Missing Rabbit

I didn't think I'd ever have a dog. When we lived in Boston, our lease prevented us from having pets. When we moved into our own home, I discovered that I had developed an allergy to dogs and a thousand other things after my pregnancy with Cairo.

So many people tried to tell me that I should get a hypoallergenic dog, but when I did my research, it turns out that there is no such thing. Whenever I was around dogs - didn't matter what the breed was - I ended up having a hard time breathing.

I tried to convince myself that I didn't want a dog. I had grown up with mostly cats (adopted from the ASPCA in NY mainly to keep the mice at bay), and had only had two dogs. And even then, Blazer and Brownsville were only part of our family very briefly. I didn't have to have a dog. I have a wonderful husband, amazing kids, and a dream job. Life could be just fine without a dog, right? 😩

But it wasn't . . . so I prayed. I was willing to even try allergy shots if that would help. We filled out an application with Survivor Tails Animal Rescue (Adopt - Don't Shop!) and looked at the pictures of the dogs available for adoption. And then there was Rabbit. I fell in love with her picture, and our whole family connected with her immediately at the meet and greet. I sniffed . . . pet her . . . sniffed . . . she licked my face . . . no tightness in my chest. No wheezing, no itchy eyes or throat, no sneezing, no congestion. After asking, seeking and knocking, there Rabbit was. No side effect but pure joy.

Some would say that finding Rabbit was just me figuring out what breed of dog I don't have an allergic reaction to. I can't . . . no, I won't walk through life without faith in God after all that God has done for me!! I'm about to do a hallelujah dance right now just thinking about God. I believe that God answered my prayers - especially considering that I still have a reaction to every other dog I'm around.  Rabbit is my miracle dog, and I'm missing her while we're at camp.

Dear Rabbit:

I hope you're having a great time with Emilia, Nathan and Mabel. I wish you could come with us to camp, but I think with us being so busy and staying at Leever Lodge with so many other people, it wouldn't be fair to you :(.  I'm so thankful that you get to stay with friends who care about you.

When Daddy and Cairo dropped you off, I wonder if you thought you wouldn't see us anymore. I wish there was a way to make sure that you knew that this would be just like when you stayed with Dawn's family. Remember we came back then? We're coming back this time, too!

I wish you like looking at screens, because I sure would FaceTime you, but we've tried that before, you're not really into technology :).  I packed all of your favorite things, hoping that you'd somehow feel connected because you had a lot of things to remind you of home, our rhythms and routines. your bed, your jacket (in case it rains), baby carrots, Greenies, Benebones, SmartBones, your ball, even a new squeaky, flat goose (has to be flat so you have to work harder to dismember it!), and a three page letter for Emilia and Nathan so they'll know all about you.

If my heart could speak to your heart, here is what it would say:

I love the sound of the tags on your collar as you come down the hallway to see me when I wake up in the morning.

I love going on walks with you. Even though you sniff EVERYTHING, I love watching you investigate and discover. You help me to pay attention to things that I typically don't see.

I love snuggling on the couch with you. You're SO heavy. I don't think you understand that you're not a lap dog. But when you lay on me, I feel so loved. I hope you feel loved, too.

I love how fiercely protective you are. 

I love when you jump up on the bed and keep me company in my room.

I love how you look at me and how affectionate you are. Nothing else like it.

I love watching you do scoot butt (zoomies)- usually with Cairo. He's your turn-up buddy and although we fuss at him when he gets you worked up, I think it's really funny 😂.

It drives me crazy, but you sure are a powerful advocate for what you want. If we're working out, you lick/waterboard us while we do yoga, or lay your ratty skunk or snake across our necks. You're such a nut, but no one can accuse you of not letting your needs be known.

I think it's hilarious that you lick Cairo's knees, and for SO long while we eat dinner. I guess he's a tasty boy, huh?

I love how goofy you are. You can make me laugh so hard on my most challenging days.  

Have so much fun! Remember how much I love you, and I'll see you soon!

Love always,
💖Mommy🐾