Pets - not really running related, but maybe a little

I decided to dedicate this blog to 'my best friend'.
I have had a few pets over the years, but recently someone told me that you get one "heart pet' and that statement really touched me.

Let me tell you about my 'heart pet', Billy. He is getting on in years, 14 this December, and he can no longer run or hike with me and his energy level is well, the way I feel after a long run. I've decided to write this blog, because Billy's in his Twilight year(s) and I know I won't be able to 'honour' him when he is gone because it will hurt too much.

12 years ago, I had advertised on Rescue websites sites that I was looking for a dog who loved walks, cuddles and would be a part of the family. Billy has been that and even more. At our first meeting he almost took a bite out of my hand, however I knew in my heart he was the one for me - he had spunk.

The first year he was with my family, he pretty much 'nipped' at everyone I know, they just didn't understand my boy. I knew he he had a good heart and wasn't vicious, just scared.  My mother-in-law once commented that she had never seen a dog - love a person, as much as Billy loves me. It's not just the follow me around, you can see it in his eyes.When I would go away on business, my husband would call me to tell me Billy hadn't eaten so, we created this game to get Billy to eat.  Caesar Milan would hate it because Billy became very territorial about his food, but he always knew I was in charge. I remember the story of Grey Frair's Bobby in Edinburgh - that is my Billy and me.

We have grown so much over the years to be the best of friends. Through the loss of my step-dad, my mom's breast cancer, my cancer, my kids growing up, leaving home and my marriage separation, he has been my cuddle when things weren't going so well. I have cried in his fur, I would pet & brush him and connect with him as you can never do with family or friends. Why, because, he never judged, offered comments or for that matter really knew what I was going through - he just knew that I needed him near me and he was thankful. Billy trained with me as I prepared for the 60km walk to End Women's Cancers, not the whole 60km, but a big part of it. Billy walked with me through - thick and thin. Not only did I lose 60lbs, he kept trim as well.

A few years ago, when on my own, I realized that I needed to 'invest' in him. I spent a lot of money to have his rotten teeth removed. I spent many a sleepless night, nursing him through this challenge. It reminded me of my daughters, teething (only in reverse).  My kids tease me that he gets special treatment. Like the cheese story. I was making pizza for the girls & they asked for some of the cheese - I said no, as I was making the dinner now- then I handed a piece of cheese to Billy. Hey, he wasn't getting any pizza.

Recently, a good friend, Santina suggested I get a 'twilight friend' for Billy - more likely for me. Enter Timmie - a crazy Jack Russell Cross. He is a lot of fun, he can go for runs, has energy to spare, and loves to cuddle. He has inspired Billy to have a little more spark - hopefully Billy can teach him to have a little less spark. I like to think Billy picked him - kind of a reverse (white with beige versus beige with white).

I love my Timmie and look forward to a long life with him. His energy and 'spunk' will keep me busy.
I don't want to think about the day that Billy will leave me - but then I remember he NEVER will.


To our pets - they live in our heart forever.