Mum, Dad, my brother Michael: everyone in the family got more affection from our ridgeback-staffie cross. And guess whose bed she used to poo on…
I think the tone was set when Ella threw up over me on the way back from the Dogs Trust. She was three months old, rolling around on the back seat between me and my twin brother, Michael (we’d just turned seven), and wasn’t enjoying her first trip in a car. She could have been sick anywhere – over the seat, over the floor – but for some reason she decided to climb on to me first.
It was the start of a beautiful but strangely one-sided friendship. Ella, a ridgeback-staffie cross, was the perfect dog: playful, energetic, naughty and tolerant. She would let us poke and prod her without complaint, turn her ears inside-out or dress her up in T-shirts or the thick woollen poncho my Greek Cypriot grandma knitted her for the British winter. And she was endlessly loving, at least to the other members of the family. Me? Too often it was as if I didn’t exist. If Michael and I were sitting on the sofa, she’d bound up to him. If I came home after a day out with my dad, he was the one she’d jump at. If I tried to take her for a walk by myself, she’d drag her feet and insist that I fetch my brother.
To add insult to injury, about once a year she would do a poo in the house. Not just anywhere, though: she’d climb the stairs to my room and leave it in a neat pile on top of my bed.
I can’t pretend I wasn’t offended by Ella’s attitude – I loved her just as much as anyone. But it took me a while to realise that in her eyes we were both bitches fighting for our place in the pack. I read that dogs are 98.8% wolf, even yappy little chihuahuas. Ella was a definite she-wolf and my mother (she who opened the tin of dog food every night) was the undisputed alpha female. Ella could handle that fact, but she didn’t want to be the omega female. That was me.
Working out the reasons for Ella’s lack of sisterhood, understanding that her indifference was atavistic and not just casual, didn’t make me any less jealous of my brother, who always took great pleasure in the fact that Ella seemed to prefer him. But I resigned myself to the situation. And then one day (happy ending, anyone?) everything changed. I must have been 16 or 17, we’d been away for a fortnight in France, and when we got back it was me she ran up to first, whining and twisting with pleasure at seeing me again. After that it was like all those years of competition had never happened. We were best friends for ever, or at least for the couple of years she had left. Ella finally loved me.
“15 Years Later: A Heartwarming Moment as a Dog Celebrates its First Birthday with a Cake and a Tear of Joy”
The aging dog had been a loyal companion to its owner for 15 years and a significant part of their life. The owner wanted to show gratitude for the dog’s unwavering companionship and decided to throw it a memorable birthday party. The party preparations were filled with anticipation and thrill, as the owner carefully selected decorations such as colorful balloons and streamers to create a joyful ambiance. A large banner flaunted on the wall, proudly announcing “Happy Birthday to our beloved companion!”
With a wildly wagging tail, the dog watched in pure joy and excitement as the celebration in honor of its existence unfolded. It was beyond thrilled that its owner had invited close friends and relatives who had witnessed its unwavering loyalty and attachment to its human over the years.
The scent of delicious snacks wafted through the air, tempting both the guests and the furry friend in attendance. The host had gone above and beyond to offer an array of tasty treats that catered to both human and canine taste buds. Plates were piled high with mouth-watering food, and a one-of-a-kind dog cake stole the show, complete with crunchy biscuits and a single candle.
As the time came to cut the cake, cheers and well-wishes filled the room. Surrounded by loved ones, the dog soaked up the warmth of the attention showered upon it. With a gentle paw, the pup even helped guide the knife, playing an active role in this special moment. The cake was divided and enjoyed, a thoughtful gesture symbolizing the bond between the dog and its human companions.
Throughout the day, the pooch relished the love and affection lavished upon it. It was treated to affectionate cuddles, indulgent tummy rubs, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude. The dog was filled with a deep sense of satisfaction, aware that its mere presence had made a difference in the lives of those around it, just as they had left an indelible mark on its own being.
The festivities carried on throughout the night, with fun and entertaining activities that brought smiles and happiness to all those in attendance. Despite being older and moving at a slower pace, the dog fully immersed itself in the festivities, cherishing every moment with pure joy. It seemed as though all of its troubles and worries had vanished, replaced with an overwhelming feeling of contentment and belonging.
As the party drew to a close, the dog cozied up next to its owner’s feet, overwhelmed with a profound sense of pleasure and adoration. Tears of happiness sparkled in its eyes, a testament to the depth of its emotions. This was a moment 15 years in the making, a celebration of its very existence, and one that would forever be etched in its memory.
In the end, it turned out to be more than just a regular birthday celebration. It was an occasion to commemorate the unwavering love that a dog has for its owner. It was a tribute to the enduring affection, loyalty, and happiness that a beloved pet brings into our lives. Moreover, it served as a gentle reminder to the elderly dog that it was still valued and that its journey had been exceptional.
As the night drew in, the dog drifted off to sleep, wrapped in a cocoon of love and gratitude. In its slumber, it relived the day’s events, the laughter, and the shared moments of joy. A smile crept onto its snout as it realized that it had borne witness to a remarkable milestone: a birthday bash that celebrated a lifetime of cherished memories.
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