The day was fateful for a young girl with no belief in fate. It was hot and summery and my dear friend had just adopted the girl baby from your modest litter of two. He said "Al, you have to meet this tiny guy" and so I did. How Mike had longed for a dog to add to our crowded downtown apartment and how I protested, reeling about smart decisions and how at that point in our lives goldfish didn't even make sense. Freshly co-habitated, both enlisted in post secondary education and both working full time. Where would a pet fit in? We were saving $20 a shift for books and tuition and dreaming of a backyard. The day might come for additional pack members but in mid 1998 we just weren't there yet.
All reservations were meaningless because there you were. All four months and five pounds of you. Locked in a box and jumping on a shih-tzu puppy. Giving her the gears although she was triple your size. You were all fierce and fiery. A rocket box of attitude, speed and pride. My friend was coming for you. He said you were too cool not to add to his pile of five pooches. Characteristically cynical I told him he was mental for picking up every pup that looked cute in a collar. They called you Taco. They asked me if I wanted to hold you. The minute we touched it was on. You fit so perfectly in the fold of my arm. We made eye contact, you licked my nose. You passed out in my charge and that crazy tongue fell out of your overbite of a face announcing decisive submission. It was done. I melted to your will. I teared. I was yours.
Just one other time did I meet a boy and knew in an instant that he would be at my side until forces beyond our control pulled us apart. Never once have I had to question you two on your elevated levels of loyalty, trust and intention. Always almost too good to be true and all at once encircled by two boys capable of love I never knew could shine so brightly in my direction. Didn't imagine that a girl could be so lucky to have a husband who understands why he ties for first with my teeny, tiny boyfriend. My miniature shadow. We both know you never really fell for Mike the way you fell for me that special summer day in 1998.
Most girls have families that look very different from mine. I know my household isn't typical and I've been told on more than one occasion that I'm missing out on a love I can't understand by not having a baby. I don't take offense. It is all true although my preference without ignorance is for the life I have chosen. I equally attest to anyone with the space in your life for the ego and unflinching love of a Chihuahua that if you haven't got one you will never know this kind of love. I join in your chant that until you have shared your life in this way you can't know what you are missing.
Now though, on this day, the Birthday of my beloved petite boyfriend I wonder how much time we really have left. We have big plans. Eat some grapes, have a bit of cheese, take what is now a fraction of the walk we used to beat out. I have fashioned you yet another cute outfit. I recognize the wonder of how every single day of these 15 years has really been your gift to me. Thank you for picking me. Thank you for every time you slowed, brightened and warmed my heart too often paced in a pessimistic and busy rhythm.
I adore you unabashedly. As much as Mike is my one and only, you will always be the canine love of my life. AB
