I recently have had the good fortune of dogsitting Happy – a sweet 7-year old miniature Australian Labradoodle – one of the most intelligent dogs I have ever met. I am an avid photographer and the first outing I took Happy on ended up with me packing up my camera. On the second outing I asked Happy to sit each time I saw a photo ‘op’ I just couldn’t pass by. That worked quite well, and on the third outing I was surprised to discover I didn’t even have to ask Happy to sit. Each time I prepared to shoot, Happy stood and waited patiently – gazing at me with her beautiful big brown eyes.
Happy’s Beautiful Big Brown Eyes
Yesterday a friend asked me to help look after Tippy, a frail 17-year old miniature Cockapoo who had just had a seizure. Happy and I immediately jumped in the car and rushed over to Tippy’s place. The minute Tippy saw her new friend Happy she slowly and shakily stood up and prepared herself to step out of the quiet and warmth of her comfy, safe little bed. Happy instinctively realized Tippy was a senior and very gently nudged her – and the fun began!
Happy Nudging Tippy
Happy eagerly checked out Tippy’s neighborhood on her leash accompanied by Tippy, who was regally escorted in her unique little green wagon sporting two fat wheels that allow it to easily pass over sidewalk cracks – the perfect invention to take aging dogs on outings.
Happy & Tippy Embarking on Their First Walk Together
The next day I took Tippy over to visit Happy at her oceanside home. Tippy very slowly walked around the yard discovering all kinds of new treasures to sniff. I am happy to report that after a day of hanging out with Happy and myself, Tippy returned home and immediately chowed down a fairly large dinner and washed it down with a good portion of water.
Tippy Meets Siddhartha
I feel honoured that serendipity has allowed Happy and I to make a change to Tippy’s life and health. I should mention that Tippy has outlived her two elderly daughters Tibio and Taupy who both died at the ripe age of 16 within the past 6 months. I like to imagine that Tippy is happy when Happy visits because she thinks she has been reunited with one of her long lost children.
Hi Gil – thanks for your comment. I love spending time with dogs and learning about their unique, individual personalities. I have found dogs are as original as their owners.
Nice story Heather 🙂
I believe dogs are angels and you got to spend some quality time with 2 of em! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Cheers,
Gil