Together for One Year

It was one year ago on Sunday that Marley came home with Debbie and me.  We didn't have a cake or get Marley a new toy, but we did go for a nice long 3.5 mile walk. 

Marley was excited to be with both of his "parents" and to be taking a route he didn't normally follow.  At first, Marley thought we were taking him to the dog run, and he was jumping and trying to run in that direction.  After a few blocks, he realized we were going in another direction and settled down a bit, but I still had to hold him back a bit.  We have an Easy Walk harness, which gives us a degree of control over Marley, but when he's particularly energetic, you just have to hold on and run along with him.  We like the harness because it goes around his body and we're not pulling on his neck, as we would be with just a leash.

Half way through our walk, we stopped for lunch.  Debbie and I took turns eating inside the deli, while the other sat at a table outside with Marley.  We gave him water and some treats.  While I was sitting outside with Marley, a girl came up and asked what kind of dog he was.  We get a lot of that.  On the way home (southbound), a couple stopped us and said they saw us going north and noticed Marley's floppy ears.  We get a lot of that as well.

During the year that Marley has been our dog, I have gone through some changes.  I never realized how attached I could become to an animal.  I have also lost a lot of weight (37 lbs) and I enjoy being outdoors and active a lot more than I did any time in my 30's and 40's.  During the year that we have been his masters, Marley has gone through some amazing changes.  He grew big and strong and healthy - he gained 50 lbs during the year.  He learned to trust us and grew as attached to us as we are to him.  We taught him some commands, although he doesn't always want to obey.  He knows the limits that have been set, but he tests those limits.  He was always a bright dog, and he has learned a lot about the world around him.  He has learned to play nicely with all kinds and sizes of dog.  He loves to be around all kinds of people.

Last night, Marley fell asleep about 10:30 in the living room.  He followed me into the bedroom when I turned in at 11, and he crawled under the bed.  I got up for a minute early this morning and Marley lay next to my side of the bed.  I stroked his back and underside, and kissed me profusely.  He stayed there while I was out of the room and when I got back into bed, he gave out a soft whine.  I reached over and pet him until it was time to get up.  While Debbie was getting the coffee, I gave Marley his little bone, stuffed with a slice of American cheese.

Some day, he will be gone, and I will still be here.  But he will be my BFF.