I always wanted a dog. I’d grown up with cats, whom I absolutely loved, but I was always intrigued by dogs, and couldn’t wait to have one to care for on my own.
The summer after college (2009) I couldn’t wait any longer, and came across Loyal Heart Puppy Rescue and a litter of puggle puppies who’s mother had been rescued from euthanasia in Alabama.
There were 9 puppies to choose from, and I had the first pick. I wanted a girl, since we’d always had male cats, and the owner of the rescue recommended her favorite pup, Aubie / Gaby. I can’t remember why she had two names, but I was sold!
When she was 12 weeks old, my mom and I set off to pick her up at a rest stop in Connecticut. It kind of felt like a drug deal, actually. A white van pulled up, handed over an envelope with her vet records, plopped her into my arms and took off. It was one of the best days of my life.
Micaela has been by my side almost every single day for the last 11 years. She’s been far more than a pet; She’s my bestest friend and life companion. She’s stood by my side through it all; Multiple relationships and heartbreaks, my first real job, the move to Miami and grad school. Up to this point, she’s lived in 7 different homes with me, and has traveled to and from Massachusetts both by car and plane on multiple occasions. She’s been all over the East Coast on family vacations with us, and most importantly, she has been the best big sister to her two little brothers – my other dog, Bentley – and now Benjamin!
I’ve heard that some people lose interest in their pets when children come into the picture, but I knew there wasn’t a chance that this would ever happen – and it hasn’t. If anything, I love her even more, and I love watching her interact with Ben, who cannot get enough of her.
Selfishly, I wish she’d live forever because I need her. Imagining life without her always makes my throat squeeze tight and brings me to tears because it’s so difficult to accept that one day I’ll have to let her go. But, for now, that’s too painful to think about, so I’d rather focus on celebrating our beautiful 11 years together, and the joy she brings to my life each and every day, just by being her perfect self.
Mica has made me a better person, and now parent. She’s given and taught me unconditional love and loyalty, patience and true selflessness. I’ll never be able to give back to her what she’s given to me, but I’m sure going to continue trying every day for the rest of our life together.
I love this quote, so I’ll leave it at this: “Animal lovers are a special breed of humans, generous of spirit, full of empathy, perhaps a little prone to sentimentality, and with hearts as big as a cloudless sky.” – John Grogan
Happy, Happy 11th Birthday to my beautiful and sweet little angel girl. I will love you for always.