How my Pomeranian was once a Canary

‘Early coal mines did not feature ventilation systems, so miners would routinely bring a caged canary into new coal seams. Canaries are especially sensitive to methane and carbon monoxide, which made them ideal for detecting any dangerous gas build-ups. As long as the canary in a coal mine kept singing, the miners knew their air supply was safe. A dead canary in a coal mine signaled an immediate evacuation.’



Mia (9 year old Pomeranian)  =  Canary

Me (Single 32 year old and mother to none)  =  Methane and Carbon Monoxide filled coal mine.

Before Mia came into my life, I was a single and carefree woman. I worked, went to school, enjoyed the theater and was rarely home after work. For dinner I was eating out with friends, re-heating leftovers (from restaurants when I was out with friends) or eating a nice bowl of cereal (Tony the Tiger thought I was GRRREAT!!!). I lived in a beautiful studio apartment in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods. Life was blissful!

However, a few months earlier, I made the mistake of telling my mom how much I enjoyed dog sitting my friends Pomeranian and how much I wanted one of my own. Long story short, my mom calls to tell me she got me a Pomeranian, to go pick her up. WTF! (For my non-cussing friends this means ‘What the FUDGE!). It turns out she had been abandoned by her owners and my mom rescued her. How could I say no?

So, I drove three hours to go pick up my new dog. My step-brother's daughter had already named her Princess Mia (from the Princess Diary movies). Great! Now I owned a dog I didn’t know what to do with and she was named after a nerdy princess. Whatever!!

What I didn’t know then (that I do now) is that my Mia was sent to me by God. She was like the canary being taken into the coal mine to see if it would survive. She came to live with me one week before I moved into my newly purchased condo (good timing God!). She not only survived, she taught me how to become a better person.

She taught me how to stop being self centered and self absorbed. I now had a responsibility to go home after work to feed and walk her. In return she would greet me with excitement and kisses. It took us a while to get used to each other, but she has made my life better. I know she was sent to me to prepare the way for a greater challenge to come. One year later, my 12 year old niece came to live with me full time and now I have two someones to go feed and walk after work.  (Surprisingly enough the Humane Society refuses to kennel teenagers are readily as they do Pomeranians...just and FYI)

I don’t know what I would do without my Mia, she is such a joy. I am beyond grateful for having her in my life. Did I mention she is a total Diva and considers me her staff?

Mia, (she sleeps in her own bed next to mine) as she takes over my bed every morning and watches me get ready for work.  Someone has to go to work to keep her in 'Good Girl Cookies'.