The dog in this picture looks a lot like my 17 year old Lhasa Apso named Latte’ Viente. I named him Latte’ because as a puppy, he looked like every flavor or color of flavor at Starbucks, vanilla, cappuccino, mocha, chocolate, espresso. Of course at Starbucks Viente means large. Sure, I knew he would only be about 20 lbs. I just loved the play on words. As all dog lovers do, he had many nicknames, Honeypot, Tator Tops, Babe, Tator Gator, Tatums, Manzu, Manzez, to name a few, but the one that stuck the most was just ‘Te.
I almost didn’t get ‘Te’. I wasn’t sure if he liked me. He wasn’t hyper. I thought all puppies were. He felt like an old soul. He gave me one little lick. Just one – That’s it. I thought, I don’t want a dog that doesn’t want me. I had fallen in love with the breed because my sister in law had one. I remember going back to my car and I told my Mom about his personality or the lack thereof. I then paused and went back in and got my dog.
His raccoon looking face got me and I knew he was to be mine. I was reminded that when God makes us, he breaks the mold. Latte’ broke the mold. Turns out he was the most mild mannered, laid back dog I have ever known. I would have really missed out on having one of the largest loves in my life had I not gotten him. When I thought something was wrong with him, he was just being himself.
‘Te taught me so much. He taught me to slow down. That it’s all small stuff. Take time and smell the roses- simple pleasures. To love wide open – totally and completely. To accept others as they are, as I had learned to do the same regarding him. I remember a magnet on my refrigerator that say, “Lord, help me become the person my dog thinks I am.” That became my mantra.
Are you open to letting some of the lessons we get come from other than the anticipated source? Do you think that God/Infinite Spirit/Source is wise enough to communicate to us in a multitude of ways? I do.
What lessons have you learned as we navigate through life from sources you didn’t expect? I’d love to hear your journey.
From the time I got ‘Te, to the day I had to put him down due to cancer, I am ever so grateful that I took a chance on getting him. Not knowing what I was in store for, but ready for the ride. Latte’ was my ride or die. So much so, that we had to get another Lhasa Apso, not to replace him, but because of the inspiration, the life, the unconditional love he gave us.
I loved my Honeypot, my Tator Tot, my Babe. If ‘Te were here, he’d give me that one affirmative lick/kiss. His signature. Thank you for all of the life lessons! I am better because of you, my Honey.
