What brings a tear of joy to your eye?
My pooch- Gamora, causes me to tear up!
I never thought I’d have another dog. Not after how Loki died. Having to put him down at the tender age of three because of all sorts of trauma related issues, which were making it impossible for him to eat and drink or be around people, was such an awful experience. I didn’t want another pooch.
In February 2023, I was asked if I’d have a look at a litter of pups. The breeder lived nearby. Their intention was to breed pugs and dachshunds, but they hadn’t counted on Gamora’s pug daddy and dachshund mum to fall in love and somehow get together! The litter was adorable and there was ‘happy family’ written all over the pics and vids I saw.
I went to have a look at Gamora’s brother. I’d only ever had male pooches and I thought I’d get another male if at all I got one. I did catch a glimpse of Gamora when I went but she was kept away from her brother and me during my visit. Her brother was adorable, and as much as I enjoyed carrying him, I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that something wasn’t right.
I didn’t take Gamora’s brother and I thought maybe I should just not have a pup. Then, an uncle died and as my dad and I got back after the wake, I said how I missed the greeting that only a pup can give. My dad asked me to rethink getting a pup and the week after the funeral, I went back to the breeder.
This time, Gamora was in the pen. There had been a potential booking for her brother and the breeder decided that I should consider taking Gamora. When I went to the pen, Gamora’s brother, recognised me and started to run towards me.
I hadn’t counted on Gamora recognising me too! She did something remarkable. She started running, building up as much speed as her little legs and puppyish clumsiness would allow, and pushed her brother out of the way. She continued another full circle as her brother tried to get up and continue his progress towards me, and knocked him off again. It was fascinating! She then came full charge at me, jumped up with her paws on my shins and waited to be carried.
That was the first time Gamora brought tears of joy to me. There have been many instances since.
Her love of gardening, which is perhaps not conducive to my gardening hopes, just makes me smile. When she sees me admiring flowers, she tries to add to the joy by biting off the flowers and laying them on the ground! She does this with great skill for even the pots are bigger than she is!
Her love for cuddles and spending time splooting in bed as she cosies up to me, or snuggling in what seem like the most uncomfortable positions often make me tear up!
Lately, she’s taken to wanting back rubs- and she holds you fast in her gaze. That gaze of hers almost always brings tears to my eyes. It reminds me of her focus, her observation, and her uncompromising ‘you’re going to love me as much as I love you’ attitude. I find myself brining up with joy over this four-legged, barrel-bellied, floppy eared pup!
Mama loves you, Gamora!
Grace for the soul 