I recently visited my friend Lydia and saw her new puppy. The dog was really cute! Lydia smiled as she told me about his first day at home. It was 1 "puppy love".
Later that day, as I 2 my dog Skyler climb the stairs, I thought about how Lydia didn't expect the extra (额外的) care when she brought home a hairy new family member. But that is often what that "puppy love" 3 .
When Skyler joined us, she was house-trained in no time, which 4 us a lot of trouble. At home, she always needed to be behind someone. When taking her on hikes, we were 5 by her energy (精力). If we took off running toward the end of a field, she would have already 6 the finish line before we had even made it halfway.
Now, at the age of 14, Skyler still needs to be right beside you on the sofa or to 7 you into the next room. On walks, 8 we turn the corner onto our street, she pulls hard on her leash (栓狗带) to race toward home. She has made us laugh endlessly and has 9 me countless times.
But it is hard. It is sad to see this once-strong dog have a (an) 10 time walking up the front steps. Over the past few years, we have had to give up on taking certain 11 trips because we are not able to take good care of Skyler. My husband spends hours each week making special food for her that helps to 12 her kidney (肾) problems. And I always have to sit in the back of the car whenever she 13 with us because Skyler needs help to get comfortable, 14 I may get carsick as a result.
Sometimes I complain about (抱怨) old Skyler, but I know she has taught me about love. Dogs give us unconditional love. The 15 we can do is to give it back.
