All my friends in LA know Nala. Many thought she was my dog. One summer we went everywhere together, and we were known as "Neely & Nala." Even my friends who didn't really love dogs could deal with her because she ws so sweet and well behaved.
Unfortunately, she was not mine officially; she belonged to a friend whose job required travel, and he needed someone to help out. Thankfully, he had done an exceptional job training this rescue, so she had perfect manners. She did not require a leash; she would walk by your side. If you said "Nala, stop," she would pause & patiently wait.
The first time I dogsat Nala, he warned me that Nala would probably do her own thing. "She will often go in the other room, so don't worry, that's just how she is." Well.....it was not like that with us. She followed me everywhere. One time when he came to pick her up, he saw how she was with me and commented "wow, you guys really have a connection."
Nala ended up moving to Nashville, and it was hard to say goodbye. I missed her sweet face greeting me when I opened the door.
I have fond memories of my part time dog. I used to believe that I only wanted a newfoundland or a bernese mountain dog, but Nala changed my mind. She is a beautiful dog, but was different from what I thought I wanted. She made me realize it's what's on the inside that counts. Definitely relates to life beyond dogs!
