I’ve owned hundreds of pets throughout my life, most of them being dogs and cats. From the first dog I can remember in early childhood, a Border Collie named Princess to my most recent two, a Great Pyrenees and Chihuahua, I have loved each one of them. Yet, there are a select few that for some reason grabbed my heart more than others. Today I have a cat named Tiger that fits that, and in the past was a Toto-looking Terrier named Maya.
I remember the day Maya became mine. On Mother’s Day when grandson Aiden was around six years old, he and his mother came for a visit. With a huge smile on his little boy’s face, Aiden produced a bundle of black fur that fit into his tiny hands. “Happy Mother’s Day, Nana,” he said with great enthusiasm.
There is nothing cuter than a puppy, and Maya, well it was instant love.
For six wonderful years I had Maya as a companion, taking her with me to as many places as I could. After an unfortunate incident involving a Pit Bull and lack of funds for an exorbitant veterinarian fee, I lost Maya. Some would say she was my “heart dog.” I think that’s right. That loss took place several years ago and I still grieve for her. It especially hurts when I see a photograph of her.
Recently, a Maya-looking dog came up for adoption. I stared at the photo of the pup and considered bringing her/him home. But then I said, “It’s not Maya.” While I’d love to give this pet-in-need a secure, loving home I can’t. Not only because I have no room for another dog, but because of those words, “It’s not Maya.” I can’t replace my heart dog with a look-a-like, no matter how much I wish I could.
I will continue to mourn for my lost pet. I’ll continue to rescue those that I can when I can. But Maya is gone, and I will always mourn her. She and I shared a bond. I will cling to sweet memories of her short time with me.
Did you have a “heart-pet?” I hope, like me, you find comfort in knowing that at least we have our memories.