Dakota

Cleopatra (formerly Dakota and now known as Cleo, her highness, the Queen, etc.) has been a joy from day one. When I took her home at the end of September, I had just learned that my foster Myla was in stage 3 kidney failure. I worried about taking care of both of their needs, and worked hard to make sure Myla didn’t feel replaced and Cleo felt welcome. After a bit of posturing, the two became buddies. Cleo seemed to understand that Myla was delicate and treated her with great gentleness, even when Myla was not gentle with her. Cleo was and has always been easy, so long as she gets sufficient attention. Like her Labby brethren, she loves affection and attention almost as much as she loves to eat.

Last December, Myla started failing very quickly. Before the vet arrived to put Myla to sleep, Myla was shaking very badly and wouldn’t take any food or medicine. I felt helpless until Cleo saved the day. She crawled into bed and rested her head on Myla. Within seconds, Myla stopped shaking and relaxed. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her. The next morning, when I was feeling sad over Myla’s loss, Cleo was by my bed wagging her tail, reminding me that she was very much alive and that she wanted her life to be a happy one. Again, she gave me just what was needed at just the right time. I got up, took her out and she chased the tennis ball with gusto.

Cleo is my greatest companion. She is velcro and always happy. She took to hiking quickly and has proved to be a great companion for me on the trails. She is smart and loves to learn. Cleo completed the first 2 levels of obedience training easily and passed her Canine Good Citizen test last winter. This week, she will be starting a new class called brain games for extra mental stimulation. I’m told she will learn to read cue cards, choose colors, and identify toys by name.

Cleo came into my life when I needed her most and enriches it every day. I can’t believe how lucky I am that she is my constant, loyal companion. She is everything I wanted in a dog and everything I didn’t know I wanted too. I could go on and on praising this dog, but I know I don’t have to explain since you all likely feel the same way about your precious pups. Thank you, Brookline, and special thanks to Lisa B. for fostering her and Deb H. for springing her and otherwise being so helpful.