It's hard to catch digital images of ghosts, but I got one yesterday. Right after I took this shot, the ghost moved away quickly, offended, perhaps, or embarrassed at being photographed. When I realized what had happened, I yelled Sorry! but it was too late.
Yesterday for the first time since Jake died, which was well over a year ago, I "saw" myself walking a little dog, a mellow dog, a SMALL black dog, a dog named (who knows why?): Tony. I'm not ready yet, but at last I'm understanding it's possible another dog might come into my life. Right now, in the midst of the dog days, I'm receiving visuals that include a dog. Cute, eh? Also, it's now official: I am a dog person.
Jake was the first dog of my life, my dog of destiny, as I always called him. Once upon a time I thought I was a cat person, but as it turns out, that isn't at all true. Jake was so hard to live with, he was waaayyy too much dog for me to manage - and yet - I loved him without reserve. After Jake died, in so many ways I wondered if he would be the only dog to come into my personal saga. It seemed quite likely until yesterday, that is, when I "saw" Tony. I saw him curled up on the couch next to me, hanging out in the kitchen while I'm cooking, I saw us walking around Capitol Hill.
Maybe it won't be a black dog, maybe it won't be named Tony. I like the name Fiona for a dog as well, also Roxy would be a great dog name. Depends on the dog, I guess. Some of the things I know for sure: it will be a small dog, suitable for an old lady like me. It will be full grown - No More Puppies. It will be a mellow dog, not completely without attitude, but Tony - or Fiona - must get along with other dogs, and must not try to devour the mailman.
When I took on Jake, I didn't know a damn thing about dogs. I really hope I burned through a lifetime of dog karma with Jake; I'd like my relationship with Tony to be a whole lot easier. Just putting it out there, ok? OK.
28 comments:
They're all different, dogs. Different as people. There will never be another Jake. Any dog you might have in the future would be a completely new and strange experience. I hope you go for it.
I can see you with a Tony, a Roxy, or a Fiona. When our friend Bill got a dog, one of his criteria was that he be able to easily pick up his dog. That is smart, especially when we are getting older. My next dog may not be an 80-pound lab with a mind of his own. But for now, I do love my aging Jake.
Yes, I need to be able to pick up my next dog. Jake was 90 pounds at his peak. What the hell was I thinking?
And yes I know all dogs are different, just like people. I know that there will be something wrong with Tony - or Fiona - because there's something wrong with every being.
And I think Tony is on his way to me; that's why I "saw" him yesterday.
We shall see.
Sounds like a trip to a shelter is in your future.
LOVE it! I can so totally see you and your Tony together, checking out D.C., hanging out at the sidewalk cafes, finding great people-watching spots, etc.
I'm a confirmed dog person, too (helped along somewhat by a bad allergy to cats), and love having the energy, affection and devotion of a dog around.
During our son's many struggles and surgeries with Crohn's Disease, our dogs (two different ones through the years) never left his side when he came home from the hospital, offering such sweet constant love, it was amazing to watch.
Dogs rock. I hope you find Tony soon!
Yes, get a dog, get a dog....get a small one - get a puppy get a grown one get anything but hurrah =- I am so glad for you that its time for another dog - I SO wish it was safe for me to have another here but its not. LUCKY YOU!!
Oh Pam, please come visit me sometime, after Tony has arrived. I know it isn't safe to have a dog there, wow. And love.
Jo. Cool! I didn't know you were a dog person, very cool. More factoids about you. Love that.
This is so exciting.
Tony is an excellent dog name.
So he/she's out there just waiting.
You might be able to survive the puppy business because of the cuteness factor.
Buster thinks a dog is in your future too.....
Small is good because you can travel with the dog.
Thrilling.Plus I loved the photo a the top.
Tony is such a mellow, friendly name. Perfect. I think it's time! Of course you know I'm fascinated with the ghost image!!
Poor ghost. He wasn't expecting the papparazzi. I bet I misspelled that.
Paparazzi
"Paparazzi"
The dog thing is wonderful. I can see her in Chateau Sept.
But the GHOST PHOTO! Wow! Need details. BAck from Phoenix now. Seeing 'tinis in my future.
how cool!! a ghost today and a dog tomorrow or in the future---Jake is definitely sending you a message...you will know when the time is right...hugs c
Ahhh ... too many p's in Paparazzi. I suspected as much.
roxy - yep! rhymes with moxy. steven
I have to think it's no accident I stumbled into your blog right before I lost my own Jake this summer. It's nice to know that you are ready now, obviously it will be a while for us. Love Roxy, but Tony is sweet too. Looking forward to meeting him/her as well.
Now, I'm completely fascinated with the ghost photo. Do you just see these things and this time you happen to have your camera ready? Amazing.
wonderful ghost image - is it water, reflected metal from a car........?
great story - and if tony/fiona does manifest that will really give new meaning to the dog days of summer......
Second shot of houses on top of cars in reflection of car and houses- just boggle me mind! Cool!
Whatever lucky little dog finds you will have won the dog lottery.
Ed and Reub and I are all smiling from ear to ear.
Dog names are so much fun to try out! How about Casper? The friendly ghost.
yep, you need a walking buddy.
The ghost photo: I was walking along, as always, when I noticed a ghost. This is not unusual on Capitol Hill. They are everywhere. Then I noticed that I could see the impression (shadow? Like a backwards shadow) of this guy on the hood of a car.
I always have my camera at hand so I just took the shot asap. But then he hurried away.
Wherever you are, Mr. Ghost, many apologies! You look really good in the picture!!
There's a Roxy across the street here. She is a yippy little punting dog and she spent a lot of last year just kinda screaming at people from her front window. Her family loves her anyway.
Reya~I know I saw Scott several times since he died...Am I crazy? And David's brother, Stan who died after a double lung transplant. BUT he lived 7 years with this miracle I really believe we all face life in different ways.
Thanks for the validation...
Much LOVE to you and good luck with a new dog. I am so a dog lover but cannot go there...
The ghost photo is amazing, Reya.
The right dog is on its way to you. As this will be your second dog, this time will be much easier for you. I look forward to hearing when he/she arrives.
Half a year after our beautiful beloved proud dog Zeus (a black Setter)had died, I thought I was ready to have a LOOK at a dog shelter, not really wanting to decide on one. I wanted another black one, too, definitely. If ever.
And then this yellow lab came up running to us, sat on my husband`s foot, licked his hand and said, "You don`t have to look any further. I`m your man!" And then he walked from one dog to another and said good-bye. I am not kidding.
We were not even asked.
And he was so much "easier" than Zeus, too. A lovely choice.
Pam is right, whoever is able to have a dog for company, should have one. Cheers to China, Pam.
I have a beautiful little longhair calico kitty named Roxy. My daughter found her in a box in an alley.
It's a good sign that the possibility of another dog is entering your consciousness on some level, whether Tony or not. But why does liking dogs make you not a cat person? I firmly believe one can be both a dog and a cat person!
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