Letters To Lyla

Dear Lyla,

We are dog people. We appreciate the stealthy mannerisms and general “guardian of the underworld” vibe that cats give off; but we are dog people. Specifically, we are lovers of Boston Terriers. If I had a quarter for every time I heard “hey your dog looks like he was chasing parked cars,” I would be comfortable; if I had a dollar for every time my dogs with the smashed in faces elicited squeals of delight from total strangers we could buy our own island. At your age you have already been owned by several Boston Terriers and by the time you are grown you will most likely be unable to look at any other breed with as much love and trust as you do the black and whites. What you already know is that dogs are fun to play with, they warm cold toes, they try to hog the blankets on the couch, they eat stray crayons and they are considered members of the family. What you will learn is that they become much more important as you grow older. In a few years, after you have gotten over the need to dress your dog up and she has gotten over the trauma, the two of you will become inseparable playmates. Your entrance into a room will inspire eagerness in her rather than an assessment of the fastest escape route. You will look forward to naps because she will be your snuggle buddy; she already loves to nap she is just waiting for you to get with the program. When you hit double digits it will more than likely be time to say goodbye to your beloved Gigi as she is already nine and starting to go white around her eyes and muzzle. You will miss her terribly but be consoled by the fact that Bumpa will have a playmate in heaven and all of her toys will no longer be missing their squeakers. At that time we will both plead with Daddy to let us get another Boston as no home should be without one, he will eventually acquiesce and we will again be owned by a short snouted pup with bat shaped ears and tuxedo like markings. When you are a teen you will tell all of your secrets to your furry confidant, you will shed tears and your best friend will lick your face like mad trying to make it stop. You will be comforted by your dog; she will give you a sense of belonging and purpose. Once you have left home and you embrace the world beyond Waverly you will measure others by their penchant for the canine. You will learn that while you can be friends with someone who doesn’t like dogs, something will always be just a bit off. You will decide that if your significant other cannot abide dogs in the house, you cannot abide your significant other. It is possible that you will make significant decisions in your life based on the ability to be owned by a dog; makes sense to me. We are dog people Little One; it is your destiny to be owned and loved by a dog and it is the one of the best gifts that Daddy and I could ever give to you beyond our own love and affection.