“Do you ever worry people think you’re too over-the-top with your Harlow posts?” Chris asked the other night while watching a video of Harlow and I playing hide ‘n seek. (It’s winter, I have to get creative with tiring him out. Also, I love hide ‘n seek.)
“Worry? No. But am I over-the-top? I suppose,” I responded and laughed a little thinking, if you only knew…
What some may call “over-the-top,” I call a friendship for the ages.
At another point in my life I might have been embarrassed to admit just how much I enjoy my dog’s company.
How excited I get to see him after just a little time away, or how sad I get to leave him, no matter how short it might be. How I talk to him throughout the entire day and understand his every look, tail wag, and ear raise. How I can tell just by a certain glance he gives me if he wants to go outside, or if his water bowl is empty, or if he just wants to say, “hello, ear rub please.”
I work from home, and have for the past four years, so it only makes sense that Har and I have a good working relationship. We’re with each other every single hour, of every single day, after all. And so like any other best friends who get the privilege of working together, we chat all day long.
Our conversations are quite normal, (if you ask me.) We talk about the usual things; like what we’re going to have for lunch, the weather, the grumpy old Boxer at the park who means well, but damn it he is a grump. Har is always very attentive when I’m talking, (unless he finds the convo boring) at which point he promptly falls asleep.
We get the occasional odd look when we’re on a walk and someone will hear me ask Harlow which way he’d like to go, or whether or not we should stop by Lowes (Har’s favorite store) and it’s only then that I’m reminded that not everyone has the same relationship with their dog, that Har and I do.
It hasn’t always been this way. Har was a little annoying as a puppy. And I’m sure if you’d ask him, he’d tell you I was a little annoying as a 23 year old.
I’d grown up with dogs, but I’d never had one be the best friend that Har is to me. And I know now that this is only at fault to me, because that’s all any dog really wants- is to be your best friend. But like so many other things, this is just one of the many lessons Harlow had to teach me.
So while I was patting myself on the back for teaching Harlow how to use the bathroom outside, and give a high five in exchange for a treat, he was teaching me how to be more patient and kind, and just a little less selfish.
“Good dog, Harlow! You’re getting it!” I’d shout and pat him on his head. Harlow was thinking, “good human, Tay! You’re getting it!”
When Har was about ten months old, we moved him from small town, Kansas to the big city of Chicago when Chris got a new job opportunity.
Chris made new friends quite fast, because he is Chris (social.) I did not, because I am me (not social.)
But alas, there was Harlow always by my side. He saw me through lay-offs and let-downs, firings and melt-downs. He was calm and sympathetic when I needed it, but also crazy and rambunctious when I needed that (but didn’t necessarily want it.)
“Get off the couch,” he’d bark, “let’s go see what’s out there.”
And so me and my sidekick Har, explored the daunting streets of Chicago, not knowing a soul, but knowing we had to get off that damn couch.
Seven years later, we still do this daily (several times a day, in fact.) But thanks to Har’s adventurous nature, the city no longer feels so foreign and unknown. There isn’t a dog park, or treat jar, we haven’t hit up. We know them all.
So do I worry people think I’m a bit over-the-top when I write a post like this, or when I post a photo gushing my love for my dog? Not a bit. I’d hate to look back someday and think my love for my dog wasn’t “over-the-top.” He’s given me so much, I figure it’s the least I can do for him.
Because while I’m convinced he’ll live forever, small reminders keep sneaking their way in telling me that, well, he is getting a little older. A new white hair pops up on his face everyday, “making him look distinguished,” as Chris says. And every so often he needs a little extra help getting into the car. I’ll open the door and he’ll prop his front legs up and then look back at me like, “you gonna help with the rest here?”
He doesn’t beg to go outside as frequently. And while it’s kind of nice to get a break from the constant park trips, I won’t pretend that I’m not just a little heartbroken by it, as well.
But as sad as I sometimes feel when I catch a glimpse of time sneaking its way in, I know it’s just another lesson from Harlow, reminding me to make the most of it. We may not have forever, but at least we have today.
So we might as well get off the couch and see what’s out there.
Love this! And, for the record, I’m also walking the streets of Chicago with my pug, Wonton, regularly asking him where he wants to go and other questions about his life. I think the people who aren’t are the crazy ones! Dogs are everything!
I may or may not have teared up a bit reading this. Time has certainly snuck in with our sweet Baldwin as he shows his 14 years, but it’s a love like no other. I enjoy the posts, respect the friendship and love the press you give to animals who aren’t as lucky as Harlow. Keep in keepin’ on!
I’m not crying….
Beautifully said, Taylor. I feel the same about my own. We don’t deserve dogs!
Xx Cait
This is my favorite! When we had our daughter 4 months ago everyone just assumed our 2 dogs and cat would just take the back burner and are so surprised to see us still interacting and caring about them. I just wanna be like #duh?! These animals are the best kind of friends!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this. I fee the same way about my Vizsla, Skillo. I hate leaving him and I get excited coming home to him. My husband might think I am a little crazy. As time goes on, he will be 8 in February, and he gets more grey hairs, I just tear up thinking about the day he won’t greet with with that wiggle butt. ❤️
Omgoodness… I am borderline obsessed with my 10mo kitten, so I completely adore your Harlow posts! Seriously… from the day we knew he was coming home with us (my mom’s cat had kittens, and it took some convincing to get my husband to agree to a pet), Finley has taken over my Instagram.
