What it has done, is given me some time to do something I've wanted to do since my wife's first post. Talk a little about our Dowager Queen from my perspective.
I am Simba's "daddy".
I put it that way, because,as you might suspect, no one is really her "master".
Day before yesterday, our old gal turned 14. I've been a part of Simbas' World for the last ten years0.
It was not an easy place to get to. I met Simba during my stay in Laconia doing Harvey for San and the Streetcar Company. The two of us (San and I) were just beginning to develop a relationship. Simba had her ideas on the whole thing. They could be pretty much summed up in those early days as "Who the heck do you think you are ?"
I was good to go walking with (on leash), fine to receive pets from, and great when it came time to beg food, but anything in the way of requesting behavior (come here, sit, stay, lie down, off) was either double checked through San (do I HAVE to Mom ?) or simply ignored all together. San, to her credit, stayed out of these arguments. She says she knew I had the necessary skills needed to eventually get her to obey. I think I'm pretty sure she was hanging back just to see if I had the patience to win Simba over and earn her (their) respect. Love me, love my dog. Dog doesn't love you ? Nice knowing you, Jack.
I, with an amazing show of fortitude, persevered. An effort that has been well worth it, for I cannot imagine what these last ten years would have been like without Simba to share them . She has been companion, comforter and confidant. My hours have been enriched by sharing time with her.
Now, as she enters her 14th year (98-if you haven't done the math yet) I hope that in her Doggy Glory Days, there will always be a spot in her memory for me, the ball and the water. I know she will always have a spot like that in mine.
