friday photo | theo turns 3

The smell hit me before I fully opened the front door. It forced its way out of the house, punching me in the nose during its rushed exit. I took a staggered breath through my mouth, trying to keep composure. Frustration rose up like an erupting volcano within me, too fast for my mind to react, and tears pooled in my eyes. I forced myself inside the house and into my room - the first door on the right - and saw a pool - a wet pool - of dog poop surrounding Theo's crate and creeping through the cracks of my hardwood floors.

Theo was curled up in a ball as far back as he could go, staying away from the mess; it was obvious he'd done everything he could not to soil his bed and his crate. He'd had to go and couldn't hold it. I reached over and unlocked the door, soothing him, encouraging him to come on out. It was the 4th time I'd come home to the same mess, and with resignation, I thought, "I can't do this anymore. I have to take him back."

I retreated to the kitchen for cleaning supplies, and as I started in on the dirty work, tears worked their way down my cheeks. Right then, Zander walked in.

We were still in the number of dates that I could count on both my hands. This new guy that I was dating and really liked walked in to a house that reeked of feces, and there I was on all fours, my gloved hands covered in poop. It was also the first time he'd seen me cry. I kept trying to think of words to say, and none came out.

He took one look at me in my state, Theo huddled in a corner, scared, and said, "Why don't I take Theo for a walk?" And it was gracious and the perfect thing to say and do and gave me time to finish cleaning Theo's mess and myself up, and by the time they came back, Theo was bounding again, and I was clear-eyed.

In truth, I really did consider giving Theo back to K-9 Lifesavers, the organization through which I adopted him. The first few months I was in over my head. He was stubborn, hard to train, and then there was the nonstop diarrhea, that I thought was separation anxiety. It turns out it was parasites, and thank god because we've never had a problem since then.

I kept him, though, thinking, "Just a little longer," and we took an obedience class together, and he was the quickest learner in his class. He wanted to learn and wanted to make me happy and loved his treats. I discovered that hot dogs and bologna are all right to him, but he'll do anything for a squeaky ball.

I started taking him to parks, and I saw that he can jump sky high to catch a ball in his mouth, and he'll bring it right back to me. We went out for hikes, and I struggled so much with him pulling on his leash and I got so frustrated and angry, and then one time Zan said, "Let's take off the leash." And I was terrified he was going to run away or get hurt, but he stayed with us the whole time, and when he'd run ahead, he'd run right back to check on Zander and me and wait until we gave him a pat on the head before he ran back out to sniff some more. Theo was born to be a trail dog.

I know, too, about Theo, that as energetic and rambunctious as he is, he's a total softie and sweetheart on the inside. He doesn't just like to cuddle; he loves to spoon. His bed and his crate are his safe place, and even though I don't need to lock it and I never do anymore, he will always retreat to it to feel comfortable, and at home.

Theo is a bit of a scaredy-dog, but don't tell him I said that. He hates grates and walkways he can see through, and he'll shake and shiver and lay down and put up a fight, but if I need him to cross one, he'll do it with some encouragement. 

Theo's also an adventure-lover. He has come with me on a roadtrip to Georgia, up to Canada, to wineries all around Virginia, and places in between. He loves to cross creeks and streams and he's jsut fine with a little bouldering. He loves the outdoors more than any other place. He's curious and fun-loving and will do anything for a car ride. I'd like to say he gets it from me, but I think we were just meant for each other.

And Theo is a Mama's boy. Zander is his fearless leader and best friend and nobody can play fetch or tug-o-war with Theo like Zan can, but at the end of the day, he will do anything to protect me and can't stand to be far from me.

Theo, ahem, Sir Theodore Prince of Bagle Hounds, turned 3 yesterday, which means we've had 2 whole years together. He's my little man, my protector, my best pal, and the best dog in the whole world.

What can I say?

The best relationships in life are worth dealing with a little bit of shit from time to time.

1. the day i adopted theo 10/10/11 // 2. theo on rehoboth beach // 3. theo in rock creek park