A Wish Fulfilled

My nephew Benjamin is a unique kid. He's very laconic, laid back and a little reserved, unusual for a 10-year old boy. He speaks quietly, is a little shy, and has to study hard for his grades. But he has an infectious, joyous laugh and is very smart – not much gets by him. He is a wonderful kid, with a typical boy's love for typical boy things – skateboards, tractors, computer games. And now, he loves a little dog, who he named Sophie.

Kids and dogs just naturally go together, and Benjamin is no exception. He discovered a love for animals after bonding with his sister's dog Daisy and my dog Powder 3 years ago. He also learned that with pets comes responsibility – they need to be walked, fed, watered and taken out to "do their business". It is a responsibility he takes very seriously and does well.

He has wanted a dog of his own for a few years now, but for several reasons the time just wasn't right for his mom and dad to grant his fondest wish. This year was different. My sister had been looking for just the right dog, and finally found her just before Christmas, with the help of my niece Jessica and her friend Melissa.

In order for the puppy to be a surprise for Benjamin, my mom and I agreed to keep her at our house from Friday, December 21st until Christmas morning. From the moment she appeared on our doorstep, held in my sister's arms, Mom and I fell completely in love. At the time she didn't have a name yet (we felt naming her should be Benjamin's privilege), and we called her "little girl". She's a 12-week old, tiny, heartbreakingly adorable Dachsund-mix, and from the get-go made herself at home, established a solid relationship with her cousin Powder, and completely made herself the center of attention. She is playful, inquisitive and not afraid of anything. Mom and I became so attached to this little girl and we knew that letting her go would be hard, but we couldn't wait for Benjamin to finally get his wish.

So the big moment came. On Christmas morning Mom and I drove over to my sister's house with the puppy in Mom's lap. My niece Jessica came out to the car, took the puppy into her arms and walked into the house. Benjamin looked up and said matter-of-factly, "Oh it's a puppy." Just like that. Jessica said, somewhat indignantly (I think she was a little disappointed with Benjamin's less-than-ecstatic reaction), "She's YOUR puppy!" And Benjamin took the little dog in his arms, sat down on the sofa, and within 5 minutes had named her: Sophie. He told his mother later that the reason for his lack of excitement when she came in was because he didn't realize or believe that Sophie could actually be his.

Sophie and Benjamin are inseparable. It is a match made in heaven. He pretty much ignores his computer games, his RipStik, his DVD's, and anything else he got from Santa. Sophie sleeps in her own bed, which is on Benjamin's bed. She is truly a wish come true for a very special, deserving young boy.