Dear Miss Poppy

“If you have love to give to an animal, you owe it to the world to do so”    ~ Dr. Laura

I find myself extra thankful for the really great moments sprinkled throughout my mostly quiet world.  And last week, I had a day that was filled with many

I spend the morning getting new hair.  She’s been a friend for over a decade and we’re the only two people there.  I notice a tear in her eye as she sits me down in the chair.  “Just before you got here, I found out that I’ve been approved to buy the salon.  I’m so happy and excited.”

A friend meets me after and we drive through the Iowa countryside to our favorite small-town diner.  The meatloaf sandwich was wonderful, as was the Chef Salad (and peanut butter pie)

Later in the afternoon, I’m scheduled to meet a volunteer from the animal shelter.  With an extra hour on my hands, I duck into an antique store

The sun is streaming low and I smile at the little guy napping in his stroller, his sister giddy over a huge jar of pop tabs.  There is kindness in the eyes of the cashier and laughter as she sends a customer on his way.  Chocolate chip cookies are on the counter, and their smell wafts throughout the store

“Made fresh this afternoon”

On my way out, I spot a shelf of vintage Pyrex (ever a weakness) and find a set of polka dot mixing bowls.  The kind like my grandma used to mix cookie dough in when I was a kid.  They remind me of this day that I don’t want to forget

They were worth the purchase

The first thing I used them for?  Homemade kitty treats

Admittedly, just getting through the days after Lucy’s passing had become such a struggle.  How could a house be so quiet?  There was nobody to sleep on my pillow, ride in the elevator, bat at the bubbles when I took a bath (and moments of great awkwardness, fall in!)

And so, the afternoon I made a quick stop for kitty food, bringing home a new pet was the furthest thing from my mind.  Only after I realized the kitties were from a local shelter, did I let myself to wander over.  And there you were

I went home and applied right away

— — —

Miss Poppy, your sweet spirit and incredibly social personality have felt like a rebirth, of sorts.

The daily, and almost minutely, reminders to enjoy the perfect moments in our not-so-perfect world.  There are so many.  Writing them all down would take hours and really, I just want to sit and snuggle with you.

You’ve caught onto our rhythm in record time.  Early morning eggs, sounds of the treat jar, and bird watching out the window.  You’ve discovered the fluffy spots on the sofa for napping and we’re getting up together less and less in the middle of the night

Despite our best efforts, Nala still isn’t quite on board, but I guarantee, she’ll come around.  (In the meantime, I promise to keep the catnip flowing)

⁣A few days after I brought you home, I again got out the polka-dotted mixing bowls.  This time, a batch of cookies to share with the neighbors and you tagged along as I made the deliveries.

It’s not often that we’re offered a tangible reminder of a lovelier-than-usual day

I think of this often, when I’m tempted to choose pragmatic over lovely. What extravagant lesson is hidden in the made-from-scratch kitty treats?  What stories might the unsensible shoes carry?  What memories will my days conjure .. the pride of denial or the denial of pride?⁣

A happy evening welcoming home the newest member of our family .. a sun streaming storefront .. laughter, lunch, and celebrations?
⁣⠀
The smell of chocolate chip cookies (and fresh salmon treats)?⁣⠀
⁣⠀
The latter, I pray

— — —

Welcome to our little family, sweet Poppy.  Thank you for reminding us that life is to be celebrated and that no one should ever let a day go by without tummy scratches, a nap in the sunshine, and tickly whisker kisses

I love you, so very much

xoxo