It’s no secret that I’ve been having a hard time these last few months. Being in constant pain wears you out. I’m used to going a 110 miles an hour with work and social engagements, but all that has has slowed down. A LOT! There are people in my life that I barely hear from now, that I thought were good friends/collegues. It’s like my life before breast cancer somehow has disappeared; or at least been put on a shelf to collect dust until someone finds me and invites me back to the party.

After the Christmas holidays came to a close, my life became very very quiet again. Even my constant companion Abbey the golden doodle has been depressed. Over the holidays she had other dogs to play with daily. She was never happier. But once we came back home she’s been moping around the house because she is as lonely as I am.

We both needed something to cheer us up. I needed something to focus on, to excite me and to bring me some joy. Abbey needed, well, basically the same thing! Solution….? Meet Finlay, my nine week old standard poodle. One look at those big brown eyes and I was smitten. And that smell…you know the one….puppy breath. OMG, if you could bottle that smell you could make millions as an instant pick me up. Finlay is soft, bouncy, exuberant, cuddly, smart and oh so sweet. Abbey is overjoyed with her new brother/playmate. She immediately took on a “mothering” instinct and is showing him the rules of the house. She even holds the dog door open for him although sometimes he doesn’t quite make it before it snaps back in his face.

Finlay is like my shadow, following me around everywhere I go. Is he a lot of work? Yes. Am I up in the middle of the night battling the freezing temperatures wrapped in a ski jacket to cover my nightie as I stare at the white snow looking to see if he peed? Yep. Am I constantly watching out to ensure he doesn’t chew a computer cord or pull something off the coffee table? You bet. Does he he resemble a land shark when he comes at me with his razor sharp puppy teeth to latch onto my pant leg? OH yes. And I’m loving every minute of it.

Abbey loves him. They play and wrestle and cuddle; even with Abbey at 50 lbs and Finlay at only 10lbs. They already have formed a very special bond…my ebony and ivory pups.

He makes me smile. He makes me laugh. He gives me so much joy. He takes my mind off my situation. He takes my mind off my pain. He loves my unconditionally. And what more could any of us ask for? I’m not as lonely anymore. I’m not as sad anymore. I have a purpose and focus other than my sh#tstorm cancer journey. And what could be better than that?! For anyone who needs that “pick me up”; that injection of happiness; that raison d’etre, I highly recommend a four legged friend.

To quote Lennon/McCartney June 1967…

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

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