The thought of him getting older, or something happening to him gives me the worst anxiety… make sure to give Harlow those extra hugs and cuddles… He absolutely knows how much you love him!!!
Can my pup Finn and Har have a play date and be best buds?! Tay, this post sums up all my feelings and then some about how I feel about my own dog. I also work from home, so I’m with you on feeling lucky to “work” with my best friend by my side all day, everyday. There is absolutely no such thing as obsessing or loving too much on our furry kids – like you said, we don’t have forever so we might as well give them all the love that we have while we have them. (Yeah, totally cried a little reading that). I absolutely love watching all your instastories with Har and look forward to so many more this year!
Such a sweet, sweet story ❤️ I can really feel the love! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Oof, tears welling up on this Monday morning at work! I totally relate, and love witnessing and reading about your best friendship with Harlow 🙂 I sent my beloved pup Taya (that I rescued in Africa!) to live with my mom when I moved to London and it has been so, so hard… though definitely in her best interest for the space and time with my mom, who just went through a divorce and needs Taya’s undying love and devotion more than I do now. Gulp. I just visited home for the holidays and pretty much spent the entire time spooning her – by far the highlight of my trip. Savor those days together, I miss them so! 🙂
Awww I love this post! Gurl, you post as much content as you want with Har! This is your world and you can do whatever you want 🙂 I had to giggle when you mentioned that you ask Har which way he’d like to go when you’re on walks, cause I do the same exact thing with my dog! I’m sure people give me funny looks but in my opinion, I’m outside for him, so it’s only natural to go where he’d prefer to go haha. Anyways, looking forward to more Harlow posts this year! xxx Michelle
I love this and I’m not going to pretend that I don’t do the same things with our dog Ezra. She helps me grow in ways I don’t even realize on a daily basis and she truly rules the house. I could not be more thankful for the day I decided (on a whim) to drive down to Tuscaloosa to meet a little pup who had been left in a ditch.
I think your dog posts are super sweet and not over the top at all. In fact, my best friend/dog growing up was a German shepard named Benjamin (weird name, I know but my sister was 5 when she named him). Sadly we had to put him to sleep when I was 19 and I haven’t had a dog since because I just don’t think I’ll ever love a dog as much. Instead, when my son was born 3 years ago, we named him Benjamin. Now that’s over the top 😉
I love this so much! My dogs are honestly my children…so much so that I wonder if I would love my own child as much as I love my dogs, HA! =O
Always love reading about you + Harlow!
I was not a dog person for the longest time, and I didn’t understand people who were obsessed with their dogs. And then we adopted a 10 week old puppy named Bones and my life has never been the same. He’s four now, and I love him so much that my heart overflows. It breaks my heart to leave him every day when I go to work. The unconditional love that he has for me is the greatest gift, and I’m so grateful to have him. Needless to say, I totally understand! I think there will be some people who don’t, and that’s okay, but don’t let that minimize your relationship with your pup or affect how much you share. He’s a big part of your life, and that’s a wonderful thing!
xx
Sam
Why did I cry reading this !!! dogs are everything. I love Harlow I would be so sad if there was an insta story without him in it!
One of my dogs is 12 today and I’m so glad to have rescued her. She has literally licked the tears off my face before! I talk to her all the time (along with my other dog), and they have helped me through broken relationships, bad jobs and all of the other stressful situations life has thrown my way. Love this post!!
I can totally get this bond. Before we got Edie our house seemed so empty and I’d come home and feel quite alone (husband works nights) but I’m so glad of the company now. And who doesn’t talk out loud to their dog?!!
K.
http://www.wonderingthrough.co.uk
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Currently crying. My dog (child) Emma turns 12 next month. Back in November I had quite the scare with her as she was pretty sick. Several trips to the vet with the only conclusion being “it might be” the “c” word. 2 months later she is totally healed and it’s like she never had problems! That reminded me to live it up with her!
It feels good to always relate to a post. Thank you for that.
Thank you for this post❤️ My pit bull Riot went to rainbow bridge two days ago and I am absolutely devastated. I love it when you said “I’d hate to look back someday and think my love for my dog wasn’t “over-the-top”. Looking back I am so grateful that I was never embarrassed about my ridiculous love for my dog. Everyone knew she was my number one. She still is…
I’m not expressing this properly..I’m all messed up. It just feels nice to know that you love Harlow so much.
I love this, and it made me cry.
Love this! And I may or or may not of teared up at the end. We said goodbye to our nearly 15 year old beagle last summer. 15 years of the same little dude to hang out with, seems so short, but in reality it’s difficult to understand life without them! I love seeing your posts and videos with Har. Keep them coming!
Awww I think I teared up a little. This is beautiful T_T I want a fur baby now.