Best Friend

The other night I felt like curling up into bed and watching a good movie, so I went to Blockbuster and rented Marley and Me. If you haven't seen it it's about a young newly-wed couple who get a golden lab together. Marley is quite the hellion! But I feel like you deserve a bit of chaos if you're stupid enough to buy a lab. True to form, this dog chews up everything, jumps on everyone, can't walk on a leash, and the only people who love him are his owners. But there were two traits of Marley's that made me fall in love with him as well: his unconditional devotion to John and Jennie, and his fear of thunderstorms. The former may make more sense than the latter.
when I was a little girl I had a best friend, our golden retriever Brandy. She had a way of knowing when I was sick, upset, angry, and even happy. She made everything better. She listened and somehow, I knew that she understood. Brandy had the demeanor of a mother, grandmother, and 5 year old all wrapped up in one. We got her when I was 4 years old. She died when I was 17. Until that day, I literally had no idea what life was like without her. Whenever Ian was being mean to me and excluding me from his games (meany face) Brandy would play with me. I remember Karina and I used to try to dress her up. I think that's where Brandy's patience ended. Her long life ended on Ian's last day of high school. With all the courage he could muster, he buried our best friend in the yard by the garden. She'd been there for both of us through it all. I didn't know it would be so hard to lose a dog. I mean, it's just a pet right? ha! Goldens always look like their smiling, and Brandy was no exception. She was truly happy to see every single one of us, every single time we came within her sights. After her death my family and I didn't think we could go through it again and decided not to get another dog.
a few years later, with the house empty of children, my parents changed their minds. And we got Cooper. Best decision ever! Even though he hates to sleep on the bed with people and flat out refuses to play catch, he's just playful and definitely just as happy to see you. Though I wish he'd give more kisses :) Brandy would knock you down trying to lick your face! I used to hate it but now I miss it. (damn you human nature making me want what I can't have!).
I miss Coop. I worry about how we're all going to take it when he goes. But he's only 5 yrs old and I'm more of a "live in denial"/"we'll worry about that bridge when its crossed" kinda girl. For right now I'll just enjoy him whenever I can! Someday I'll have my own golden retriever to spoil like crazy. Until then, I have my baby Coop.