Everyone knows Tango's my favorite. He gets the choice leftovers, I sneak him extra tidbits, he gets prime seating, the works.
Over the past few years, though, since I started working from home now that I think about it, Little Lily's been getting closer and closer to the top spot.
I'm not her favorite, though. My husband holds that honor. She and Nemo live for that man. It's a little disgusting, really. She fawns over him like a schoolgirl with a crush.
But I've been noticing that I've been moving up on her list, lately, too. Given the choice, she'll follow me throughout the house, even if my husband's home. Her favorite spot is under my desk — she tucks in so tight — while I'm working. I can't walk 10 feet to the bathroom without her following, even when I tell her that I'll be right back.
She's getting older — she'll be 10 this month (how can that be?!) and I think a lot more now about how much longer I'll have the pleasure of her company. With the addition of Baby Caysun, Lily's become more spritely and spirited, which I think also contributes to my growing fondness.
Throughout her life, Lily's always been "in the middle." She's never been the top priority, and she's never been the trouble-dog. It's those in the middle that often get left out. I've been paying her more attention, and she's enjoying it, I do believe. I'm seeing a lot more of Lily — like peeling back the layers of an onion.
Which is funny to me. Lily's been with us for 10 years. She's not exactly new. But her maturity's making me look twice at her. And I'm loving the girl I'm seeing.
Our relationships with our mates change over time. I suspect parents’ relationship change over time with their children.
I guess it’s not strange that our relationships with our dogs would change over time as well. I’m glad you’re getting to enjoy some new aspects of life with Lily.
Love that sweet gentle girl! You struck a cord talking about how much longer she’ll be around. Cody’s 13 and it breaks my heart at the thought.
Pamela,
Thanks so much for your comment. I think you’re exactly right: our relationships change with people over time, why not with dogs. I’ve found it so liberating to have a favorite dog. That’s always forbidden in the human world. Well, forbidden to *say* at least!
While Tango’s my absolute favorite, Lily’s my favorite girl. And Nemo’s my favorite mixed breed! And Caysun’s my favorite service pup. They all have their very own “favorite” superlative!
Oh Kathy, I can’t even begin to imagine life without ANY of these three — now four with Caysun — dogs. I can’t believe Lily’s 10 already. These three dogs are such a good team. They’re really our family — they fit together so nicely with us, with each other. It’s such a good balance, a lot of harmony and fun here in this house. I can’t imagine this family without any one of them. It just won’t be right.
My relationship has already changed several times with my dog. I look forward to coming years when she hopefully learns how to relax more and we can spend some quiet time together. The mental imagie of Lily curled under your desk made me smile.
What a cutie! Both Tango and Lily 😉 I found your blog on BlogPaws and I would love to have you on Pet Bytes! Pet Bytes is our social networking website for pet lovers! That way, if you join, more people can learn about your blog! If you plan to join, the website is: http://www.petbytes.org/
We are also having a “Most Popular” Blogger contest on our home page for a chance to win $250 for you or a pet chairty! if you have any blog posts that you would like to link back to your page, you can do that also under our “Pet Blog” tab:
http://www.petbytes.org/profiles/blog/list
Sorry for the long comment! Have a great day!