Daisy

How Daisy and our paths came to cross was serendipitous. I had been struggling with severe health symptoms which had flipped my world (and life) upside down. One of these symptoms was torturous – being completely exhausted but unable to sleep. It was 3am in the morning when, with tear-streaked cheeks, I submitted the application for Daisy’s adoption. I remember telling Mark the next morning, “by the way, I applied to adopt a bulldog”. I was too destitute at the time for him to say no, so out of pure pity I got my way. It wasn’t until 3 months later, while driving down the Deerfoot in early autumn, that I listened to the voicemail. Daisy’s original adopter had fallen through, and we were next in line! Mark still remembers the scream of excitement. Daisy was the only dog I applied for because she was the only one I wanted. Now she was coming to live with us!

We later found out Miss Daisy had dodged her destiny when, in true Daisy fashion, she had tried to nip her original adoptive family’s Frenchie. It became apparent that Daisy was best suited to live without doggy siblings, making our home a great fit.

Miss Daisy had 2 prior homes. Her first human parents’ ended their relationship and, after four years with her, gave Daisy to a family friend. Two years after this, the friend, in turn, surrendered Daisy to Alberta Bulldog Rescue when she became unable to care for her properly. The rescue rehabilitated Daisy to full health. Daisy would go on to have 4 more homes, but this time all with the same family: with us.

I can still picture the day Daisy came to live with us. She strut with confidence up the walk-way and front stairs, entering as if she owned the place. After sniffing around the house, she settled by me, her rope toy in mouth, whipping it back and forth: “Let’s Play”! My heart filled with joy; this cute, comical, playful beast would now be a part of our family.

Daisy was first and foremost, a healer. She came to me during my darkest of times. After I became ill, my life as I knew it no longer existed. I had lost my career, my hobbies, my dreams, and even many friends. I was often housebound and isolated, some days not having enough energy to do more than lie on the couch. With Daisy by my side, I had a companion. And this companion had just about as much energy as me. She even walked at my pace. Together, we explored the nearby park, ever so slowly, often sandwiching a game of tug-o-war and fetch in between the walk there and back, taking breaks along the way. We would return home and rest. She would snore and I would laugh. Her tongue sticking out as she slept, I was no longer alone.

Daisy being a healer is a juxtaposition. Amongst many delightful things, Daisy was rather aloof, generally stoic, and not overly affectionate. Don’t get me wrong, she loved her cuddles and LOVED being around her family and ALL people, but on her own terms. Because of this, she was endeared with the title “cat-dog”. Unlike your average Golden Retriever desperate for love and affection, Daisy was self-assured. She was happy to come for a cuddle when she was in the mood, and maybe even a pet. Put don’t dare invade her space uninvited, or you will get the infamous Daisy stink-eye. And DEFINITELY DON’T go in for a hug, as my chin abruptly learned early on. I still have the scars to prove how much of a non-hugger Daisy was.

By 2019, like many Albertans in their senior years, it was time for Daisy to retire in the Okanagan. Mark, Daisy, and I first moved into a basement rental in Lake Country, relocating less than a year later to our condo in Vernon, BC. Here Daisy learned just how wonderful the beach life could be. Akin more to a hippo than a Labrador, she would wade in the water, immersing most of her body while keeping her feet firmly planted on the ground. She then would find just the right spot on our beach blanket (usually the middle of it) to flop down and sun-bathe until she was thoroughly cooked, returning to the water and repeating the cycle multiple times. This girl knew how to lounge.

She also knew the good life. Daisy had 3 separate beds in the condo. One on each couch and one in front of the fireplace. Not to mention, she often had a thorough snuggle in our bed with us, sometimes staying the night. Mark and I were not only determined to be her forever family but also to provide her with the best doggy retirement experience possible.

Daisy excelled at tug-o-war, making it her sport of choice. After a good bout (and solidly kicking our butts) she would laze by the creek behind our condo. One time Daisy attempted to swim in said creek, venturing in a bit too deep. Thankfully Mom was a former lifeguard. I jumped in sandals, clothes and all, retrieving the sinking stone – no resuscitation required.

In the winter months, Daisy enjoyed the snow as much as the beach, often bounding through it to retrieve a thrown toy or rolling on her back, her little bulldog legs swinging in the air in delight. After, she would retire to her bed in front of the fireplace, or cozy up with us on the couch. On the best of nights, she would get her favorite snack – salted and buttered popcorn. It was always a good laugh watching her try to catch the kernels as we through them in the air.

It was in December of 2022 that Daisy took on a new role. With a pink “big sister” bandana tied around her neck, Daisy spread the news of her coming human sibling, a long-awaited event.

Daisy was not overly interested in my pregnant belly, but she did love my maternity pillow! She would often snuggle with me in the evening while I read my book. Despite her disinterest in pre-natal duties, during labor she proved to be a gifted doula. She lied beside me until it was time to go to the hospital. Daisy was a wise old girl and, although she was not overly affectionate, I feel she always knew what was up.

Daisy’s last home was our townhouse. We moved there 3 weeks after Freddy was born. It was a hectic, stressful move and Mark and I were constantly exhausted. In true Daisy fashion, she took it all in stride. She transitioned easily, just as she had so many times before. She continued to enjoy playing tug-o-war and was eager to join her Dad on walks by the new-to-her creek. As Freddy grew, he and Mom were able to join. I loved going for walks with all of us – our family of four.

Daisy was a patient big sister. She showed limited interest in Freddy (and Freddy her), but enjoyed watching us interact with this new little human. She never once showed any intention in harming him and when he poked her face, back paws, or even bum, she did little more than flinch. As Mark’s Mom said, “she knew Freddy was precious” to us.

Daisy continued to enjoy her walks along the creek to her favorite new park. Here she would munch on tall green grass and relax amongst the cool shade of the trees. It wasn’t until the 2024 heat wave and an unfortunate accident under my bed, that Miss Daisy started to slow down considerably. Thankfully we were able to enjoy a few family beach days together, but it was becoming apparent that things were shifting. The days before her passing she slept a lot, and I sensed something was off. I am fortunate that the Sunday evening before she transitioned, I had the energy and time to take her to the beach. I did not know it would be her last little dip. She seemed peaceful and contemplative as she relaxed on the cool grass beside me, watching other dogs play and people gather. A father and son came up to pet her, commenting on how they always wanted a bulldog. “How are they as a breed?” the Dad asked. “Absolutely incredible. Highly, highly recommend.”

We are uncertain of Daisy’s exact Birthday but when we adopted her in the autumn of 2017, we were told she was likely about 6 years old. We were fortunate that she lived more than half her life with us, passing at the likely age of 13, exceeding the average 8-10 years referenced for the breed. We were so blessed to have her in our life for the time that we did. Miss Daisy was much more than a dog. She was a companion, a healer, a family member. She never failed to bring smiles to our faces and laughs to our bellies. She brought so much JOY to our lives, and we are endlessly grateful to have had her as our fur baby.

May you rest in peace, Miss Daisy. See you on the other side. 💕