When we officially became los tres amigos, I knew what I was doing. I made a conscious decision to stick with them, through thick and thin, regardless of how difficult it may make my life in the interim. And I have, with no regrets. But it hasn't been the easiest of paths.
I've inferred many times from many people how silly I am to stubbornly keep two large dogs with me when I have no real place to call home.
"You are always welcome here, you know, but the dogs...".
"I wish that you could stay with us, but the dogs...".
"You can stay as long as you need, but the dogs...".
I don't blame anyone. I understand. They are large, energetic creatures with slight to severe separation anxiety. I understand that many people think I am needlessly making my life more difficult by refusing to hand them over to a shelter; that the disdain I see in people's eyes is borne of a genuine desire to see me happy and successful and the dogs somehow stand in the way of this.
The truth is, for better or worse, we are inextricably bound together. There have been many, many dark days in the past two years... too many to count. And often in that darkness, when I felt most alone, the only light I had was from this crazy pair. There were so many days when the only time I laughed or even smiled was because of them. When I cried in the dark in utter despair, they sat beside me and licked the tears from my cheeks. When no friend or family was around to offer warmth of human touch, they would cuddle up beside me in their doggiest version of a hug.
In the early days of my brokenness, the only reason I got out of bed in the morning was to let them out to pee. The only reason I went to the store was to get food for them to eat. The only reason I went outside was to let them out for exercise. Sometimes I did it begrudgingly, bemoaning the depths of my despair and the roadblock they posed to my simply ceasing to be. But I don't think I would have made it without them.
I see in them everyday how simple life is supposed to be. Real happiness for them consists of a loving touch, a bowl of food, exercise in the sunshine, and companionship. They love me absolutely and without conditions. They are sad when I leave and all wiggles and kisses when I reappear. They have taught me much, and continue to teach me, about what is really important in life.
My trusty co-pilots, my furry heaters, my sweet puppies... my happiness, my little family, my devoted protectors. I don't know yet exactly where we're going, or what else the road has in store, but I know that we will get there, us three. Because when they are with me, we are "home", wherever we may be.
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| Los tres amigos - El Rosario, BC Mex |
