When I was a girl I wanted a dog…

When I was a girl, I wanted a dog.

But I didn’t know why. Later I realized that I wanted a best friend. I wanted someone who would never lie to me. Who would never wrong me. Who would be fiercely loyal and unconditionally loving. I feel like that sounds like a princess writing what she wants her prince to be like. It’s rare. Let’s say that. (Although I don’t’ think any human is capable of all these things, because, well, I am pessimistic) I think that’s why God made dogs.

When I got Gauge, he was a fluff ball. An art piece. Just as beautiful as they come. One brown eye and one light blue, what they call glass, eye. I thought that was so cool. And to top it off, he had the wild fur of a leopard. This is when I learned about Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

This was my dog. This was it. And no one could talk me out of it.

I sent his picture to my mom and sisters. “Oh dogs are a lot of work” my mom said. My landlord told me absolutely not. No dogs allowed. But my heart told me… this is my dog.

This was my dog.

His name was Gauge.

And I thought that was so cool, too. He was perfect. And no one could sway me against it.

I called the rescue. They agreed to let me have him.

And I drove 3 hours.

Once there the women greeted me in the front and took me to a room where they would bring Gauge to meet me.

I brought one of those typical stuffed lambs. They sell them everywhere, and I had the smallest one you could buy. It was like 3 inches by 5 and I waited in the quiet room to meet Gauge.

He was larger than I thought he would be.

The women entered and she was carrying what seemed to be a tiny little bear dog, with huge bear dog paws — and people would repeatedly mention this throughout his life.

There he was.

She set him down and immediately he went to the corner of the room and sat his butt down against it and looked at me. But he didn’t just look at me, he held his head very low and looked up at me engaging that signature puppy look.

And right then. In that moment. Was when I met my soulmate on this earth.

I know. I know. That’s crazy. But you probably also haven’t been single forever. So… this is just my story. And how my soulmate came to me. I’m just saying, maybe they all don’t come in human forms is all.

Anyways, Gauge was hesitant to take the toy. And hesitant to trust me. Go figure right… he was just like me.

Unlike other rambunctious pups, he sat there like a statue in the corner. I had to speak quietly and threw his toy a few times. But he just sat watching me act a fool.

Finally, I leaned in and scooped him up, and said its OK. “No performance needed buddy. I love you regardless. “

And off we went. I had a fluff ball in the front seat.

And that was one of the happiest moments I’ve ever had in my life.

Our journey started that day. And what a wonderful journey it would be.