My Best Friend

Who is your best friend? Is it a family member who knows you inside and out? A friend you've had for a lifetime? Someone who unexpectedly came into your life and brings out your most positive qualities?

For me, my best friend is this little guy! He might just seem like any other family pet, but Tiny is so much more than that. At the risk of sounding overly sentimental, I will go as far as to say he saved my life!

Anybody who has felt depressed can understand the toll it takes on the quality of your life. I love my family, but I felt hopeless being unable to find work, having very few friendships from all our frequent moves, and feeling stuck at home since I didn't have my license. My lack of motivation probably didn't help either. When you go through life alternating between sleeping the day away and feeling sorry for yourself, it can be difficult to find happiness and a sense of purpose.

I, a young woman with long, dyed red hair, sitting on a rustic wooden staircase while holding a white maltipoo terrier in my lap

I got to thinking that maybe having a pet might bring joy to my life. I begged my mom for a dog... for a year! She kept saying no, but honestly, I can't blame her since I didn't exactly have the best track record for taking care of our family pets when I was a kid and she was stuck having to pick up the slack. Ultimately, she decided to give me another chance after I promised her that, as an adult, I would make a more genuine effort to be a responsible dog owner.

I, a young woman, sitting on a rustic wooden deck with my legs hanging over the edge. A small white maltipoo terrier is sitting on my lap and he's wearing a small, wool-lined denim jacket while I playfully hold two fingers behind his head

I did my research to find a reputable breeder. I ended up not being able to go with my first choice, but the universe put me exactly where I needed to be. When I arrived at the location to see what the breeder had to offer, I was presented with this shaggy ball of white fur, the runt of the litter.

From the moment the breeder placed him in front of me, and Tiny rolled over to show me his little belly, it was love at first sight! I had never felt a connection with any of my other pets and I could tell Tiny would be very special and I was excited to take him home with me.

As Tiny grew older, I started noticing that he didn't exactly look like a Maltipoo like I expected. Was the breeder not as reputable as I had thought? Was Tiny really 50% toy poodle and 50% maltese? While his credentials are honestly a bit questionable at this point, I can tell you he is still 100% without a doubt perfect for me!

Tiny is a certified service animal who has provided me comfort and companionship and is probably the most naturally well-behaved dog you'll ever meet! Even when we're out and about running our errands, he receives so many compliments about his exceptional behavior. He sits patiently in car rides, is kind to anyone that approaches him, and he even puts up with me when I dress him up! lol! I definitely lucked out!

Tiny has truly changed me. He has helped me to become more affectionate, has brought out my maternal instincts, and has taught me that love can truly come from unexpected places. I didn't know I had so much love to give until Tiny came into my life.

There is definitely truth behind the saying that dogs are man's best friend. Tiny's love is unconditional, he has unwavering loyalty, and has been invaluable to my health and well-being. When you have a disability, it's so easy to become overwhelmed by your challenges and circumstances. But when you have the privilege of having a companion like Tiny, it's amazing how a 10lb creature can help to lift the weight of the world off your shoulders.

Photo Credits: Victor (https://www.modelmayhem.com/4593456)