Dear Scruffy,

A Letter for My Scruffy…

I wish we could talk with each other. If you could understand English (or if I could bark properly) I’d have so many questions for you and so many things I’d want you to know. Instead, all I can do is write this letter and make bad jokes about whether you had a “ruff” day.

When we brought you home from the Humane Society in June 2010, you were 10 years old and in need of a lot of love. The people you lived with before hadn’t treated you kindly and you were very sad. I hadn’t planned on adopting a dog but I wanted to take care of you and prove to you that you are a good boy. I felt like you deserved it and that my family and I could give you a good retirement home, as I like to call it.

I’ve loved watching you grow over the last year and a half. You’re 11 now but somehow you look younger than when we first met. I don’t think you’d ever had a belly rub (because what dog doesn’t roll over for one right away?) but now you love them, albeit while lying on your side. You still aren’t sure how to play but you love your walks (or runs, depending on how you feel) and even on the days when we walk really, really slowly and get lapped by elderly people, I still love taking you on them. You’re a really picky eater but the way you wag your tail when you know I’ve bought you a roasted chicken from the grocery store or when you know you’re about to get one of your favorite treats makes me smile. You don’t know sit, stay or any other commands but I don’t care. You’re kind of like a honey badger that way — you do what you want — though you’re much cuter and more cuddly. My husband — your doggy daddy — was initially very apprehensive about having a dog but now you’re his little teddy bear and you even like him a little more than you like me. (I’l admit…that part stings a little!)

Some people laud their dogs for their loyalty, their playfulness and other qualities that make them Man’s Best Friend. These dogs work hard for human affection. The tables are turned for us but that’s okay. I’ll always be here for you, working to help you regain your trust in people and showing you what it’s liked to be loved. If you never learn to give kisses, that’s okay, too. Just promise me you know you’re loved.

Love,
Kristen