Sugar

Loving Sugar

His retirement date was quickly approaching. As he contemplated his life post-career, he sensed that perhaps, just maybe, he might become a tad bit lonely. Ron’s wife, Sheila, would remain engaged as she continued to work at Living Well Disability Services in Mendota Heights, MN. Sure, he had his hobbies and interests to pursue. He had places to visit, people to see, movies to watch, grandchildren to hug. It seemed like it would be wonderful.

But Ron really wanted a full-time companion. Ron wanted a dog.

Sugar wants a bone

Like a call from an angel, Ron and Sheila received notice that a precious, 10 pound, 4 year old girl named Sugar, had just arrived from Houston to Ruff Start Rescue in Princeton, MN. They dashed to the car and made the journey to the foster home where she was living. When they approached her, they giggled at how small and quirky she was. They quickly completed the adoption papers. After a home visit to ensure theirs was a sufficient abode for the new pup, they welcomed Sugar into their home.

Although the rescue staff wouldn’t profess with certainty what breed(s) Sugar might be, the consensus was that she’s a mix of a Chihuahua and Miniature Italian Greyhound. Look at those legs! Behold those ears!

Sugar

Sugar’s welcome committee included grandkids Nate, Fia, and Jonah. Ron learned to not be offended when they arrived for a visit and ran through the house, beckoning “Where’s Sugar? Where’s Sugar?” Their grandchildren fell in love with her. Ron quietly smiled as he was reassured they would want to visit - at least to see Sugar.

Grandkids Fia and Nate love on Sugar

Ron’s concern about being alone quickly vanished as he held the sweet treat in his arms. Because she was so compact and small, she went with Ron everywhere. Really. Everywhere. Well, except to the yearly family reunion for a week at a resort in Northern Minnesota. No doggies are allowed. Fortunately, during that week, Sugar would stay with a woman who fostered fur babies until they were adopted. She was so smitten with Sugar that she did not want to give her up.

As a child growing up in a large family (12 kids), and as a mother of two, Sheila had acquired keen skills for nurturing non-humans. Her families had menageries of cats, dogs, hamsters, birds, chameleons, turtles, and an iguana. Little Sugar could rest assured that she was in good hands with Sheila. Also, with her new friends at Carver Lake Veterinary Center, where she is fawned over and adored.

Sheila and Grandson Jonah love Sugar

Admittedly, Sugar is a quintessential lap dog. When it became obvious to her that Ron was her main human, she stayed close to him. If Ron went to the kitchen, Sugar was on his heels (after all, that’s where the treats are stored). She became a bona fide Mini-Me. To christen this official moniker, their daughter gifted him a Viking purple hoodie with a pouch in front. Think kangaroo. Color them both happy.

As they settled into their routine, Ron and Sugar both embraced their destinies: to be together.

Donned with a distinct ID tag (a tiny MN Driver’s license), Sugar began to explore her neighborhood. Living on a cul-de-sac, her surveying area was safe for a little girl named Sugar. Cautiously curious, she sniffed and saw. She smelled and sprinkled. After a recent fox siting, Ron was especially protective. He sat on the front porch with a keen eye on Sugar’s adventures. Thankfully, the kids in the ‘hood love Sugar because she is mild mannered and - sweet. After all, her name is Sugar. Of course, one neighbor christened her the Taco Dog after the dog in the commercial. Si!

Ron, Sugar, and Jonah

Although her happiest place was in Ron’s arms, Sugar found the top of the sofa a swell spot to retreat when she needs some alone time. From there, she can still see Ron out of the corner of her eye, but more importantly she can alert everyone if untoward activities are developing on the street. It could be an intruder. It could also be a squirrel. Danger!

“I will protect you!”

Generally, however, Sugar doesn’t bark or whine or beg. She’s small but she’s confident in who she is, even when Bart, a massive, 100 pound dog visits (grandkids’ dog). Sugar is empowered. Empowered to stay away. Empowered to maybe ignore the massive canine and eat her food in a back bedroom where Bart won’t find it.

She tolerates Bart. But she loves her humans.

Tolerating Bart

Then the snow came. It began in late October of 2022 and did not stop. Being such a little girl, Sugar needed special paths to be shoveled before she would/could go outside to do her business. But that winter’s never ending snow and ice wasn’t the most difficult thing for Sugar. At the turn of the new year 2023, Ron became ill and was hospitalized for the two long, cold, months of January and February. Thankfully, Minnesota Law permits pets to visit their humans in hospital. Sugar eagerly accompanied Sheila to see Ron, wagging her tail and her rear end attached to it. With her ears flattened and kisses deposited, Sugar would snuggle up with Ron in his hospital bed. Ron’s heart swelled with love.

After an heroic battle, Ron’s passing was devastating to the entire family. For Sugar, it was also confusing. She remembers the last time Ron held her, in his hospital bed, cooing in her ear as he gently stroked her head.

When hospital visits stopped and Ron was no longer at home with her, Sugar knew she had to again adjust. She did sit in his chair a lot. She did think about him a lot. She can still smell him at various places in the house.

Sugar prepares for MN cold

Sheila has stepped into Ron’s shoes when it comes to loving Sugar. She brings the pup anywhere she can. She has now retired and that means Sugar isn’t alone all day. Actually, Sheila had had a routine of bringing Sugar to her work for years, so that has continued. All the residents welcome her cheerful and calming presence. Sheila’s mom (at 97) is also thrilled when, 2-3 times a week, Sugar nestles in her lap.

Sugar getting love from Hailie at Living Well Disability Services

Some days Sheila will gaze at the sweet little face following her around the house and wonder who misses Ron the most - herself, or Sugar.

Sweet dreams for Sugar

When nighttime arrives, Sheila and Sugar curl up together in their bed. Sugar will sneak under the covers, turn three times, and place her head on Ron’s pillow. Sheila will turn toward her and softly caress her ears and face. Sugar’s eyes meet Sheila’s eyes. For a few precious moments every night, they hold each other, and Ron, in their special love.

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