Wednesday, September 1, 2010

My big, black shadow

Throughout this process, I've had shadow hanging around.
A big black one.
It follows me everywhere I go. I can't get away from it.
But then again, I'm not sure I want to.
I have to admit I like having it around.
It reminds me of who I want to be.

It is our dog, Luna.
A big, black, Newfoundland/St Bernard mix.
And she turns 9 months old next week, but already weighs in at about 90lbs.
It's funny - she's gaining and I'm losing and
all being well, we'll meet somewhere in the middle.

She's my shadow.
She follows me wherever I go when I'm at home.
In the morning, she comes and lies in bed with me,
waiting for me to get up,
making funny faces and starting my day off with a laugh.


Then I get up to do yoga, and she lies on the floor,
watching curiously and waits for me to finish.
It gives a whole new meaning to "downward dog".


Then she waits for me to finish my shower, by sitting outside
the bathroom door and looking out the window...


Then she waits for me to get dressed and dry my hair,
lying on the floor at the foot of the bed...



All I have to say is "C'mon!" and she's up,
ready to go wherever the next place is.

And on the days I go to the park to walk/run,
she jumps in the jeep and goes with me.
It's good for her too - she needs the exercise
(Exercise! Discipline! Then Affection! ala Cesar Millan)
to get rid of some of her energy and she needs the socialization
with other people and dogs.
Each time we go, she grows in confidence and she is so proud of herself.
Just like me!



I love dogs. I always have and I'll always have at least one. And our other two (Piggy and Cody) are precious and I love them too. They're all my babies.

But Luna's turning out to be the dog I've always wanted - a dog we can take most anywhere, who is calm and gentle (for 9 months, she's still very calm and gentle...and it'll only get better as she matures in age and training), who is great with kids, other people and other dogs,
and who can go off-leash, walking with no problem.
She gets excited sometimes, but all in all, she's happy,
she listens really well and she trusts me.
She's lovely.
And through this journey, she's my buddy.
My big, black shadow.
You couldn't ask for better company.


Always strive to be the person your dog thinks you are.
-- Author unknown

5 comments:

  1. Love it :) My black shadows (rosie and Meemo the cats) crawl on me when i try to exercise. you definitely have a better deal :)

    xoxo, amy

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  2. oh, lovely. i can't wait to meet your sweet shadow!

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  3. She's gorgeous! I *really* enjoyed the photos... put a huge smile on my face!

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  4. So sweet! Such a nice reminder how much our dogs brighten our day. I spend a lot of time crabbing about the dog hair, the stray pieces of food, the muddy feet, the big guy who likes to cuddle up between me and the hubs at night.

    Truthfully though, I wouldn't trade that furball in between us for no furball. Thanks for the reminder!

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  5. Thanks, everyone! Just gave the stinky girl a bath since it's warm and sunny here in NI today (summer always returns in September after taking a vacation with everyone else in July and August). But yeah, I feel blessed with Luna-bug by my side, stink or no stink.

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