An Ode to Orion

You are absolutely right - Orion was not a Malinois. Orion was a half husky half Australian Shepherd.

But, what breed Orion was or wasn't isn't what's important in this story. What's important is what this dog did for me. Now, I have had the pleasure of owning many dogs throughout my life and I have loved each and every one, in their own way. Orion was different. He was extra special. I don't really know how to put into words what he was to me other than if a human has a dog soulmate - he was that.

The story of Orion starts like many other dog's stories do - with needing another dog like one needs another hole in their head. At least that was my thought at the time. I'll never forget the call I got at work one day from my roomate at the time, and best friend since birth. "Umm.... the dogs are stuck together and girl dog is howling so loud that the neighbors came over and we tried spraying them with the hose".

Mind you, the dogs were to be strictly separated during girl dog's heat. Now, I know what you're all thinking..... how irresponsible etc etc etc.. and yes, you're right. All I can say is, well, shit happens. Live and learn. You're all also probably wondering what kind of psycopath names their dog "girl dog". Well, her name was Magellan and "girl dog" was my affectionate nickname for her. She was my crazy, but cute, AKC Siberian Husky. I also had an AKC Dogo Argentino, Osiris, who was a male - hence she was the girl dog and he was the boy dog. My roomate had a Australian Shepherd - Merv, who ended up doing the birds and the bees to girl dog. How we lived with all the intact dogs? well... I don't really know, but my guess is a lot of tequila was involved.

Anyway, back to Orion. 62 magical days later girl dog had her litter - a whopping three whole puppies. (Thank you, Lord, for only giving us three puppies). One Dark red puppy, one light red puppy, and one black puppy. We decided our new "designer dogs" were called Auskeys and life went on. We had absolutley no idea what we were doing, but thankfully girl dog did. Somehow no one died, all three puppies were healthy and thriving. We found some good homes for them with friends and family. We were all having the best time. But, there was one problem. A big problem. As hard as I tried, I couldn't let Orion go. I already had two dogs. I was a young college student. I felt pretty good when I remembered to feed myself something other than Coronas and managed to pay my bills on time. But he looked at me... and I looked at him.... and it just happened. That was it. He wasn't going anywhere. He sucked me in by staring at my soul right through my eyes.

I didn't really know it at the time but we had a very special connection. Life went on for many years. Girl dog was very tragically hit by a car one night and despite trying a $3000 surgery the vet couldn't save her. Osiris made it to the ripe old age of twelve with us. And after a while, it was just me and Orion. A lot of life happened during this time and we both grew older and wiser. He was my best friend, my rock, my main man. (He was also very judgemental of any boyfriend I'd bring around and nevery truly approved of any of them. Ahem.) He was my dog. And I was his human. And we just needed eachother. We were happiest together. No matter how messed up things were, he made me feel like I could get through it. And I did. Eventually he started to slow down. Couldn't see so good anymore. His hips quit working like they used to. One day, he just couldn't get up on his own anymore and a week later, in what seemed like the blink of an eye, he was gone.

I didn't truly realize our connection until he was gone and I still sit here crying about him as I type this nearly a year later. 15 years we were together from the moment he was born until the moment he died. This feeling is both the blessing and the curse of being a human who has a dog. Even though I've felt it many times before, this is one... that one... that I'll never forget. The one that wont fade over time. The one that doens't get easier. The one that can't be replaced. Even though the weight of it is very heavy for me, and the pain still very intense. I thank God every day for the gift he gave me in him and I will cherish the memory of him forever. He taught me so many things. Things about connections. Things about myself. Things I still have no idea about. Having that litter of puppies inspired me to go to Vet Tech school. Inspired me to be the person I am to this day. Exasperated my already very deep love for animals. He gave me the strength to make it through thick and thin. Added such an incredible part to my life, and as anyone else who has had the pleasure of meeting him will tell you - he was a good boy. A very charasmatic and special boy. He tells you his depth through his eyes.

In the words of one of my favorites, Chris Stapleton: "I had a revelation, as the tractor dug a hole, I can tell you right now that a dog has a soul, and I thought to myself as we burried her on the hill, I never knew me a better dog, and I guess I never will".

Now, the thought crossed my mind then, and still does now. Will I ever be able to have that same love and connection again? That I do not know.

But, I will say this - baby Hansy has been working me over. He looks at me... and I look at him.... and I just can't let him go.

❤️