A writer’s life is mostly solitary. As an author, you are alone with your thoughts and a computer or paper. It can be lonely. The whole experience can drive you a bit batty. However, I have found that if I have a companion animal in the room, the experience is not quite as lonely. You have someone to ‘talk’ to, even if they don’t have the foggiest idea as to what you are saying. They listen anyway. They also give you an excuse to get up and feed them, or let them out, or just play a little. They bring you great comfort just by being near.
Not that long ago – April of last year, I lost my older Poodle/Bishon Frise mix dog, Barbet. And I am sorry to say last Thursday I had to put down my dear Baby Belle, Barbet’s younger sibling. She had stopped eating and was suffering from canine dementia. As much as I didn’t want to face it – it was time. Thankfully, she passed gently and without suffering.
Belle was by far the sweetest of all the dogs I have had. She may not have been the smartest – I sometimes called her Ding-Dong (Yes, that’s a pun) as she acted clueless at times, but she sure did make me laugh when she raised her ears up and looked like the Flying Nun. She didn’t always like to cuddle, but when she did, she wouldn’t be moved for what seemed like hours. I had other nicknames for her also, like ‘Jelly Belly’ and ‘Ma Bell,’ but mostly I called her Baby Belle as she was my littlest dog.
I now have no animal in my house, and it seems quite empty. I’m not sure how long I can go without a companion to help me get through the loneliness when I am working – and for that matter the whole day and night. You will be missed dear Baby Belle. Rest in Peace.
Belle 2003 – 2019
Chasing The Tale 