Riley, My Dear
Hello Humans! Wow. One month until December 16th. The day that I finally become a dread-head, but more importantly, the day of my little girl's birthday. No, I don't have a child, but I have the closest thing to one: A doggie. My little girl Riley is and has been one of the greatest sources of light in my life since the time I got her in May of my first year in Junior High. She has always been there, no matter what I looked like, dressed like, or acted like. She was always there to listen to me, and to rest her little head on my leg, even when I was in a bad mood. Her wet doggie kisses always cheered me up and made me laugh. She would watch every random and weird movie or show that I loved to watch. She even listened to my music, no matter how loud it or my singing got.
There is a song that Paul McCartney wrote for his dog, Martha. Martha was a giant Old English Sheepdog. While my cuddle bug is a little 12 pound Shorkie, I still sing the song Martha, My Dear to her, replacing the name Martha with Riley. I even learned it on the piano for her. Every time I would start the intro, I would hear her dog tags jingling and her claws slipping on our wood floor, and into our front room she would come running. She would leap up onto the ottoman behind me, or right onto the piano bench, her little face looking up at mine, tongue out and panting from the running she just did. So, this one is for my little Riley Dent.
"Riley, my dear, though I spend my days in conversation, please remember me. Riley my love, don't forget me. Riley, my dear. Hold you head up, you silly girl. Look what you've done. When you find yourself in the thick of it, help yourself to a bit of what is all around you. Silly girl. Take a good look around you. Take a good look around to see that you and me were meant to be with each other, silly girl. Hold your hand out, you silly girl. See what you've done. When you find yourself in the thick of it, help yourself to a bit of what is all around of you, silly girl. Riley, my dear, you have always been my inspiration. Please be good to me. Riley my love, don't forget me. Riley my dear."
Right now, I'm singing this to my doggie, hoping that she hasn't forgotten me and the strong bond we had as Alpha and Beta dogs in our family's dog pack. Believe it or not, I was the Alpha dog (big surprise), and Riley was definitely the Beta dog. I hope that she remembers how we played tug of war, and how many squeaky tennis balls I gave her. I hope she remembers how to do all of her cute tricks, and that she still remembers how we spent many hours cuddling on my bed. I hope she remembers what it feels like for me to hold her, especially when she was tired or scared and rests her head on my shoulder. I hope she remembers the safety she felt beside me, especially when the fire alarm goes off, as she runs frantically around the house until she finds her way into my arms, and I cover her ears. I hope she remembers how much she hates her baths, but how awesome it feels when I brush her afterwards. I hope she remembers how much fun she has around Christmas time, when she tries to open everyone's presents early, because she likes to play with the wrapping paper and chew on what's inside.
But most of all, I hope she just remembers how much I truly love her. Stay wild, flower child.