This noodle has made running four laps around the sun look easy-breezy.
For the past year alone, he has been my rock from not leaving my side during surgery recovery to teaching me some hard truths about my handling skills, to letting me cry into his fur when I needed it most. I’ve learned so much about training, emotions, and acceptance thanks to this dog.
I’m not getting to write this until midnight, but we didn’t do too much on Friday. It was extremely wet and windy, and noodle boy doesn’t enjoy the rain. Especially surprise downpours! We stopped at CJ’s work to visit coworkers and grab him some gifts: a fuzzy duck toy, a horse toy, a chew, “oreos” for dogs, and the pup-pie, of course.
This week he’s made a new friend, made strides in his confidence/security, shown us where he’s at emotionally, and made me laugh more times than I can count. I will always cherish how he melts into my touch, his head relaxing and his limbs sinking into me. Seeing him lean into others in his inner circle, asking for pets, and demanding their love gives me so much joy! I know he especially loved his ring-rib-rub from @bones-n-bookles today hahah.
It’s unlikely we’ll be trialing this year since I have my other foot surgery coming up and I’m starting school. What’s most important to me is spending time snuggling together, listening to the hum of the ceiling fan and the crickets in their tank. Hiking together surrounded by ferns, creeks, and trees full of hidden wonders. Soaking up the rays of the afternoon sun in the cool grass. Sharing ice cream together. These mean so much more to me than any competition could because it’s where our energies intertwine – we’re happiest together and that’s all I could ever ask for.
Thank you bubby for being my heart dog, for making me laugh and worry and reflect. For making me feel. I have so much more to learn from you and with you! Our journey is only beginning.
Here’s to many more laps around the sun, my boy!
PS – you may notice us calling him Kaloo now rather than Kalfu. After giving it time and thought, I know in my gut, my brain, and my heart that it’s inappropriate of me to have named my dog after a vodou lwa, a powerful one no less. It’s incredibly important to me that I am respectful and aware of my impacts, so the name change commences! Kaloo is a name for Abrus precatorius, otherwise known as rosary peas/jequirity/Indian licorice, etc. It has bright scarlet seeds that can be toxic when ingested but can help swelling topically. Its leaves may be steeped in tea to relieve coughing or sore throats but can be toxic if handled improperly. In other words: handle with care, much like him. Having a plant-based name feels fitting for him, a dog that connects me to the earth, and it’s very similar sounding to his previous name. I anticipate folks will be respectful of and celebrate this new name with us. 🙂
