Look upon this wise old canine face, which seems to be locked in an ever-present smile of expectation, when it is not in calm repose. This is the face of Dejah Thoris, Princess of Mars, her very self.
She has been a member of this household since October 4, 2013, a few weeks after her birth on or about Aug. 12 of that year. I phrase it that way because, although that’s what it says on the paper provided by the people who sold us the puppy, there are other papers that conflict with that information. After much reflection I’ve finally decided to go with the paper that says Aug. 12, 2013, and so Dejah becomes the first golden retriever of this household to celebrate her 12th birthday.
Dejah several times has threatened to depart this plane of existence before her time, most notably less than a month after her arrival, when her tendency to eat debris of all kinds led to emergency surgery to remove pebbles, mulch and sharp twigs from her digestive tract, and a couple years or so later when serious unsteadiness on her feet led to a diagnosis of Lyme disease. She has proved to be almost as tough a cookie as her human Mom, known here as Red, whose puppy Dejah became almost as much as I laid claim to Willow The Best Dog There Was™, her big sister. Dejah was afforded a mere five months as the spoiled only child before the arrival of her little sister, Summer.
This house not far from the shore of Green Bay has been the only home Dejah has ever known, and I am loathe to contemplate the inevitable time when she is no longer a part of this household. Still, there is nothing on the horizon to suggest she will not celebrate a 13th birthday or more, so while I steel myself against the inevitable, for now I enjoy her company and the daily theater of her tug-of-war with Summer over the seemingly indestructible throw rug.
I maintain the secret to achieving world peace is to embed at least one golden retriever in every home. Dejah was a mischievous puppy and has grown to be a sweet old thing with a twinkle in her brown eyes.
Happy 12th birthday, Dejah. You’ve earned this.
