Ella Ella Bo Bella

"A true friend leaves paw prints on your heart."

In his book Going Home, Jon Katz writes, “Kids are the purest animal lovers in the world. Psychologists have long noted the power of animal friendships and fantasies in the development of children. So there are special challenges in talking to children about the death of a family pet.” (pg 129)

When it comes to balls, chew bones, treats, blankets, swimming, naps and playing with a certain 5 year old, Maizey can’t get enough. If the bond between John and Maizey is Gorilla Glue, then the bond between Maizey and Ella must be Silly Putty. It’s hard to know who loves this crazy dog more, John, his daughter, Ashley, or his granddaughter, Eleyiana. One thing’s for sure, Maizey does not lack for attention.

Eleyiana was a baby when she and Maizey met for the first time. It was love at first sight, on both sides. As Ella has grown, so has their relationship. It's as if time stands still between Ella’s visits. When she comes to Florida, the girl and the dog pick up where they left off. Throw Buddy into the mix and you’ve got a genuine 3-ring circus going on day and night. They play, swim, and sleep together. The noise level rises by several decibels. The barking, the running inside and out, the back door slamming are punctuated by high pitched squeals that only 5 year old girls can make. It’s a delight to see, but not so easy on the ears.

When Ella comes to town, John, aka GPa, prepares perhaps the best ever sleep over environment. He piles pillows and blankets on the bed, on the floor, and in a pink tent. It’s more a game of musical beds than first come first served. Ella might start out in the tent, but Maizey is there in the morning. Buddy can be found in a wooden, blanket-lined crib that looks out over the driveway or wedged into the tent with his lala. If Peppa Pig can be found under all the covers, she's usually a bit wet from dog drool. (Neither of our well-mannered dogs would try to eat Peppa. They do, however, like to toss her around.) John wakes up bleary eyed from lack of sleep. The day doesn't start until GPa gets coffee, Ella gets donuts and Maizey checks the perimeter for squirrels.

Ella’s most recent visit was the longest she's been here without her mom. Camp GPa lasted almost two weeks. In that time Ella mastered jumping onto a noodle in the middle of the pool; went to baseball games and saw fireworks; became an ace pooper scooper; learned how to give Maizey medicine stuffed steak and cheese; chased Buddy until he cried "Uncle" and collapsed. Mostly the 4 Muskateers swam -- in the morning, in the evening, in the rain. 

Stand Up for Someone with Cancer  Night
with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Giving Maizey her medicine

Ella doesn’t know anything about cancer and tumors, but she does understand that Maizey is sick. GPa explained to her that Maizey wouldn’t be with us much longer. It helped that Ella has some experience and knows pets die and go to heaven. Along with all the fun times, Ella spent quiet times with Maizey, massaging and loving her. She said goodbye in her own way, the way children do, without a lot of drama. 

Sometimes a pat on the head, an extra piece of cheese, or sharing a nap is the best way to say "Goodbye. Thanks for being my friend. I love you.”