Hey, have you got a minute? Sassy here. I really want to give a shout out of gratitude to Susan. She would be soooo embarrassed if she knew I was doing this, but I don’t care. It feels GREAT and I have no problem saying so.
Sassy. Yeah, it’s a silly name, but it’s my name okay. When Susan “adopted” me and Chico, people were constantly suggesting that she change my name. Geez Louise, didn’t I have a say in this? She defended me to the hilt and made sure my feelings were considered without
succumbing to societal pressures. It was the coolest thing ever. It’s hard enough being abandoned and adopted. An added name change would have been too much. Sassy it is. I loved her for that. It was mutual.
I get so excited when she comes home. Yippee! I can hear her through the door, “Sassy, I’m home!” Oh it warms my heart to hear those words ring out. I am Dachshund by birth (she is not), but we understand each other well. She calls out my name and I bolt to the door like greased lightening, which is hard to do with a bum that wiggles and wriggles as much as mine does. She gets right down to my level (I’m rather short) and we kiss. Sometimes I put my tongue in her mouth. She doesn’t like that…but I do. She makes that ewwwww face. It’s fun. We are so predictable. It’s our thing.
Chico, on the other hand, takes his sweet time getting to the door. Susan calls his name too. He really does love and appreciate her, but he has a different way of showing it. He can be aloof but lots of fun when coaxed with his favourite toy. He really likes the pink bone and is thankful to Susan for making that purchase. I have to confess right now that I chewed out the squeaker. Susan knew it was me because Chico has no teeth. Do the math. She forgave me though. I’ve really mastered that sad face. I think she’s on to it but she still gives me and Chico special treats (those delicious squishy pill pockets) after I get the stink eye.
One time when Chico broke his leg from falling down the stairs, we took him to the vet. Susan was scared and worried. I offered lots of moral support. We had a few follow up visits and… Do! You! Know! What! That! Vet! Said! About! Chico!? “He’s kind of neurotic.” It’s true but he shouldn’t have said it right in front of him like that. Chico has some emotional baggage from childhood. Susan and I love him to the moon and back. I know it cost her a small fortune in vet bills and she never complained about it. Chico was most appreciative. She stroked our backs for hours that night and he really enjoyed the attention under his prescribed intoxicants.
I have a great smile and I like pleasing Susan by showing it. She smiles back. Sometimes she laughs. She tells me I’m beautiful and I swear my tail goes into overdrive and becomes an uncontrollable windmill. Seriously, I could heat a small home with the energy generated from all my beautifuls. She calls Chico a handsome devil. Hey, wait a minute, that might be a double entendre. Is he handsome? Is he a devil? Is he both? Squirrel! Okay I’m back. Whew. No, I’m sure she means it. He is handsome… and really, really soft. He protects us both and has a remarkably loud and low bark for a man of his stature.
I am so grateful that we are all together. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. Susan needs us. We warm the room with love, we snuggle together during a thunderstorm, and we appreciate each other.
Wait a minute. I hear something. What’s that? “Sassy, I’m home!” “Chico, I’m home!” Gotta go.
Pssst. – If you see Susan, tell her to check her blog. Ruff.
I am a Medical Intuitive, Reiki Teacher/Practitioner, MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) Meditation Facilitator and Laughter Yoga Facilitator. If you wish to know more about me and what I do please send me an email, or sign up for my blog subscription. Thanks for the read. I welcome your feedback.
Namaste
Susan Lee Woodward
© Susan Lee Woodward - This article in its entirety is protected by Canadian and International copyright laws. Reproduction of this written content without written permission of the author is prohibited.