Joyful Pup Power
All writers have muses–mine just happen to be joyful shih tzu pups.
Our beloved Kona, whose dark chocolate puppy coat turned blonde as he got older, was so sweet and affectionate. He was smushy and cuddly, and spoke to us in sniffy snorts. He had soulful eyes and a tongue that was always adorably sticking out. He was gentle with all his toys and delighted in being near everyone he loved to the point where he couldn’t get close enough. He’d sit curled up in my lap or nestled beside me while I wrote. Kona was our constant when it came to cozies. When he passed over the rainbow bridge in 2022, we were bereft.
The say love comes back to you in a different form and Poirot has proven that to be true. At five pounds, Poirot is silly and fearless. He destroys toys, runs around the house with a giant duckie that’s as big as he is gripped in his jaw. But he’s also a massive cuddler. As soon as he came into our lives, he acted as if he’d known us for 14 years…which, of course, he had. Sweet Kona imbued Poirot with pluck and joyousness, along every ounce of cozy. Poirot nestles against me while I write, like he knows the routine, like he’s been doing this for far longer than three years. Because he has.
The power of puppies cannot be overstated. The unconditional love and the abiding joy they bring are gifts that we’re so lucky to receive. Kona and Poirot have been my loving sidekicks while writing Recipe for Joy. Which, makes sense, because if there’s one thing that’s true, they are a recipe for joy.
Enjoy the Joyful (randomly arranged) Photos!
