Blog reader Mary wrote a great line, she made a reference to “The Princess and her playmate, the Slumdog.” It just clicked, it is the perfect description of the two of them.
I don’t know if dogs are aware of class or not, I sense they do in their own way. Zinnia was raised in luxury and has had very few moments of trouble in her life, But lived in Hell for more than two years, and still is triggered by sudden movements or noises.
Bud is a small dog, but like many terriers, he is a tough dog with a very big heart. He terrorizes donkeys, sheep, and chickens, but adores Zinnia and Fate and us.
There are no signs of class issues, Zinnia adores Bud, he adores her, they are always together. But has the look of an Old Soul, his eyes sometimes tell the story of his life.
Zinnia cannot really comprehend trouble or disappointment, to my knowledge, she has experienced neither, except having a dead rabbit pulled out of her mouth before she could eat it or carry it into the house.
The Slumdog has come a long way, he is always evolving, always healing, but his confidence and smarts and loyalty were not, I think every touched. I love the idea of the Princes and the Slumdog. I won’t write it, but it would sure make a nice story.
This is sweet. Thanks, Jon. That slumdog hit the jackpot in his “rescued” home. He is the slumdog..millionaire now. Zinnia can’t help her debutante Princess status. At least she rolls in the mud to get her perfect white coat and elbow length gloves filthy every now and then. She can slum it on a farm with the best of them.
The Princess bounds merrily through a field of fiery wild flowers. She looks happy. She looks full of joy and her white coat shimmers in the summer sun. She presents an air of wholesome privledge, yet deep down she carries the pressure of perfection. She spent her youth in cotillion learning manners and how to hold her shoulders erect. She can sit, shake, lie down and roll over without flaw. Everyone admires her. Everyone adores her. She is a people pleaser. After she makes her debut at the ball, she finally will be free at last.
Her parents would never approve of Bud. He would never rise to the ranks of a beautillion ball. He isn’t the long, lean wealthy type, but his heart is authentic. He doesn’t care about airs and appearances, he loves with his whole heart. He is a lifetime love; a lifetime playmate. He understands struggle and exudes joy. She secretly loves him. She doesn’t care that some call him a Slum Dog. She doesn’t care that he murders chipmunks for sport. He finds her beautiful when she surreptitiously dives into the muddy pond. He loves her for who she really is. He doesn’t give a crap if she can sit, stay, shake, lie down or roll over. She is going to spend the rest of her life with him. He is the one.
What a sweet photo of Bud.
Best photo of Bud ever! He looks so sweet and innocent and kind of shy. But behind those big brown eyes is one tough resilient little dog. Judging by his picture, you’d never guess the hardships he was forced to endure early in life. And in the end he winds up with the beautiful blond, Zinnia. Love it!
Do dogs remember their pasts—or do they just live “in the day” as they evolve? Whichever, Bud is one beautiful, perky, and fortunate dog to have ended up on Bedlam Farm with such good caregivers and playmates.