HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAIZER AND RUBY

          Five years ago, I had a friend who worked at the zoo. When she left, she went to work for the Humane Society. It had been over two years since our last dog, Mia, had died. John and I agreed we wouldn’t get another dog. He didn’t want one because it would probably outlive him. I missed having a dog and so, in some ways, made the stupidest decision possible. I let my friend know I was maybe interested in finding a dog with one or both blue eyes. She told me about Karma.

          Karma, a small mixed breed (vet says Rat Terrier) was surrendered to the Humane Society in Yakima probably because she was hugely pregnant and brought over to the Humane Society in Seattle. A woman took her as a foster dog on her arrival and the following day Karma, who normally weighs about 14 pounds, gave birth to nine (9) puppies.

Karma was apparently quite free with her favors in Yakima. I saw all the puppies and not one looked like the others. It’s entirely possible she had nine mates. I certainly hope she enjoyed herself because that was it as far as her love life goes. All the puppies were different and I now wish I had a photo of the entire litter.

Ruby 12/15

When the puppies were old enough to be adopted, Haley and I went to see the entire litter at the foster mom’s house. I wasn’t interested in getting a puppy, just the mom. Haley was going to get her first puppy. She chose Ruby because that puppy came to her and was more friendly to her than any of the other puppies. I succumbed to puppy love and decided I wanted one as well.

Kaizer was the most different looking puppy who seemed to smile when he looked at you. That’s undoubtedly why I chose him. The vet said his father was probably a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog. Never heard of that breed before, but if you look at a photo of a puppy of that breed, that’s Kaizer. The only difference is the actual breed when full grown will have legs way longer than Kaizer’s and most likely weigh double what he weighs which is close to 30 pounds.

Kaizer & Karma 12/15

Since I wanted a dog with blue eyes, I should have chosen the pure white puppy with turquoise eyes…but she didn’t smile like Kaizer. Karma and Kaizer both have what they call merle eyes, meaning the eye isn’t entirely blue, only partially. Karma’s is more blue when her pupils are very small than Kaizer’s.

Today is Kaizer’s and Ruby’s birthday. They are both five today and have brought a lot of joy to their families. Ruby is terribly spoiled…even Haley’s mom feeds her treats from the table and this was anathema when it came to us feeding Mia that way. Ruby gets to sleep under the covers with anyone in the family…I think she usually ends up at Angie’s feet. She gets to go almost everywhere with any member of her family. Ruby visits her mom and brother often.

Many times, I have said getting Karma and Kaizer was the stupidest decision I ever made. I’ve come to realize, however, that they five me a lot of comfort and joy, especially since John died. There’s muchto be said for having these furry critters laying with or on me on the couch, greeting me in the morning or when I come home, or just knowing they are here with me.

I think they are terribly spoiled as well. They don’t get as many treats as when John was alive, but I know I’m sharing way more of what I’m eating than before. Both hang around the kitchen and sit at attention when I am eating and expect to get the last little bite whatever I’m having. The disappointed look on Kaizer’s face when I say, “All gone, all gone.” almost breaks my heart.

Ruby may not come visit her mother and brother today, but I think I’ll have to make Kaizer…and his mom…some kind of special birthday treat. I don’t know what as I’m typing this, but there is some roast beast in the fridge. Whatever I decide to provide, there won’t be any candles, just some extra pats and hugs.

Happy Birthday Kaizer and Ruby…so glad you are in my life…that goes for Karma too.