My Heart Walks on Four Paws

There is a love that only a dog can give...a love that is unconditional, pure, and constant. I’ve been blessed with that kind of love for 13 years thanks to my two beagles, Buster and Vic, who completely changed my world.

I remember the day we found them like it was yesterday. My youngest son wanted “Underdog,” so when a friend told us about free beagle puppies on a farm, we went to look. I had no idea that I would walk away that day with not just a puppy, but with two pieces of my heart.

Buster, our “Underdog,” walked right up to me wagging his tail, like he already knew I was his person. That was it. He chose me. Then, before I could even stand, this tiny little guy came over, curled right into my lap, and fell asleep as if he had always belonged there. That was Vic. There was no way I could leave without him. So we claimed them right there, writing our names in their ears so we’d know they were ours when it was time to bring them home.

They were supposed to be for my kids, Austin chose Buster, Skylar chose Vic. But kids grow up. They want to play, hang out, build their own lives, and live their own adventures. Somewhere along the way, the feeding, the caring, the worrying, the loving… it became my role entirely. And slowly, they weren’t just “the kids’ dogs” anymore. They became my dogs. My companions. My comfort. My heart.

Sometimes my adult kids laugh and say I care more about my dogs than I do about them. And even though I know they’re joking, it does hurt sometimes. What they don’t understand is that being my age is different than being theirs. They have lives, plans, adventures, independence. My dogs are my constant. They’re always here. Always waiting at the door. Always happy to see me. Always needing me. Always loving me the same, no matter what. Because of Buster and Vic, I am never truly alone. No matter what kind of day I’ve had, they are right there beside me comforting me, loving me, and reminding me I matter.

And as they’ve gotten older, the love has changed. It has deepened. Taking care of senior dogs is not easy. It is like taking care of an elderly parent or even a newborn baby. There are medications that have to be given at certain times. There are days you worry more than you breathe. There’s the constant checking, the listening to every sound, making sure they’re comfortable, making sure they’re not in pain. You wake up thinking about them and go to bed hoping they’ll feel okay the next morning. And when you have to leave for work, the guilt and worry follow you, because your heart is still at home with them.

Dogs absolutely know love. They may not read our words, but they feel every ounce of care in our touch, in our voice, and in the way we show up for them every single day. They love with their whole heart. They don’t judge, they don’t hold back, they don’t leave. They stay. And to them, we are their everything. Their home. Their comfort. Their whole world.

Vic’s arthritis is bad, and he struggles sometimes, but even through the pain he still wags that tail when he sees me. And if one day he needs a wheelchair, then I’ll proudly buy him the nicest, most comfortable luxury doggy wheelchair there is, because he deserves dignity, comfort, and joy for every day he’s here. When your kids grow up and you don’t have grandkids, your dogs truly become your babies. They fill spaces in your heart you didn’t even know existed.

Losing Pugbug last year was one of the hardest moments of my life. He was almost 15, and I had loved him for his entire life. Losing him shattered me. He was my shadow, my comfort, my joy, my baby. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. Not a day goes by that I don’t feel that ache of missing him. He was more than a dog, he was my shadow, he was my little side kick, he was family, and his absence still leaves a piece of my heart empty.

My dogs are not “just pets.” They are my family. They are pieces of my heart walking beside me, loving me unconditionally, trusting me completely, and giving me strength even on the hardest days. I wish they could read these words. I wish they could truly understand just how deeply I love them. But I know they feel it. And I will spend every day making sure they always do.

Letters to My Dogs

To my sweet Pugbug

Not a single day goes by that I don’t think of you. Not one day passes where I don’t feel that ache because you’re not here. I miss you deeply, and I still cry for you. You will always remain such a precious part of my heart and my life. You mattered. You still matter. And I carry you with me always.

Thank you for choosing me.

To Vic, my howling hound, my land seal

I promise you, with everything in me, that I will do all I can to keep you comfortable, safe, and happy. I will make sure your days are filled with warmth, laughter, comfort, and peace. You are my baby, my heart, and such a huge part of my soul. Even when arthritis makes it hard, you still wag your tail when you see me, and that brings me so much joy. I love you endlessly.

Thank you for choosing me.

To Buster, my vocal beagle

The one who yells when I leave, who insists on laying at my feet or right beside me, the one who comforts me when I cry and makes sure I’m never alone… you are my heart. You are my protector, my shadow, and my emotional support in ways you’ll never fully understand. I love you so much.

Thank you for choosing me.

Peace, Love, Dogs, and Loud Music,

Mickey