Lessons From My Fur Babies: Part III, Operation Lap Dog

So we’re just about to the end of the year and I couldn’t let 2020 depart without talking about my sweetheart, Nala.  She’s the baby of the bunch and has a hold on my heart in a way that I can’t even completely explain. Grab your usual seat and I’ll tell you why.

Nala became a part of my life in early 2017.  I was preparing for general exams and took a break to run to the pet store.  BIG mistake! My godchildren had an agenda that I knew nothing of.  I’ll never forget it.  The plan was to purchase their Mom a lap dog.  She’d wanted a doggie that would jump in her purse or sit comfortably in her lap.  Thus, the kids hoodwinked me into being a part of this secret mission— “operation lap dog.”  

The first day of the search rendered no results. Every dog at the pet shop was huge! None of the doggies fit the lap dog description at all. So, the kids planned day two of the secret mission.  After church on Sunday, we all met up at the local pet shelter. There was surely to be a cute puppy there.  And guess what? She was!!! 

Just as sure as I tell you , “Star”—her original name— was THE one.  She was little and scruffy and cute and cuddly.  She walked right up to the front of the kennel and basically said, “take me home.” I can remember the staff handing her to me and she curled right up.  I couldn’t resist.  This little “Star” had grabbed my heart.  I handled all the paperwork and fees and my goddaughter scheduled to pick “Star” up the next day when she was cleared to go home.

Operation lap dog was in full effect. 

It was super difficult to keep the secret all day.  Work distracted me from blowing “Star’s” cover; but when I got home, the kids were sitting outside hiding a very sleepy “Star” in my goddaughter’s car ready to present this gift to their Mom. 

And let me tell you, my best friend was super pleased with this little cutie.  Star was little and scruffy and cuddly and cute and sleepy and when she whimpered, it was just the most spectacularly endearing thing in the world.  But, then the strangest thing happened. Um… “Star” stopped looking like a star and started looking like Nala from the Lion King!  I thought she’d been overfed because within a month, she was on her hind legs tall enough to grab the handle of the door knob.  Hence, her name was changed to Nala.  She was growing and growing and growing.  She looked less like a lap dog and more like a bear!!! 

For the purposes of seeing just what the shelter had sold us, a genetic panel was run on Nala only to find that Nala was a German Shepherd/Lab mix.  No lap dog here!!! She was going to be just as big as Marley and CJ!!! Sweet Jesus! Nala wouldn’t be able to get in anybody’s purse or sit in anybody’s lap. Sorry best friend. 

But, it was too late! None of us could turn her into a lap dog and no one was willing to take her back to the shelter.  Personally, this cutie was grafted into my heart.  I would be up writing at odd hours of the morning and the only other creature stirring would be Nala. She always seemed to need to potty at 3AM and as a little one she was afraid of every noise including the trucks for trash pick up.  

She was playful even when there was no need to be.  Everything was a chew toy.  She had really bad allergies accompanied by frequent ear infections and accompanying vet bills. Nala was also super inquisitive and would get into everything including unearthing things in the yard to present her findings proudly as spoil.  I dare not speak on Judah, the bunny. I think I still have PTSD about that. 

Yet, her attitude is always pleasant and she was and is super consistent. Everyday, the same thing, the same way, the same greeting, the same excitement.  And, if she is ever confused or questioning, she tilts her cute little head to the side with the most authentically puzzled look.  This is super adorable. Nala’s also very strong! Ever since she was little, she has enjoyed pulling Ben around while he took her for a walk.  I think in her mind, she’s his boss. 

Nala gets along well with the other doggies, especially Marley.  They have the most unique relationship.  Watching them is like watching best friends or siblings.  Over time, Marley has  patiently taught Nala-Bear how to behave indoors and Nala challenges Marley’s ability to be  selfless. Because she’s super spoiled and Marlye loves her, he lets her get away with everything.  It’s a match made in heaven.   

Now, she’s a healthy, active 4 year old. She still tilts her head to the side when she has a question, and she still walks Ben, I mean goes on walks with Ben. Nala still gets her way with Marley.  And honestly, with me too. 

Nala is my homie. She was the support and affirmation that I didn’t know I needed until I had it.  She rode with me through generals and dissertation.  And, although she can’t fit in anybody’s purse or sit on anyone’s lap, she is an absolute joy to be around and I cannot imagine what the last few years would have been without her.