The god of mischief and the turkey thief

Loki, named after the god of mischief in the Avengers, came to live with us on 7 September this year. He was just under 3 weeks old at the time and had had quite a traumatic start to life. He is missing a paw on one hind leg and on the other a couple of toes are missing. He was the recipient of grace by the family who found him, took him in and cared for him. I don’t think he would’ve survived had it not been for their care. For this – I will always be grateful to them and to God for moving their hearts to take care of him.

I wasn’t planning to take on another four-legged creature, not so soon after losing my darling Patches, the much loved turkey thief. However, I couldn’t stop thinking about Loki after I saw the ad putting him up for adoption and I think this was God telling me to go and get him. It’s almost two months since Loki arrived and he’s well entrenched in our home now.

I love Loki and I miss Patches in one crazy parallel. I initially thought that it would’ve been wonderful if Patches was still around now. I imagined him being a guide to Loki. A friend who came for dinner and who brought Loki what seems to be his favourite toy, said that he didn’t think Patches would’ve shared well. Initially I said that Patches was so good with other dogs, loved puppies, etc. But then I later remembered how Patches would try to stop even my ex boyfriend from holding my hand! So – I think my friend’s observation is spot on.

I also think that Loki would’ve bullied Patches. For all his 9 years and two weeks living with me, I never ever heard Patches growl. I think there was once or twice when he tried to growl and it came out more like someone clearing their throat. My gentle giant. In just slightly over a month, I’ve heard Loki growl threateningly at things that have annoyed or frightened him: fireworks, strangers at the gate, motorbikes and even his own long, elusive tail. I’ve no idea how he knew to growl. There are times when he’s afraid but he still pushes ahead and growls in the face of whatever danger he thinks is facing him. He’s a fighter, this one! I won’t have to be the one guarding him.

Patches was bundles of energy. So is Loki, don’t get me wrong. But it’s no where close to Patches, thank God! But I see his energy levels picking up as he gets stronger. It is good, of course but it’s not the same. He’s a calmer dog. Patches was ever so excitable and perhaps a tad bit anxious. It’s a stark contrast! However, despite his energy, Patches though naughty, knew he had to listen and would yield. Not Loki! Loki has embraced his name in full! He bullies my dad! He doesn’t think twice about disobeying him and is very happy to maul away at whatever he wants. He responds to me – but I think it’s in the high hopes that he gets a kibble as a treat! I can see this one pushing the boundaries. I’ve named him well!

There are some things that I think Loki is incredibly alike Patches. Now that he has his strength, he eats in the same fashion. It’s like dust being sucked up by a vacuum cleaner: everything disappears in seconds. He loves his food! He also eats whatever he can. He’s picking up right where Patches left off! So I find myself taking dry leaves, grass, thread, newspaper and whatever else from out of his mouth as I had to do with Patches. Another similarity is that he thinks every single wrapper or bag I open contains food for him. The light in his little eyes come on at that time. It’s so very alike Patches, who lived in eternal hope of being fed around the clock. Watching Loki at these points makes me miss Patches.

I knew that Loki was going to be his own little character. I didn’t imagine he would be so different! I couldn’t have. This is a completely new adventure. A brand new chapter and I think mama’s going to need a brand new bag! I was worried I wouldn’t be able to love him because of Patches. I don’t have that worry at all now: it disappeared the moment I met him in person. I’m just amazed at how God sent me the right one. He’s a perfect fit in our home: the complete chaos to our order. He makes me laugh and melts my heart in many ways and the beauty of it all is, it’s in a completely different way from how Patches made me laugh or moved me. It’s just wonderful. I’m sure there will be some similarities between Loki and Patches in terms of the laughs as well as the moments that touch my heart. I think I’m going to be good with that. I miss my darling Patches so very much and I count him as one of my brightest blessings. I have a feeling that Loki’s going to be another one in that category. I’m very sure of it. So I really want to say a big thank You to God as I am yet again overwhelmed at how generous He has been towards me in sending me this little mischief maker. ‘His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.’