Today is our Chocolate Lab, Mocha's ,10th birthday. What a joy she has been to us from the beginning. Initially we purchased her, after having to put our Mini Dachshund, Maverick to sleep. As all pet owners know, getting a new one to love never replaces the one you just lost. It does however help fill the heart, and generally keep you busy, as you move on with a new puppy, in our case.
Mocha, had two black sisters, whom I found very cute as well. However it was a given we would walk out with the chocolate girl. Ray set his sight on her and it never changed. She was very pretty and very soft, but she was also the most aloof of the puppies. She was kind of a loner too. She would come over to us, play for a minute then walk away.But Ray was set on this bundle of chocolate Lab. All in all, I didn't really care. She was cute, her sisters were cute, and I just wanted my heart to stop aching from having lost our Little Shop, Maverick. I knew whatever puppy we picked, we would soon love her.
Obviously, the adjustment to a new puppy kept me busy. Shortly after we got her, we had our vacation start as well. This gave us long days to spend with her and to get to know her. She remained a little stand offish at times , and then out of nowhere she would become our best pal. She was timid at times as well. None of these characteristics were ones we had really ever encountered in puppies we'd had over 30+ years of having pets. It kind of freaked me out. I was afraid she would never bond with us or feel close as all our other puppies had done almost immediately.After all, I was looking to fill the void the loss of Maverick had caused. I already loved Mocha, but at times her aloof spirit did not spell out love to me.
In time, and as we invested into her little life, Mocha became a wonderful pet. We took her through lots of obedience training in the hopes of doing therapy work with her. Due to time constraints and work schedules, the therapy work never panned out, but she is a very obedient ,trustworthy ,loyal girl.She walked into our hearts and then curled up in a little ball where she remains our constant companion and love.
Ten years has gone by. The memories of Maverick remain near in heart, but the loss of him has been covered over with new feelings and memories. The aloof and timid puppy has become a loving and attentive family member.She guards our home with her loud barks. She fills our hearts with her big brown eyes that stare us down at walk time.She fills our every space with her Lab body as she squeezes in to lay as close as possible to those she loves.She makes us laugh as mealtime approaches and each time its as if its her first one.And then there are just those times when you look , and realize that time is marching on. Ray said to Mocha the other day "Hey girl, can you hang around forever?" He then looked at me with the beginnings of tears in his eyes, which made me cry too.
We all know the answer to that. But until we have to face it we will continue to love, and spoil her at every chance given. She will be there,like she always is. Accepting whatever walks, hugs or treats are made available and loving us all the same if none was offered. This is the love and the bond between dog and master.
So today I say Happy Birthday Mocha. You are a gift from God. How often your unconditional love and forgiveness reflect His character in you ,His creation. Its only a glimpse, but what a glimpse it is.
"Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the Heavens?"
Job 35:11
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