My Covid Canine

I’ve dreamed of having a dog all my life. My friends used to mock me, as I never had any interest in children, just dogs. My life just wasn’t conducive to having a dog. Covid changed that. And as a result, this week, after months of trying to find my dog, I was finally able to fulfill that dream.

Meet Milo Bach, named after one of my favorite protagonists, Milo from The Phantom Tollbooth. The Phantom Tollbooth is one of my all-time favorite books; I love the transformation of Milo from bored kid to involved person makes me smile. I’m looking forward to Milo’s transformation from neglected dog to happy dog.

Milo is a seven-year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS). He was rescued from a severe hoarding/puppy mill situation – there were 36 CKCS in the house. Milo spent a month at Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Services, beginning his healing process. He had dermatitis from being flea bitten and caged, along with some other issues

I was fortunate enough to adopt him this week and we’re both adapting to our new lives. We’ve been to the vet and had our anal glands expressed (add that to the list of things I never needed or wanted to know about), we’ve been to the groomer and gotten cleaned up, and we’re making lots of new friends.

Milo loves people. When we go for our walks, if he sees another person, he wants to run and play. If I say no, he’ll bark and cry. Same with other dogs. I think he’s so used to being around lots of other dogs that he misses it a little. Luckily, he has a new bestie, a neighbor’s six-month old CKCS, Leo.

My boy is still a little skittish with people, I suspect that will change in a few weeks. He loves to sleep and eat (his two favorite things). He doesn’t know any commands at all and trying to teach ‘sit’ to a dog that doesn’t understand sitting or the meaning of the word is special.

When he got to my home, instead of the luxury dog bed I’d just bought for him, he chose to sleep on the wee-wee pad on the floor. That’s improving – he’s graduated to a blanket on the floor. His Aunty Megan sent him a box of fun toys, but he doesn’t know how to play with them yet. His cousin Finn sent him an awesome dog bowl that challenges him, so he doesn’t gobble his food in thirty seconds.

We’re learning how to deal with each other. From cleaning up dog puke on the bed at 3 am, to being unable to read because there’s a dog sleeping on my arm, it’s a change, but one I’m so glad to finally experience. We’re learning.

This is him, right now. Such a good boy. We’re going to live our best lives together.

Ciao for now,

Lauren J and Milo Bach