Your Person is Out There, So Don’t Settle for Less

"We are all searching for our missing pieces, and when we find them, we feel complete."

– Unknown

Ella

When I was a puppy, I was found in a field in Broomfield, Colorado. The people who first took me in thought I had a bit too much energy for their family, but that’s okay, it just wasn’t the right fit. I knew my person was out there, even while I was staying at the animal shelter. When I first met the woman who was to become my forever mom, I knew she was the person for me. She was young, active, and had a big heart. I could tell right away we were kindred spirits, and I was right—we were both adventurers and liked to do many of the same things.

Mom grew up with dogs and cats (and rabbits, guinea pigs, and fish) in her family. And that’s exactly what they were, members of the family. She never looked at me as “just a dog” as some people might. I was her child from the day she brought me home. She found out pretty quickly that I wasn’t like other dogs she had loved over the years. I had a unique personality. Of course, I was loyal, but I had a mind of my own. I was smart and she appreciated my independence, given that she was independent, too. Like the elf says in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964, directed by Larry Roemer), we decided to “be independent together!” Mom watched that old movie every Christmas. It was the perfect relationship, and we both knew it. I wanted to be sure she always stayed with me, so when she returned from a trip, I would grab onto her arm with both my paws and hold on tight.

Mom dated several guys during our many years together. Some were better than others, and I got along fine with most of them. I didn’t like it one bit when Mom found herself in a relationship with an angry, controlling man who would often yell at her. Mom would mostly stand her ground, but she put up with a lot from him, thinking that he loved her. It wasn’t until one night when he yelled at me that she finally left him. She took a lot of crap from him but didn’t accept him being a jerk to me—her innocent baby.

I guess she finally realized she didn’t deserve to be treated that way, either. We all deserve to be treated with care and respect, and what he was doing to her wasn’t okay. We all make mistakes or do things we’re sorry about. That doesn’t give anyone the right to make us feel bad about ourselves. I knew when I did something I shouldn’t. I showed Mom my “I’m sorry” grin when she would get home, knowing she might be mad at first, but that she loved me and would forgive me. She would look into my sad eyes and tell me it was okay. Nothing could take away her love for me.

I was ecstatic when after that disappointing relationship, Mom met a guy who was just as kind-hearted as her. I knew immediately that this John (mom dated three guys named John in a row!), was a keeper. I think in her heart, Mom knew it too, but this John was ten years younger than her, so they were both a little cautious at first. It didn’t take them long to realize they were each other’s person.

I knew this guy was going to last when about a year after they started dating, they adopted a puppy together. I was with them when they met the little fluff ball who would eventually be named Mala. They weren’t looking for a dog, but Mala chose us. Just like my adoption, it seemed meant to be. I tried to convey that I wasn’t interested in getting a new sister, but Mom was particularly drawn to Mala when she fell asleep in Mom’s hands. They adopted Mala, and she turned out to be a good sister and a great addition to our growing family.

This third (and last) John asked Mom to marry him at the end of 2016, and about six months later, they tied the knot with Mala and me as the ring bearers. The wedding was beautiful, and Mala and I got to be there (for the ceremony at least), we didn’t get to attend the reception, much to my dismay. My smile was as wide as ever that day watching them say their vows to each other. I’m so glad Mom never settled for any of those other guys so she could meet the right one for her. I was proud that she figured out what she deserved and waited until she found it before deciding to give me a human dad. Mom had found her person at last. I always knew she would.