Simon: Imperfectly Perfect

Okay, so when they were handing out canine beauty, he was standing in the wrong line.
He’s got a German Shepherd head, Corgie legs, Terrier fur and Australian cattle dog body.  Name any breed and it’s in there.   

Yet our dog Simon is more than the sum of his parts.  In fact, in his own way, he’s perfect.

He follows me around like I’m Gandhi and he’s one of my disciples.  If a repairman comes to visit, he never leaves my side and in fact (as one man pointed out), makes sure he’s between us at all times.  He lets us know if any unauthorized person sets a toe on our property.  In other words, he takes his job seriously.

We got Simon at the local pound eight years ago when he was three, a rescue dog.  My husband later confessed that when he saw the line-up, he prayed Simon wasn’t my pick.  He was a little too “quirky.”  And yet, there was something in those eyes.

Why have I grown to love this animal?  Maybe because in this senseless world, there’s something reassuring in a dog’s love.  We adore our children but past a certain age, they leave.  Even good marriages can be complex and challenging.  Cats take us or leave us.  But a dog’s love?  It’s as pure as a newly-bought chew toy.  And all Simon asks in return is a can of dog food, dried-up chicken filets (his favorite treat), a daily walk, and a pat on the head but not the haunches (where he’s ticklish). 

And yet mortality is even sneaking up on Simon.  I’ve noticed his muzzle’s grayer.  When he escapes our house to visit the neighborhood, he’s back sooner, usually out of breath and sleeps for hours.  Even this dog’s once bionic strength is waning. 

“What kind of dog is he?” is a question I’m used to being asked, and that’s okay.   Our canine will never win “Best in Show” but he has other qualities.  Simon is noble, courageous, and true.  And those attributes will make anyone beautiful.

 
Do you have a dog you love?