Friday, when I was sewing and needed some navy thread, I reached for this old wooden spool. It’s been with my sewing supplies for a long, long time. Note the creative chewing that’s been done on the spool. That was the work of this fellow:
I don’t talk about my dog Hamlet much. He was with me during some of the most tumultuous years of my life. When I got him, he was pitched as a “dachshund.” I even saw his mother, who was indeed a dachshund. But Mama clearly fooled around with some sort of terrier or terrier mix, because Hamlet ended up looking a lot like a wirehaired dachshund but was basically a mutt.
It’s not Hamlet’s fault that he was along during the years I made most of my worst decisions and bad mistakes in judgment. In the long run, he was a better friend to me than I was to him, but I did love him very much. I managed to grow up in spite of myself, and the things he taught me have benefitted every dog who’s come into my life since.
It wasn’t all sad and bad times. Hamlet was sweet and a lot of fun. He earned nicknames from everyone who knew him: Hambone, Hamhock, Omelet, Giblet, Gimlet, among others. Here’s one of my favorite photos of him. Lynne is holding her friend Doug’s dog Chris, who looked like a giant version of Hamlet. I always loved seeing them together.
I can never go back and fix my stupid choices from the worst years of my life. I’m glad Hamlet was with me, and naming Keelie’s hamster Hamlet in A Coventry Christmas was my thank-you to a loyal companion.
I always think that Dash, who is kissing my knee right now, is a better friend to me than I have been to him… I think that way with Chelsea and Trixie too … Hamlet looks like a treasure. Damn you Becky, I am teary — don’t write sad when I am sick
I’m sorry. =(
Damn, that Hamlet was cute.
He was. =)
I sometimes think about the horrible choices I made during the worst years of my life. And then I am moved to be deeply grateful that I survived. Experience is a profound teacher and I am glad that I listened. I no longer mourn what I lost. I rejoice in what I have. Life is good.
Life is good! I’m glad we’re both here to say so. =)
I embrace a similar philosophy, though some residual remorse lingers in my cells–maybe because it’s my nature to “fix” things. It’s been a lifelong process learning to let things be–even memories.
I love how animals are there for us, and love us, no matter what dumb choices we make. Lots of times they’re far better friends than some people!
Hamlet was a cute little guy. And I love knowing the backstory of Keelie’s hamster’s name!
Thank you. =)
Hambone!!! I loved that cute little fellow. He was a great buddy.
there is a dog here in Green Acres that is a middle-sized version – bigger than Hamlet, smaller than Chris. i smile everytime i see him/her walking its people.
much about unconditional love can be learned from a dog.
I have another photo of you helping him play piano. You were a very musical duo. =)