Heart Dog

Holly is my heart dog. I’ve always been an animal person and had every pet my parents would allow when I was growing up, but Holly was my first dog. I begged my parents for a dog almost daily for the 20 years I lived with them, but it wasn’t until Matt & I moved in together that I finally had someone that would give in to my pleading. I got my first puppy at age 21 and I was instantly smitten. Holly could (and still can) do no wrong in my eyes, I love her completely and she is my heart dog. If you have been lucky enough to have a heart dog yourself you will understand what I mean, but if you haven’t or you have never heard the term before I’ll try my best to explain. A heart dog is a dog that you have a very special, very deep connection with. Your heart dog is that once in a lifetime – maybe twice if you’re truly blessed – soul mate dog. There’s an understanding, a bond stronger than most, and a special level of communication. Your heart dog “gets” you and you get him or her right back. Maybe I’ll love all of my future dogs as deeply as I do Holly, or maybe because she’s my first she’s special, I don’t know exactly. Maybe because she’s been there for just about every major event in my adult life, there to lick the tears off my cheeks when I’m upset, excitedly greeting me at the door when I get home from work, or to keep a watchful eye on me when I'm sick. It’s hard to quantify but there is definitely something special there between us. I just don’t feel the same with Buddy, don’t get me wrong I love him like crazy and he clearly is quite fond of me, but it just isn’t the same as it is with my girl. Holly is just special, she is my heart dog and I honestly believe I will love her unconditionally for the rest of my life. 

If you have made it through my ramblings this far, I’d like you to tell me about your heart dog.