Myra, Our Guest

Myra, Our Guest

The weekend loomed ahead. I was in a state of limbo. Random thoughts like little pieces of paper would stick momentarily in my mind but nothing tangible to give it shape in writing. I guess I was afflicted by writer’s block. The rows of books on the shelf had lost its lure; music was unable to soothe my nerves. The movie buff in me was just not interested in staring at a screen and indulging in a celluloid world. Just as I was beginning to think how to while away my time in a more constructive way, my son throws this bombshell on Friday afternoon. On returning from school he asks me, “Ma can we keep my friend’s five month old pup for two days?” It was a surprise and not a very pleasant one because I knew my mom is not very fond of dogs and staying with her I had to follow some guidelines. Besides I was not in the mood to take on another responsibility even if that was for two days. But I didn’t have the heart to say “no” to my son, knowing how much he loves dogs and would do anything to have one in the house even if it is a temporary arrangement. Besides I thought it was only for the weekend and Ron can take care of the pup, I don’t want anything to do with her. It turned out our guest was to stay with us till Tuesday.

As luck would have it, Myra, our guest arrived when Ron was not in the house. I had to single handedly take on the responsibility of welcoming her. From the look in her eyes I could tell she was nervous and sad that she had to stay away from her mistress, namely Ron’s friend. I couldn't resist Myra, she had such a tender look that I fussed over her which prompted Ron’s friend to say “you really love dogs don’t you?” Yes I love dogs but having gone through a never ending nightmare with one a couple of years back had stripped me of all desires to have one again in this lifetime. I was so bitter and angry that despite having grown up with dogs in the house I no longer thought I had it in me to keep one again.

Myra adapted to her temporary dwelling quite effortlessly, after a little whining when her mistress left and she and I took to each other immediately. I played with her, wrestled with her, hugged her, kissed her and she in turn slobbered me till Ron came home. She was a bit shy initially with Ron but was soon following him around the house. Friday night was an exciting night for Myra in terms of the unknown. First she comes to stay amongst strangers then she gets to take a drive to my friend’s where we were going for dinner. I called my friend to tell her that I am bringing a guest with us. She tried guessing but I told her it was a surprise and what a surprise! The entire time we were there Myra was the center of attraction. She thoroughly made the most of her night out. She was so adorable!

She is the most well behaved pup I have come across. I was dreading her chewing up everything that came across her path. The first night we kept everything that could be chewed out of her reach but we realized that our fears were misplaced. All she needed was a ball that she could chew on and play with. As for soiling the house she would inform us by whining that she needed to go out and relieve herself.

I don’t know how the weekend flew. Every moment with her we were getting attached to her, both Ron and I would keep telling each other that she was just a guest who will leave soon and we shouldn’t get too fond of her. But we were totally in love with this beautiful Labrador pup.

Myra leaves tomorrow. I know we will miss her terribly but life goes on. I don’t even know if I will ever see her again but she was an angel who showered us with love and joy. She was like a balm to my frayed nerves; she was like a breath of fresh air with her unconditional love and her playfulness. She has healed me, she has filled me with her love so much that I am toying with the idea of having a dog in the house. Even my mother couldn’t help but notice how adorable and well behaved a pup she was. She would follow my mom despite all the discouragement. Somehow in these three days Myra has managed to wriggle herself into our hearts. I suppose we all needed a dose of love and so god sent us this angel to fill our days with laughter and a sense of purpose.