Tuesday, July 27, 2010

** If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Because of Tiger **

It's 4:40 AM, and I've been awake since 2:09 AM. Why? My much-loved dog, Tiger, let me know she needed to go outside. As much as I dislike being roused at such early morning hours, I'm happy she has the sense to come and get me.

We don't latch our bedroom door, for just that reason. She'll stand outside the door and make her little talking noise. It's nowhere near an actual bark. Within seconds, she pushes the door with her long nose, and it swings open. Hearing her is like a mother hearing her baby. It doesn't take much and I'm throwing off my covers and heading toward the stairs. Sometimes she ambles ahead of me, and other times she moseys along behind.

Lately, every now and then, she doesn't really have to go outside. I've decided she just wants some company. She'll lay down and roll over for a tummy rub. She'll follow me, but won't go outside. So, I'll sit on the couch for a while, turn on the TV with the volume really low, and just wait. After she goes back to sleep, I'll sneak upstairs, as if tiptoeing away from a napping child.

At 13 years old, I know her years/days are numbered. She doesn't hear well anymore. She takes meds for the arthritis in her hind legs, and she has a small, suspicious lump on her back. She's still the sweetest, smartest, best dog in the entire world.....or at least in my world. So, I'll continue to wake at all hours of the day or night, whenever she needs me, and for whatever reasons. That's just how it is with unconditional love.




"For me a house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog." -- Roger Caras

22 comments:

  1. What a sweet post. Love the Caras quote, it's one of my favorites. Although in our house, the alarm clock is a very fuzzy cat who will swish her tail in your face until you get up to feed her. Pets would be PERFECT if we could make them understand weekends :) Kat

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  2. Becky,
    Our animals do become our children. Your Tiger is so loved.

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  3. He's a cutie!

    I've never read that quote before, but it's spot on. They really do become part of the family and home.

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  4. she's a doll :-) It makes me miss my dog Sam.

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  5. Hi Becky,
    Tiger is so sweet. The world wouldn't be the same without our beloved pets.
    Hope to see you at critique today.
    Donna

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  6. Awwwww! You are such a great dog-mom!!! And I've met Tiger--she really *is* one of those dogs that has a wonderful grasp of language and is sweet, too. It's very cute the way you two interact!

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  7. Tiger is such a sweetie! I never realized how much I could love a dog until I got Cooper (he's my first dog).

    Give Tiger a good ear scratch from me and Coop!

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  8. Wonderful quote at the end. Indeed they become as beloved as any other family member.

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  9. Oh, yes. Our furbabies are so very special....

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  10. What a sweet animal. I'm glad she has you!

    =)

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  11. You are a dedicated Mama, Becky. Susan

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  12. It is amazing how our furry kids take over our hearts. You and Tiger are lucky to have such a wonderful life together!

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  13. Our pets have always been members of our family here. Very sweet post, Becky.

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  14. Thanks to all of you: Kat, Linda, Ellie, Kathie, Donna, Tammy, Janel, Lizzie, Snap, Sue, Susan, Lisa and Daisy!! I truly appreciate your kind and sweet comments! Tiger thanks you, too! Woof!

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  15. It was a sweet post - he wants company - lonely? Have you ever let him sleep with you?

    I agree with the quote 100%.

    sandie

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  16. Hi Chatty! Thanks! No, she never did sleep with us, never wanted to. I've tried to get her to come into the bedroom, but....nope! Thanks for the suggestion, though!

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  17. You are such a great mom, Becky. This is a bittersweet time for the two of you and I like how you recognize it and cater to Tiger's wishes. We said goodbye to our 16 year old Ray a 3 years ago, and I still miss him so much. He was a shepherd/rottweiler/lab mix and one of the very best guys ever.

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  18. I love that quote. Isn't it funny how they communicate without actually words!

    Oh, that I could write my feelings like that sometimes!

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  19. That is lovely. Brings a tear to my eye. I think I'll become a follower just for that piece of writing alone.

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  20. Becky---

    Our Annie is 14, so I know what you're feeling...You have to savor the time you have left with them, because it's way too fleeting...

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  21. Love your doggy pictures! Brought back memories of all our pets and their unconditional love...Thanks for jogging my memory!
    The Turtle Lady

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  22. Hi Kathy, Jenny, Lynne, Sioux, and Ms. Turtle Lady (aka Sharon!)
    There's nothing like the love we feel for our dogs, or their love for us, is there?

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