I have mellowed with age. Things that used to bother me do not anymore. I am living in my own little bubble with nothing to bug me, and it is rather nice. Well, except for one thing, Stella, our dog.
We have two dogs, Stella and Stanley who are 10 and 8. Stanley was a rescue from underneath someone’s porch and is very timid around people but has a mean bark. He is a mix of golden retriever and German shepherd. Stan actually likes me and will hop up on the bed for cuddle time.
Stella is part husky and Australian shepherd. She is a real beauty with one blue eye and one brown. When I walk Stella, people always comment on how beautiful she is—sometimes even when Stanley is standing right there. Stella was a rescue pup as well, but she has always acted just a little superior to Stanley and me. I know she is capable of love because she worships my husband, Carey. She always flips over so he can rub her belly.
So why does this dog, after all these years, hold me in such contempt? Am I embarrassing to her? I occasionally take both dogs with my husband for a morning walk. I have started to comb my hair and wear a little bit of mascara and lip gloss just to be seen with her. I recently finished 10 weeks of physical therapy so I no longer walk like I am 95. She still acts like I am an annoyance to her and my husband.
Stella thinks she is smarter than me, and maybe she is. True, I do not chase chipmunks or squirrels because, well, that would be weird. But Stella is all about catching critters. I am completely grossed out by this, but Carey always praises her hunting skills.
Stella is in love with my husband. Sure, Carey is the one that feeds and walks her, but I get no credit for anything. Stella plays favorites, and Carey does too.
I thought as Stella aged, we would both mellow out and enjoy each other’s company, but she wants no part of this. She would rather lay in the middle of the floor trying to trip me. It is different for Carey. Stella moves and is at immediate attention. I have often thought if Stella had fingers, she would stab me in my sleep so she could take her rightful places sleeping next to her master.
I have jokingly told friends that if anything bad happens to me, it was not Carey—it was Stella. (Wouldn’t that be the greatest Dateline episode ever? Keith Morrison would have to be the investigator. I can hear him now: “She was a beautiful dog, beloved by her master and given anything she wanted. So, it was only natural for her to assume her position as the next Mrs. Hannum.”)
So, if you see me out with the dogs, please don’t tell me how beautiful Stella is but tell Stanley what a handsome boy he is. Peace my Peeps.
