INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Maizie Taylor, a 1-year-old black Labrador retriever, has been yapping to me for weeks about how fabulous her life has become.
“I get it, Maizie,” I said. “You’ve hit the jackpot and you want me and anyone who will listen to know.”
“Exactly, Bonzo,” Maizie said wagging her tail with enthusiasm, “That’s what your column is all about, right? Dog buddies write to you because we want to share our stories.”
“Absolutely,” I said. “Go for it, Maizie. I’m all nose and ears.”
“Well, my siblings and I found ourselves in an unfortunate situation,” Maizie explained. “I was the smallest of my pack. A nice man picked us up and dropped us off at H.A.L.O.
“That was the first good turn of events, because then a pawsome lady named Margaret Wall became my foster mom. Margaret taught me my good manners. She made sure my forever family was a perfect fit, and that it met her standards with lots of love to go around.
“My new forever family includes my mom Kimberly Taylor, who works for Dale Sorenson Real Estate on the beach and makes sure humans have a perfect fit with the homes they buy.
“I also have a little human sister, Aleksandra. Alek is super fun to play ball with. She has other little human friends who come over to jump on the trampoline. I like to run around the trampoline to see if I can catch the little humans.”
Hmm. Good luck with that.
“Do you have any doggy friends, Maizie?” I asked.
“Of course, Bonzo,” Maizie said. “Sometimes my neighborhood dog buddies come over for play dates. And I’ll let you in on a secret Bonz. I have a doggy boyfriend.”
“Oh really,” I said.
Now this was getting interesting …
“I’ll keep your secret, Maizie,” I said with a faux wink. “Who’s your boyfriend?”
“You promise this is off the record, right, Bonzo?” Maizie asked cautiously.
“Cross my paw, uh, I mean heart, Maizie,” I replied.
“Well, OK,” Maizie said. “I actually met him at my dog sitter’s. His name is Mako and he’s a mix of Bassett hound and Australian shepherd.
“Mako and I had our first birthday this past February. We share the same sign and we’re in love.”
Oh brother …
“The first time Mako saw me,” Maizie said, “he ripped the fence down to get to me. When I visit with my dog sitter, I cry at the fence until Mako comes to me …”
“So, Maizie,” I interrupted. “You really have hit the jackpot with your new life. Anything else you’d like to share?”
“Sorry, Bonz,” Maizie said. “I didn’t mean to go on about Mako. But my mom says I am super smart and very sweet. Mom and Alek are so happy that I am a member of their family.
“I also would like to say I hope anyone who considering getting a dog will check out the shelters first before going to a breeder.”
Good advice, Maizie.
Till next time,
The Bonz