Dora

Tanya and Dora

How do you put into words a feeling that is indescribable? How do you describe an act that otherwise would be unknowing? My Dora is my lifeline; my breath on days that I feel I cannot breathe. My adoration for her surpasses expression and her adoration for me is inconceivable. Three years ago, I saved her life and every day since then, she's been saving mine. At a shelter in Texas, on an ordinary hot, July day, I discovered the most extraordinary little puppy. I approached a small room that had a number of rambunctious little furry babies inside. All of them were playing, eating, drinking - except for one. I asked the Manager, LeAnn, 'What's wrong with that little one in the corner?" She responded solemnly, "That's Applehead - she's a special case and chances are she won't live." Applehead was the name given to her by the staff at Fuzzy Friends Rescue because of her extra large head. She was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, a neurological birth defect, and was given just months to survive, if she did at all. The shelter Veterinarian, a friend of mine, was Applehead's doctor. I met with him. He went over the X-rays and diagnosis and tried talking me out of taking her home -- for my own good. "Tanya, I know you. Please don't take this little puppy. She won't live long and you'll get too attached and will end up heart broken." That day when I left Dr. Cox's office, I adopted Applehead and she became my Dora. Nearly three years have passed since that hot, July day in Texas, and yet it feels like it was just yesterday that I brought Dora home. Each morning when I awake with her snuggled close to my side, I immediately understand that I truly am her lifeline. Dora not only relies on me to carry her down our stair cases - which she is unable to do on her own because of her condition - but just as importantly, relies on me in an emotional way. The manner in which she grips her tiny claws to my shoulder and rubs her head in the gape of my neck while closing her eyes, is her way of saying, "thank you for loving me." I just feel it. The lifeline that bonds us is mutually shared between her and I. As much as I am hers, she is mine. Dora puts life into perspective for me. Forgiveness, simplicity, appreciation, happiness and most of all love - these are things Dora teaches me, daily. She forgives me when I'm late coming home. She's in no rush to come in from outside, making sure to stop and smell the vegetation, even if it's a weed. She appreciates all she has, never expecting more. She's completely content with her favorite toy, sitting quietly in the middle of a room, joyously swaying her tail side to side; her happiness contagious. Her love is electric; no matter what I've done, what I've said or how I;ve acted, she - without fail - snuggles into my chest and ever so lightly licks my chin. Love cures all. If it can help a dog survive a birth defect that is not survivable, surely it can do a world of difference for us humans. When days are rough, or sad, or when it feels like no one else in the world is there, my Dora comes to my rescue. She's a daily reminder of what is now my goal in life--to be the kind of person, my Dora thinks I am.