Hazel came into our lives, rather by accident, on November 08, 2008. It was an auspicious date – Laura’s 13th birthday

Hazel was originally intended to be a small black and white male Papillon. He became ill and was unavailable when it was time for the pickup. I was offered a small tawny and white female in his stead. Clearly, that little girl was our destiny.

From the first moment she came home, Hazel was a wonderful mix of smart, sweet, adorable, and bossy as hell. I think those big ears are a huge part of her charm. Almost 16 years later, all of those traits remain in tact.

We already had a dog. Mickey, our rescue Sheltie, was about 8 years her senior. (We never knew his exact age). He had no real opinion about Hazel. He seemed satisfied for her to be the one in charge. They were polite room-mates, though not really friends. This is evidenced by the rather small number of photos I have of the two of them together at home.

Training a puppy in November in Vancouver is usually a rather wet challenge. Doing so in 2008, a year with record snowfall, was about as close to impossible as one could get. By mid December we were shovelling small paths in the snow for her. We would carry her outside, where she would quickly go, and then race back indoors to warmth and comfort as quickly as possible. Understandably, her training compliance was… low.

By the time spring came, Hazel was still hit and miss with the peeing outside. In a well-intended effort to accelerate her learning, we gave her a small treat every time she peed outside. It worked. It also gave us our first opportunity to see how clever she really was. Within a few days, Hazel would ‘fake pee’ for treats. To this day, she cannot go on a walk without mini-peeing about 40 times. I don’t know how she does it; that is some kind of bladder control!

Hazel loves her walks. So much so, that she will only use the backyard if she is desperate. This set us up for many walks across the day – rain or shine. I came to truly love those walks, especially the snowy winter ones with the holiday lights.

And in Spring when everything was popping up and blooming for the first time. There were so many things to sniff!

A few years after she joined our family, it became evident that Hazel just needed more exercise, more stimulation. So did Mickey. That’s when Annette became a part of our lives and I have been so grateful for her ever since.

Several times a week they would head off to walk in the woods or on the beach. I have a huge number of photos chronicling their adventures. Some of the photos and videos are quite impressive – the whole pack posing together. I struggle to get a good photo of just one dog, even with 5 or 10 tries!

The beach was a particular favourite. What’s not to love? Never one to rush into the water, Hazel was willing and able to swim with a bit of a gentle hand in. She never dug at home, but the sand was just too tempting. Put Hazel on a beach anywhere and you are going to see that smile.

Man does Hazel love her salad; for years she was more vegetarian than omnivore. There was always a small patch of weedy grass in the back garden for her to chew. The salty grass near the ocean is one of her favourites. Then there were the cruciferous vegetables and carrots at home.

She has always been a picky eater. We have tried more dog foods than I can recall and ultimately resorted to becoming her personal chef. Steak, salmon, chicken, or a tasty pork chop were all fair game. If it came from a fry pan or the oven, she was on board.

When Hazel started prednisone as part of her treatment, it was like a light went on. Suddenly our skinny little girl has some meat on her bones. For the very first time she is genuinely interested in food. She bugs us for treats, especially Weenies, and has 2 meals a day without coaxing. She eats actual dog food! (Though high end vet food only please – rabbit preferred.) She also finds clever ways to get up on the dining room table and hunt for bits. Somehow we just all find it funny; it is such a change!

I know dog clothes have been a thing for a while. I never really understood it. In the last few years Hazel has had a few sweaters and jackets for the cold damp days – but it would be a stretch to consider them a fashion statement. But she loved the attention that came with a good costume! Tragically, I do not have a photo of the year we won best team costume; I was the Wicked Witch of the West and Hazel was Dorothy – complete with little braids, and a basket with a tiny Toto inside.

There are many dog things Hazel does not really enjoy. She never fetches or carries a stick, one gets the sense it is beneath her. Although she has a few toys she would toss and chase from time to time. A pink flamingo, a hamburger and a Sponge Bob Square Pants stolen for Laura are favourites.

Car rides also not really a thing for Hazel… unless it is in the truck. The car means groomer or vet to her. She was never dumb. But the truck? The truck means we were going on an adventure! I think she enjoys all that lap time, and I do too as she really is not normally a lap fan.

In the last 2+ years the truck has come to mean Ucluelet! As soon as the travel bin comes out, Hazel is at full attention. Ucluelet means walks in the forest, running on the beach, beef jerky snacks from Coombs, watching the eagles from the deck and so many new smells. When we are in Ukee we are always together. I’m not really sure who enjoys it more.

(This is the part where I realize that maybe there are too many photos. And I have switched tenses from present to past and back again for no easily explained reason. Its a feeling thing. And since this is my blog post, in honour of this little Hazey I loved – I ask you to be patient.)

Wandering somewhat aimlessly through the house today, I did a count of dog beds. Six! We have six dog beds spread all through the house, plus one for the car, and a few handy pillow stacks… just in case. Hazel loves curling up for a snooze. Her ability to be fully and completely in a nap is impressive. Her favourite place? Well, that is on the couch, where she can usually be found pressed against my right side. I will miss that warm little spot. Rick and Laura were always excellent options if I was busy or getting up and down too much for her liking. She really does not like to be disturbed.

And now the beds are all empty. As is the couch, and the pillows by the door, and the chairs on the deck.

When Annette came to say good-bye, we talked about giving the spirit time. I think Hazel is ready. But if she isn’t, there are six little beds still in their spots, a leash by the door, a water bowl filled with fresh water, a couple of snacks in my office, and an open package of weenies on the counter – just in case she wants one more for the road.

I am doing what I can to manage. We all are. I imagine there will be a great deal or cleaning and re-organizing in our future; it is something that gives me respite. And all the while I will be wondering, how many Hazel memorials are too much? Or enough?

I will miss the little thump each morning when she jumps out of our bed to come find me. There is no one to stare at me until I get up to take her for her evening walk. And no one to stomp her little feet and chase me to bed, at too early of an hour, where I will read and she will cuddle and snore.

I feel fortunate to have had such a dear little spirit in my life. Hazel was a joy and a comfort and my friend. And now there is a gaping hole in my heart.

Pops, please keep an eye out for her. She will be happiest sitting on a couch, pressed up against the leg of someone she loves.