The Three of Us

After what seemed like a long time, we are finally getting to a place I hear them call St. Lambert.

I open my eyes and look up at my new mom.

“Oh, hello little one.  Did you have a good nap?” she asks me lovingly.

I sure did, Momma.

“Appy, we are almost there, and you’re going to meet Sambuca!”

Okay, great. But you still haven’t explained red wine or auntie to me. What is a Sambuca?

(I did learn later that Sambuca is named after an alcohol drink that tastes like black licorice, and I’m named after my mom’s favourite red wine, Apothic Red.  Hmmmm, are we seeing a pattern?) 

“Sambuca and I decided to expand our four-legged family a few months ago. It’s been just her and I for nine years and Sambuca is my precious love.”

“It will take some time, but she will get used to you.  She’s your big sister now.” 

Now I’m even more curious. “What’s a big sister?”

It was as if she read my mind, “A big sister is very special.  You are now part of my family.  Sambuca will look out for you and protect you.  If you’re lucky, some time soon she will love you too.”

That sounds awesome!

“Appy, you are going to learn quickly that Sambuca is the alpha dog.  She is nine years old, and you’re just a little pup.  You will want to play with her and, sometimes, she won’t be in the mood.  So, you will have to respect that.” 

Blah, blah, blah…..Did she say play??  I love to play! 

Auntie Amelia pushes a button, and a garage door opens.  “Appy we are here!!!” she turns to me.  “Don’t worry little one, Sambuca is a great girl.  You will be fine.”

We are underground and it’s a little cold.  Tanya picks me up from her lap and we get out of the car and go inside.

Greeting us is a white miniature Schnauzer. My new mom smiles and crouches down.  “Hello Sambuca.  Hello my girl.  Look what I have!!!”

Sambuca is super excited to see Tanya and licks her face. “Momma!  Momma!  You’re back.  I missed you so much.”

 “Sambuca, look what I have!  This is your new little sister.  I told you about her a few weeks ago.  This is Appy.”

Sambuca gives me a few sniffs.

I am in awe.  Wow!  So, this is a big sister.  She’s beautiful, with big brown eyes and white fur.  And she’s a lot bigger than me!

My mom puts me down on the floor and I walk a little to stretch my legs. 

Sambuca is watching me intently. 

I slowly move toward her.  I can tell she’s not too sure about me.

“Sambuca, it’s okay.  This is Appy.”  Tanya reassures her.

I sniff her again. She smells good!  Sambuca backs up. 

Tanya starts to pet both Sambuca and me. “Momma, has enough love for both of you.  Don’t worry.  I am so lucky! Now I have two girls!” She kisses Sambuca. 

“And now we have an Appy!”  I get a big kiss too.

I am okay.  I feel it.  I know it. This is good!

My human seems like a good, kind, caring human.  I mean, she already has a dog, so that is a plus. And she just told us she has enough love for both my big sis and me.

I think I will leave Sambuca alone for a bit.  She doesn’t seem quite so sure about me.  I don’t know what nine years old is, but I get the feeling she has been around for a while.  I am so much smaller in size compared to her. I do hope she doesn’t eat me!

I can tell Tanya and Sambuca are very close and there is a special bond between them. 

I know, one day, I will have a special bond with my new mom and my big sister.

Pretty sure I’m in good hands here.

I just have a good feeling.

I think I lucked out.

Tanya picked me, out of all puppies in the world, to join her family of two.

And now we are three. 

The Three of Us.