Ol’ Layla

For a decade or so we had two Shih tzu dogs in our family - Lexi and Layla. Lexi was a smart dog with a bit of a princess mentality, and very much a close companion. We lost Lexi too soon. Layla was the opposite type of dog Describing Layla requires a paragraph of its own.

Layla has that typical scrunched face that Shih tzus are born with. Her body is considerably wider than her undercarriage - likely from her fondness for human food. Layla’s eyes are a shade of blue or a milky white due to cataracts. Even before she developed cataracts, her eyes protruded and looked in different directions. She is either partially deaf or has mastered selective deafness. The dog can’t always hear, but crinkle a mini-marshmallow bag just a little bit and she is on full alert. Ol’ Layla developed serious dental problems resulting in a series of surgeries. She now does not have one tooth in her mouth. Without teeth, her tongue falls out of her mouth, often with a left lean. With the tongue hanging uncontrollably, she tends to drool. Her attitude waivers between standoffish and welcoming…she decides and we respond accordingly.

This afternoon after work I thought it would be nice of me to take Layla for a little drive to look for my picture of the day. After lifting her into my truck she promptly climbed on my center console (where I prefer her not to be). She likes the center console so she can see out the windshield while leaning against me. While sitting there she drools and drips dog snot on my console - the reason I wish she would curl up on the seat and sleep.

As we drove and I looked around, Ol’ Layla was whining. She tends to get vocal when she wants something (like mini marshmallows) or when she has to poop. Guessing her whining to be due to the latter, I abruptly ended our search and began the drive toward home.

When crossing the Wapsipinicon River I noticed this bald eagle watching the traffic. I stopped for a few photos and then quickly headed home before Layla’s urge to go overpowered her urge to hold it. We made it!