The Life of Mei

Hi everyone, I’m Mei! I own, Gill who works at PetFocus Bedford South. In October 2006 I was 10 months old and found myself at the Calgary North Veterinary Hospital after being surrendered by my family who couldn’t handle my energy level. I wasn’t scared though because everyone was so nice to me. I saw this one girl in particular who I just felt drawn to. I escaped my kennel a couple of times and ran over to her and sat on her foot. I didn’t know this, but apparently, I was choosing her, and she became my mom!

On my first night in my new home, I was a little nervous and excited. My mom had my bed all set up in her room, a food and water bowl and plenty of toys. I liked my toys, but my mom’s cousin Matt lived with us too, and he had a soccer ball that I, unfortunately, bit a hole in, no matter how many times it was taken away from me! (Sorry Matty!) The next few months we did lots of walking with our friends (we made so many friends) and lots of training as I hadn’t had much of that. I had to wear this “thing” on my face (I guess it’s called a Halti) when we walked because I just wanted to PULL PULL PULL.

I became a blood donor at the hospital where my mom worked, and I was told that I helped save lives! That made me happy because it seemed to make everyone else around me happy too. I loved Calgary, but little did I know, mom was longing to be back on the East coast where she grew up. I noticed things were being packed and our place seemed to have less and less “stuff” in it, and one night a friend of ours picked us up in his truck and took us to the airport. Mom cried and cried as the nice airline people took me away in my crate, but I had a towel that smelled like her and lots of comfy blankets, so I wasn’t nervous at all. After lots of noise and darkness, I was pushed onto a conveyer belt, and there was my mom! We were very excited to see one another.

That day we moved into our apartment where we would live for the next five years, and I loved it. We went on great walks, there was a field down the street where I could run, and I made lots of new friends. One day one of our friends took us to the OCEAN! I was in heaven. This was where I was meant to be. I could spend hours or even days swimming in any body of water, but the ocean is the best. I especially like to drink that water even though it’s not good for me and gave me the trots on more than one occasion. Any chance I get to bolt to the water, I do so. I also enjoy camping. I’ve only been a couple of times, but I like it so much that I stay awake the whole time, so I don’t miss anything.

Almost six years ago we moved into our house outside of the city. It’s a great place and much quieter than the apartment. I have three best friends who live just around the corner from me and a golf course down the road that I’m allowed on in the winter. Whenever my mom goes away, I stay with two of my besties and their mom, and it’s basically my own vacation (that I’m exhausted from when I go home). There are two little kids who live next door with their parents, and I love them all so, so much! Especially the dad and the little girl. They always give me nice pets and tell me I’m a pretty girl. My mom’s parents and sister don’t live far away either, so I see them a lot and my 9-year-old human cousin, who very well might be one of my most favourite humans. She and I have been kindred spirits ever since she was a wee baby.

Over the years we’ve had various canine houseguests, and that is so much fun! I like being an only dog, but the occasional visitor/playmate is always welcome. I won’t lie though; I like it when they have to sleep in a crate instead of mom’s room. That way I still get her all to myself for the night. I’m 12 years old now, and I really can’t say anything bad about my life so far. My mom loves me dearly and picks up my hind end whenever I’m too weak to do it for myself. She feeds me, gives me treats and is constantly kissing my head and telling me to never leave. My human and dog friends alike are all the best!!! So much love and attention I get. Everyone says I’m holding my own very well for an old girl, so I’ll take it. All in all, I’ve to lead a pretty charmed life. I hope you enjoyed reading my story and if you ever see me hanging around the clinic with my mom, treats are always welcome! Woof Woof!

Written by Gill Peters, CCS