Talking about dogs.

Yesterday it was time for Zuzu to go. She followed Sachi too soon, who left her family two months before. And then there was Cookie, not even a year ago.

Zuzu and Sachi

When I met my friend Nan, her husband Jeff, the four dogs and three horses two years ago for the first time, a lot of things were already changing in my life. Before I was welcomed into that lovely house on the beautiful farm, I had never really spared a thought about pets. To be honest, I knew that (most) people love their dogs above all things, but I couldn’t comprehend the connection, emotion, love or deep grief, when their pet died.

Then I met Zuzu, Sachi, Cookie and Scooter. And something happened. I wanted them to like me – well, I had to share my ‚bedroom‘ with them, so it would be better to get along 😉

The four dogs made it easy for me. Cookie was the most reserved, but we respected each other. Zuzu, the fragile beautiful Greyhound lady, hit straight into my heart with her warm, melancholic dark eyes. Sachi, the charming one, no chance to resist his gaze. And Scooter. Yes, we fell in love with each other. Always ready for a play with some toys, a happy playful endearing dog, loving everybody around. The day I left, he watched me out of the saddest eyes you can imagine.

The dogs teached me an important lesson of life, unconditional love.

During my second visit at the farm, I missed Cookie by just two weeks, I asked my friend how she could stand the loss of all the dogs she used to live with for so many years. You probably can imagine her answer. The joy we share, the good times we have together, the loyal friendship they show, all the good memories helping us going through the grief.

Taking photos of Scooter is nearly impossible. As soon as he detects a camera he is gone. You can outsmart him with a smartphone, but hey, you can also respect his aversion against cameras!

Though, selfishly, I hope to get a chance for my next attempt with the camera soon 😉