I saved my first dog about a year ago from Miami Animal Services. The reason why I became inspired to adopt a dog, was because of a black feisty little dog named, Puma. My love affair with Puma began 3 years ago and it's still going strong.
I was never a fan of little fro-fro dogs, but this miniature pincher was different. Such a big personality in a small body. She took to me right away and it was difficult not to reciprocate. She knew what she wanted and got it when she wanted it. Puma was pushy, persistent, loving, adorable, stubborn and independent. Yes, all of that squeezed into one small package.
Puma was not my dog and so I decided that it was time. It took some convincing, and like Puma, I persisted until Mike relented. I could not have dogs at my grandparent's house, but I finally managed to convince Mike to get a dog.
I spent weeks scouring the web, trying to decide what I wanted. At first, I wanted another Puma, but peanut butter color. It had to be small and a female due to Diogi's inability to get along with other males. I searched through Petfinder, craigslist and finally Animal Services. Once I saw the pictures of the dogs, I knew that I had to adopt.
The honest truth is that Mike found Pumpkin. He pointed her out to me and I was not thrilled with what I saw. She look so skinny and the description said she was a chihuahua - a big no, no. We wrote her ID down and decided that our best option would be to just visit the place.
Once we got there, we went straight to the back and my heart broke instantly. So many dogs in cages, looking scared and sad. I thought to myself, I'm definitely walking out of here with a dog. So, we went to find Pumpkin.
It was love at first sight. She was the happiest puppy there as she pressed herself against the door begging to be pet. I received what was to be the first of many of Pumpkin's kisses that day. Mike had chosen our dog and thank goodness I had listened to him.
Once we got her home, she became acquainted with Diogi and Puma. Long story short, Puma and Pumpkin became fast friends and Diogi their protector.
I cannot begin to explain the joy that she brought to my life and to Mike's life. I think everyone can own a dog, but not everyone is lucky to find "the" dog. Pumpkin was the light of my life. I took her to training classes, which she graduated as the class Valedictorian. She munched on some chicken from Pollo Tropical that day.
As much as I loved her, I could not compete with Mike. Pumpkin LOVED Mike. They slept together spooning, while I was left to spoon with Puma. Little did we know, how short our time with Pumpkin would be.
Pumpkin had ehrlichia and we did not know it. We had already been taking her to the vet for her skin condition and anemia, but we later found out it was all linked to ehrlichia. Our beautiful girl, our happy, goofy girl would not survive it.
Thankfully she did not suffer for long, because it was tearing us apart watching the life being sapped out from her. Pumpkin passed away in her sleep and was buried next to Diogi.
I miss her every day, every minute of the day. My life is emptier, darker without her in it. Some people may scoff at this, because she was a dog. I honestly do not care. She was my baby girl and how my heart still aches.
There is something to be said about the love of an animal. They love unconditionally, always and freely. People should learn more from dogs.
I planted a garden for Pumpkin and I purposefully chose brightly colored flowers. I needed to mark her grave and I wanted it to be full of life and color, like she was.
Thank you, Pumpkin for all the beautiful memories, the joy and most of all, your love.
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