Paws & Cuddles: How Roxy Steals My Heart Daily
Dogs are remarkable creatures that show unconditional love when treated with care and respect. Roxy, my Chihuahua-Lab mix, is no exception. She’s the one who jumps onto my bed every Thursday night to snuggle as we watch Insecure on Netflix. Her warmth and affection give me the comfort and optimism I need to face the challenges of the concrete jungle. Despite my growing unease with city life, Roxy’s companionship reminds me that each day holds the potential for joy, just as I felt when I first stepped onto the NYU campus, full of anticipation.
On Friday mornings, my aide, Deonte, feeds Roxy her two scoops of food, and she eagerly eats, a sign of the strong, spirited dog she’s becoming. Meanwhile, I sip my Irving Farm coffee, savoring the rich taste as it sparks my senses. After a quick shower, Deonte gets me into my wheelchair, and we’re off for a walk with Roxy and his dog, Ruby. Roxy, still a puppy, approaches the city’s hustle and bustle with surprising calm. The construction noises don’t faze her; she’s ready to explore this new world. Our first stop: Petco, where I buy her bacon-flavored treats, a collar, and a pink leash that matches her name perfectly.
While at Petco, I meet with trainers who tell me about the six sessions Roxy and I will have together. We both have things to work on. She needs to learn to walk calmly beside my wheelchair without getting distracted by other dogs. I, on the other hand, need to be more careful of her paws when navigating the streets—something I learned the hard way after accidentally running over them twice. The first time she whined in pain, and my heart stopped. Deonte quickly scooped her up, giving her a soothing leg rub before placing her back on my lap to continue our walk home. She snuggled into my chest, and I drove slowly, about three miles an hour, feeling a deep connection with her.
We venture out to the streets of NYC, where she confidently pees on the sidewalk as if it’s her world. At Boris and Horton, a dog café, she mingles with other dogs and gets treats from the staff. It’s there I realize I still have much to learn about being a dog parent, but I’m committed to the journey.
At the end of the day, Roxy curls up in her crate, content and sleepy. As she drifts off, I hear her soft snores, a reminder of the peace she brings into my life. The sun streams through the window, promising a new day filled with possibilities. With Roxy by my side, I’m learning patience and growth, and together, we’ll navigate the challenges that come our way. As she matures into the strong, loving dog she’s destined to be, I know our bond will only deepen.
