Pugs and Kisses...last forever

"The pug is living proof that God has a sense of humor." ~Margo Kaufman

So as many of you know....I am getting married in August (whew...time is flying fast)! And as I prepare to make my next steps.... some pretty big transitions are about to occur. As I mentioned in a previous post I am going to be living with my parents this summer prior to the wedding. I only have two weeks left to live the life of a single lady...because after that I will literally be living with someone for many, many years (hopefully!).

And with my move that means that I also only have two more weeks with my dear Winston before I send him off to live with his new Daddy for the summer. Winston is always welcome at my parents' house...just not on a permanent basis. So...one of the stipulations with my parents when I asked to live with them for a few months was that Winston could not come with me. As upset as I was...I understood and respected their decision. So...Winston will be off living the bachelor life in Raleigh, adjusting to his new pad.

Now one may think this is not that big of a deal...but let's remember what the little guy has meant to me over the past two years. When I got Winston back in January of 2008...I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I literally thought..."how hard can this really be?". Hmmm....boy was I thinking crazy. That little pug taught me so much about every aspect of life. From his not so glorious potty training experiences to his constant shedding...my OCD of a lifestyle went right out the window. I also embraced the true meaning of patience. I not only had to get some...but I had to execute it at times that I did not feel so confident in doing so. Having the urge to throw a shoe at him when he chewed to death a pair of $50 high heels or when he decided that he wanted to cry all night long in his crate when I really wanted to sleep...was a true test of patience. And for the record....I am still be tested daily.

Probably one of the most important "gifts" I have received since having Winston is my desire to truly do for someone/something else. I never really considered myself a selfish person but after having someone to care for 24/7...I realized that I was truly selfish. Winston has taught me so much about giving to others and loving unconditionally. I would do ANYTHING for that dog. And the funny thing is I never understood what pet owners meant when they would go on and on about their pets...but now I do. There are some months that I probably could not afford to do something .....but you better believe that dog had plenty of food and treats fit for a king!


It's funny how life paints its pictures sometimes. When I got Winston...I had and was going through a really rough break-up and knew my then job was coming to an end. Needless to say I was at probably one of my lowest points. That summer and the transition of moving to Elon was really, really hard on me. However....Winston did not care. He loved me so much and gave me so much comfort that it truly saved me. No matter how low I felt or how discouraged I became...I would just look at him and knew that I had to do better ....if not for me...but for him.

I guess you can say that Winston has taught me a lot about love and life. There is no doubt that he gave me the will and the confidence to love again...and I believe that is why I was so open to Josh in my life. And when it comes to bracing for my future with children....Winston has definitely opened my eyes to what lies ahead. Now I know not everyone believes in angels and all of that mystical stuff....but I do. I KNOW that he was a little angel sent to me from above to guide me along my path. And although it saddens me that someday he will leave me (but not for a long, long time)...I know the gifts he has given me will last for a lifetime.

So I will embrace these next two weeks as much as I can. Some don't understand what the big fuss is all about....because I will see him on the weekends and back to full time in August. But for those of you who have pets...know that coming home everyday to that tail wagging with excitement to see you is irreplaceable. They love you no matter how bad of a day you are having...and they are just so excited to see you. Now I know Mom and Dad will provide some of that (ha ha)....but nothing to the satisfaction of a pug kiss and hug.

JAR

"My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am." ~Author Unknown