Things My Mom Said

 Like most people who believe in God and the afterlife, the last few years of her life my mom started talking about the people she was looking forward to seeing again in Heaven, if indeed it exists. 

She'd go down the list of departed family and friends. But the thing she mentioned way more often was that she couldn't wait to see our Chow Frakka again. I certainty can't blame her. Frakka was a great dog. 

 The story of how mom and Frakka bonded is touching, and they became big buddies. When we got her we were her 4th or 5th owners. She'd been shuffled around from New York to Florida to Georgia or wherever, but she settled with us in the end. We loved her and gave her a good home.

 I have to mention that some people think Chows are inherently mean but that's bullshit. There's no such thing as a bad dog, only a bad owner. Frakka was a sweetheart, and some of the sweetest dogs I've ever met have been Pitbulls. 

 Having said that, she was the baddest dog on the block, which she reluctantly proved. She never once started a fight with another dog or even growled first, but all the male dogs on the block apparently felt that it was their duty to try to take her down. 

 About every couple-dozen times I'd take her for a walk, one of the neighborhood dogs would approach her from behind with their ears pinned back. Just for kicks I'd tell them they were making a big mistake, but of course they couldn't understand me and probably wouldn't have stopped if they could've. Can't say I didn't try to warn them.

 Within thirty seconds she'd have them on their back with their throat in her mouth, knowing she could snap it if she wanted. She never did of course but she'd hold them down long enough for them to get the message, and then release her grip. 

 It only took one lesson per dog and they never messed with her again. It reminded me of Kwai Chang Caine in the Kung Fu TV series. People felt compelled to try to kick his ass too but he'd have them on the floor in seconds without breaking a sweat.

 I really hope mom got her wish. She must've said it 250 times. It says that in Heaven the lion will lie down with the lamb, so I doubt she'll be scuffling. Mom and Frakka...together for all of eternity...that's a supremely beautiful thought. Give her a pat for me.