It was a hot one out there today — the kind of day where the pavement radiates heat, the air feels heavy, and the trees barely move in the stillness. Days like this always make me think of Chooch. He never liked the heat, and I always had to be extra mindful to keep him cool and comfortable. Even when he wanted to run wild or go for a walk, I had to be the one to say, “Not now, buddy. Let’s wait for the sun to go down.”
Now, I find myself doing the same with CiCi. She has a different energy — a little gentler, a bit more cautious — but the love and care I give her mirror everything I gave to Chooch. I know how fast heatstroke can happen in dogs, and I promised myself I’d always be their advocate when the sun gets too strong. We go out early, sometimes even before the sun has fully risen, or wait until golden hour to enjoy the outdoors. Midday is for shade, fans, and plenty of fresh water.
Today, as the sun beat down and the world shimmered in a golden haze, I watched CiCi nap by the fan, belly up, one paw dangling in the air. She trusts me. Just like Chooch did. That trust is what keeps me going, especially on days like this when memories of him sneak in with every familiar routine. I still picture him dragging his favorite toy to the coolest spot in the house or giving me that look when I suggested a walk — half excitement, half suspicion about the temperature.
There’s a kind of quiet bond you form when you care for an animal through every season. It’s not just about walks and treats — it’s about protection, awareness, and a deep kind of love that makes you attuned to even their smallest discomfort. Chooch taught me that. And now CiCi benefits from those lessons.
It was a scorcher today, no doubt about it. But we made it through the heat with plenty of shade, a few frozen treats, and that old fan humming in the corner. I miss Chooch every day, but I know he’d be glad I’m loving CiCi with the same gentle, careful heart.
