When Sergio and I started dating over four years ago it took about three dates before Sergio felt it was time to introduce me to a very important part of his life - Patch. It was also the first time I had been to Sergio's apartment. It's a meeting that changed my life and the way I perceive how dogs communicate. Patch made a somewhat awkward moment effortless, welcoming me into his home with open kisses and exposed belly! After his signature plethora of kisses and the open invitation to rub his tummy while relaxing on the sofa, Sergio and I settled in to watch a movie that we had rented. Patch stayed with us for about half of the film and when Sergio's and my canoodling became too much for him he casually jumped off the couch and disappeared.

About 10 minutes later, curious about where Patch had gone, I went looking for him. I poked my head into Sergio's bedroom and there was Patch. Not just lying on the bed but ever so meticulously tucked in under the covers, lying on his side with his head gently resting on the pillow. One eye looking right at me. That look spoke volumes and melted my heart.
What was almost as remarkable to me was that when I called Sergio to come and take a look he answered back, "Did he tuck himself in?". I knew at that moment just what kind of special relationship they had.....and that Patch would have dibs on the left side of the bed!

From there on we formed our own special bond. Patch would lick the water off my ankles enthusiastically after my morning showers, brighten the daily lives of everyone he passed while out for a walk and he became the Peking Lounge store mascot greeting customers and following them around the showroom in case they had any questions..... or just needed some cheering up. He made all our clients feel welcome and comfortable. He loved coming to work and was always happiest when kept busy....when he discovered the scent of mice in the back room of the store he was preoccupied for hours at a time! Every morning when we opened the store he would bark at me to open the door faster and then race to the back room at top speed in hopes of catching one of those little critters in the act.

When I introduced a goldfish into our Chinese garden display at the store he was fascinated to no end spending literally every hour of the work day staring at the fish and following it around the basin. He was so gentle and loving and so curious about every living creature. With patients and determination he gradually earned the fish's confidence and before long Patch was able to show his love for Tangerine and worked his way up to being able to kiss the fish. Odd to say, but not surprising, they too became friends.

Patch has a way of communicating with every being, human or animal; his joyfulness reminds us of what is important in life. His spirited nature and the connectedness he made you feel when he looked into your eyes will forever be cherished.

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
-Kahlil Gibran

Big hug and kiss,
XO Michael

My flight was horribly delayed due to a freak snowstorm in Vancouver and I landed at a terminal teeming with rumpled, shouting passengers who were jostling each other with sharp elbows and even sharper tongues. My luggage had conveniently disappeared. I was not pleased.

I arrived at the shoebox Alex and I called home, empty-handed and cranky. Melodramatically, I threw myself on the bed and bemoaned the general malaise of the world. Engulfed in my befuddled state, I suddenly heard a faint click, click, click in the distance that became louder and louder until the sound stopped abruptly at my door.

Sergio, who had endured a hellish journey from Toronto in a unheated van, moved in while I was away (not unexpected, mind you). I recall Alex telling me beforehand that he was bringing his dog to live with us and assured me that he was well-mannered, smart and most importantly, cute (the dog, as well as the boy).

I turned my head and saw a tiny white Jack Russell with a caramel coloured patch over his right eye, looking at me inquisitively, head cocked in an alarmingly adorable fashion. I don’t know who was more surprised, but after an initial pause, he casually trotted over to me, hopped onto the bed and gave me a friendly, introductory kiss.

I didn’t expect Patch. He came into my life unbidden, as things have a habit of doing, and I fell in love with him.

GOODBYE

Patch lived with Sergio, Alex and I for five joyful years, moving from the dollhouse to thankfully larger digs in Mackenzie Heights.

During that time, Patch was an integral part of our lives. He hosted countless dinner parties, greeting each guest cordially, and shared our relief when the last of the rabble-rousers finally stumbled out. He organized a baby shower for Samantha and welcomed the birth of her baby girl, all the while licking his chops in gleeful anticipation. Baby loved...well, babies. He was fond of bestowing kisses on squirming infants, much to their mother's chagrin. Germs, we'd hear them mutter through tight smiles.

He always made sure the chacken was never dried out at our barbecues. He'd soak up the rays with us until Sergio would gently admonish him and move him into the shade, but soon as our heads were turned, Patch inched back to stretch under the sun. He hiked through forests, beaches and urban streets with us, watched the Antiques Road Show with us, made us laugh with his Baby Hop, entertained us with his tickle trunk full of stuffed toys, looked aghast at some of our overnight guests (usually Bab’s), and sailed to Gambier with us. There was never a moment without him.

Sergio often worked late so Patch would jump into bed with me, and curl up right by my feet under the blanket. When Sergio came in, he'd open my door and whisper to Patch, who quietly slipped from my bed and accompanied his daddy for his bedtime. That was our routine.

Patch's heart was such that he made sure we were all properly taken care of.

When I drove up to the house after work, I'd spot Patch's little head in the window, his bright eyes practically dancing with excitement. He was delirious with joy, leaping into my arms, licking my face with his legendary darting tongue. Patch was never happier then when he was with his family.

The time came for me to say goodbye to Vancouver. Patch came into my room when I was packing and looked around briefly before leaving. He would not meet my gaze. I caught him going into my half-empty room again and again, before turning around with a slightly puzzled expression in his soulful eyes. I sensed his disapproval and attempted to win back his favour by laying heaps of grotesque pig’s ears in front of him, a trifling token.

When I came back a few weeks later to collect the last of my meager belongings, I saw Patch sunning himself on the back porch. As I approached, he sat up, stared at me and then walked into the house without a backward glance. Stricken by his dismissal, I stumbled after him like a lovelorn wench. I picked him up, hugged him close to me and whispered, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Patch took his time, playing it cool with his head tilted away. Finally, he stuck his wet nose into my face and gave me a kiss. All was forgiven.

I'll miss you, Baby.

FQ