Ever since Snickers died, Wiggles and I have been bonding more and more. I’ve noticed that she follows me around more and wants to snuggle in my arms more often. I have made deliberate efforts to pay more attention to her – leaving my headphones out during our and talking to her instead, playing games with her at dinner like “find the treat”, taking her for car rides to different parks each evening, and holding her more often.
The more I do this, the more I appreciate her. When I wake in the middle of the night, I look for her so I can gently touch her. If I had a nightmare or sad dream, she’s usually right next to me ready for a snuggle.
After injuring my knee this week and not being able to workout, I’m spending every minute of the day next to her. She seems to love this and her periodic check ins for lap time are helping me not go insane while I am waiting, not very patiently, to heal enough to get back to exercising.
A few weeks ago, I was convinced I’d be getting another dog because I had plenty of love to give and wanted more love than my mellow, chill puppy Wiggles provided.
It turns out I have everything I want and need right in front of me. I just needed to pay attention.