

We miss our Togo. Yet, we can’t deny we’re in love with Mia.