Rough Ruff
The author’s new pup, Bearcat BooBoo Wolf
A few years ago, someone tweeted, “What does success mean to you?” and I tweeted back, “Being able to bring my dog to work.”
There’s just something about that freedom that spoke to me. Dogs aren’t the type of animal you can easily have on Oahu — many rentals don’t allow dogs, and those of us who work more than one job wouldn’t be home enough to properly care for any animal, especially a doggie. They have so much love to give. I wonder what would happen if everyone was assigned their own dog to care for and bring everywhere and love. (In this dream, of course, there would be no such thing as allergies.)
Last month, my doctor signed off that yes, metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the lungs, liver and brain does warrant the need for a service animal.
Guys, I’ve made it in life!
This was a huge breakthrough for me, and even though I tried to make it a slow search, I wound up rescuing a 10-year-old black Pomeranian that has serious medical problems (I learned later) and not much time left.
“Well then, we both have the same life expectancy!” I thought as I scooped him up. Our first stop was a groomer to help with his poorly-cared-for, matted fur.
“No charge,” the groomer told me, somberly, when I went to pick him up. They called me to come early because he was coughing and hacking. I smiled at her and said thank you, not sure if she donated her time for him or for me, standing there with my hair all burned off.
The news the day after the groomer would be difficult.
“When he stops eating, it’s time to say goodbye,” the veterinarian told me somberly. As sad as that made me, it felt good to be the one who would be caring for this sweetie in his sunset years. His particular breed can live up to 15 or 20 years, so he could have a solid five or 10 more, but also not make it more than six months. Just like me!
Each day we are here is a gift. To make the most of those days with my new forever friend, I found a great free app (for iOS) and website called BringFido, which allows me to see if various places are dog friendly. If you’re traveling, it can help you find a suitable hotel, and it also lists restaurants, parks, beaches and events that welcome dogs. Bearcat BooBoo Wolf is supposed to be able to go everywhere I go, but I want to go to the friendly places first. I don’t want to cause too much trouble. BringFido is my oracle in this case.
@SUPERCW
CHRISTA WITTMIER IS “SUPERCW” ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA. FIND HER ON SNAP-CHAT, SOUNDCLOUD, TWITTER, VINE AND INSTAGRAM. BY NIGHT, SHE IS KNOWN AS DJ SUPERCW. BY DAY, SHE IS KNOWN AS SENIOR MARKETING DIRECTOR FOR YOUNG’S MARKET COMPANY OF HAWAII.
