Vanity
Dear Vanity,
How can I start this letter without shedding tears? I don’t think I really understood what you meant to me until it got closer to the end. Do you remember when we met? I saw your picture on puppyfind.com after I decided on the breed of “toy poodle”. You looked like a little grey sheep and I fell in love immediately, all before I knew what I would call you. The name, what should I call this beautiful little girl who I hoped would never leave my side like a shadow? Vanity! Your name was Vanity. The name had a lot to do with what some people would call shame; since it’s frowned upon to be vain, but I was proud of your name, and proud to have you. I already knew that I would pour so much love into you. It was strange because I did not have the courage to pour even half of that into me. And so, that was your beautiful name. Vanity
The breeder in Georgia started to call you by your name before she shipped you to NY by plane. I met you at the airport that crazy and exciting day. I left work early to pick you up at JFK so that I would be the first person you saw. In your little travel kennel I saw you and called your name. You looked so happy and relieved that someone knew who you were. I never told you my name Vanity, and you never asked, but you knew me by sight, sound, smell and touch. You slept in my lap all the way home and then we went shopping for your outfits, a collar, some toys and a bed that very same day. You stole my heart Vanity, and everyone who has ever met you since then.
Oh Vanity, why were you the sweetest, most loving dog that I ever met? You always behaved so well, and your mannerisms like royalty with a fair amount of humility, I was a proud mom. You were so quiet and only barked when asked to, or whined when you needed something which was not often. You were so easy to train, and you trained me too. You loved me and I loved you. You found me when I found you. You have been there for me from that very first day when we met and I did not even know it. You would wait up for me until I got home, and I was so happy to see you every time. We had our understandings and you never gave me any real trouble. I looked forward to the only constant presence in my life, my little Vanity.
The time seemed to go by so quickly for us, and things began to change for you. There just wasn’t enough time for us. We should have went on more trips together, and had more adventures. You should have met more people and tried new treats from different places. You were supposed to meet my kids and they were supposed to love you even more than I do.
What you mean to me still remains a very big part of my life just like your presence was. Did you know I named my business after you because your presence during these past 14 years has contributed to my growth and self love? Everyone will know that the same love that went into you Vanity, is the same love I want everyone to see, and feel for themselves- just like I eventually felt for me.
I told you thank you so many times Vanity- for loving me, for being there for me, for playing with me, and making me laugh but it just does not seem like its enough. I’ll never forget the happiness we shared. Now it’s time to share “A Little Vanity” with the rest of the world.
Love,
Sagine
