The Story of Puppy

This is puppy. Sometimes known as Tortilla, sometimes Ruff Ruff. And as of this morning, Ruffy Duffy. 3 Year old got this puppy when on an outing one day with her father. They were at a thrift store and when she latched onto it, so dad caved and bought it for her. It was only a dollar, he said. Yeah but it’s probably got real fleas…and besides she never gets latched on to stuffed animals so even at a dollar it was probably a waste of money, I said.

Of course I was wrong. Puppy has been the recipient of her most loyal affections. Puppy is the one she wants at bedtime, or when she gets hurt, or when she just wants to cuddle. Sassy Pants loves Puppy.

Right before leaving for Thanksgiving in Pittsy, she was throwing Puppy around and proclaimed, Mom, watch me! I watched as she threw Puppy as high as she could. Unfortunately Puppy landed right on top of a very hot lightbulb in a very tall lamp. Immediately Puppy started to melt, singe and burn. I grabbed Puppy as quickly as possible and told her to be very careful…she could have started a fire. Then we assessed Puppy and the prognosis wasn’t good. He had a new wound that left a gaping hole in his leg like this.

Sassy Pants began to cry. Not a tantrum cry, but a sad cry. She was sobbing. Later Husband would say he’s never seen her express that emotion before. I agreed. I think it was grief. It was the first time I saw pure grief in her eyes and heart. She wouldn’t touch puppy, or even go near him. At first I thought it was because she was disturbed by the burnt and singed fur, but I actually think it’s because it was too hard and sad for her to see.

I told her I would bandage Puppy up, and while I couldn’t make him new I could at least give him a bandage that would help him feel better and be OK. Yesterday I bandaged Puppy. And for the first time since the accident she held him and cuddled.

I think we’re going to be OK.