Today would have been Bailey's birthday. If she were here, I'd have baked her a birthday cake. She'd have waited patiently while I lit the candles (nine this year) and sang Happy Birthday, then watched as I blew them out. She'd have remembered that burnt carbon smell of the candles, anticipating what came next—the moment when I placed the cake on the floor and said "Okay!"
Or alternatively, she'd have snatched her cake off the counter while my back was turned—that's what happened last year, when we made St Patrick's Day cupcakes and she ate them, thinking it was her birthday cake. (She obviously didn't hear the word "tomorrow" when I told her about our plans to make her a birthday cake. Some details are lost on dogs.)
One year Neighbour Boy came over, and watched as Bailey opened her birthday presents and ate her cake. "You really love your dog," he said, with a note of wonder in his voice. I guess he'd never seen anyone go to such lengths to celebrate their pet's birthday.
Yes, we really loved our dog. She was lucky. When we brought her home, there was no doubt in my mind that she was ours forever, just as much a member of our family as my other girls. I'd never have considered giving up my dog, and fortunately, life circumstances never forced me to have to consider it.
But many dogs aren't so lucky. Through no fault of their own, they're abandoned, sometimes by thoughtless owners, occasionally by owners who for some reason can no longer care for their beloved dog.
I've been thinking a lot about those dogs lately. Today, I made a donation to GRREAT—Golden Retriever Rescue—in Bailey's name.
Bringing a dog into your life is a momentous decision, or at least it should be. One thing I like about GRREAT is that they educate potential dog owners about just what is involved in adopting a dog into your family—particularly a large, hairy dog with a propensity for counter surfing. It's not all fun and games. And when their time on this earth is up, they leave a huge hole in your heart.
I won't be making a birthday cake today, or blowing out any candles. But I hope that somewhere, a dog like Bailey is getting a bit of extra love today.
