Man’s Best Friend? I never really understood it. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals just like any other average Joe and if you ask any of my friends or family they will tell you that Haylee is indeed a “cat person”, “cat fanatic”, or even “crazy cat lady.” I will even post a weekly Instagram picture of my cats, or just take a peek at my Snapchat story.

Basically, I like animals: dogs, cats, turtles, birds, and rabbits. But I never comprehended the bond between a dog and its owner. Dogs are high maintenance and sometimes loud. You have to feed them at certain times a day and take them out for walks despite any climate weather. You can not go on a vacation unless you have a responsible caretaker. Dogs are like practice children. It just always seemed like such a hassle to have a dog, and I did not get why people make such a huge deal out of loving a canine (especially the small yippy ones).

I have had my fair share of contact with dogs of all kinds, small dogs, lethargic dogs, big ones, medium sized, energetic, loud, and annoying. However, I had never truly made a bond with a dog until recently. My Aunt and Uncle agreed to watch over a Husky-German Shepherd canine named Zina.

She belonged to a man who left for the army, and he was not due back for another 6-8 months. After much time, the man never contacted my family to claim the dog. That was my Aunt and Uncle’s cue to keep Zina and make her a member of the family.

I would visit regularly, greeting the dog upon every entrance. Zina and I bonded instantly. Even my Uncle did not understand her immediate liking to me. I would sit on the coach and this gentle giant would lie straight on my lap as if she were a Chihuahua. I accepted her kindness and affection, and eventually began to care for her unlike any experience I have ever had with a dog.

One day my best friend and I decided to go on a hike through the woods on a cold and snowy day. I thought, “What a great idea to bring Zina.” I fetched her out of the house and we went on our way. The day was not without its challenges, including spilling my friend’s entire Dunkin Donuts coffee all over her car; but we adventured our hearts out anyway.

As we walked, I noticed Zina turning her head back to me on a constant basis. It was almost as if she were checking to make sure that I was indeed following her, and that I was “okay.” I realized that I really did love this dog, and this dog really did love me. I have never had a bond like this with a dog, and I did not understand this type of relationship until now. I guess you can say I am a changed woman.