For dog lovers there is only one 'lifetime dog'

Elvis has definitely earned the designation of dog of all dogs. Elvis has definitely earned the designation of dog of all dogs. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close For dog lovers there is only one 'lifetime dog' 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

So there I was by myself, sitting outside Tully's and enjoying a latte while reading the paper, when a young woman approached me.

"Excuse me," she said with a concerned look. "Is your dog OK?"

Who was this person? Puzzled, I reassured her that Elvis was fine. He'd gone on a long walk earlier that morning and couldn't be budged off his La-Z-Dog recliner. I had to ask. "I'm sorry, but do I know you?"

"No," she replied, smiling. "It's just that I see you around town and you're never without your dog. I wanted to be sure he's OK." She was right. Without thinking about it, my greyhound, Elvis, has become such an integral part of my life that even strangers see me incomplete without him. Although I've loved many dogs since childhood, none have been like this one. To use an expression coined by "A Good Dog" author Jon Katz, Elvis is my "lifetime dog," a dog that I'll hold dear long after he's gone and others have staked their spot on the sofa.

"So many people told me they had one dog in their life that meant everything to them, that stood out in their hearts and memories," Katz responded when I sent him an e-mail asking about the expression. "Sometimes it was a dog that entered their life at a critical juncture or changed their life. When people hear the term, they all nod. Loving a dog can be a powerful experience."

Indeed. Because Elvis isn't "just" a pet. He's my companion, my friend, my joy. He isn't a replacement for the husband I never married or the children I never had, as is the common stereotype of single people. Johnny Depp could be my betrothed and cherubs my children. I wouldn't love this dog one iota less. When Stu and Barbara Homer of Golden State Greyhound Adoption delivered Elvis to my home on that hot June day five years ago, I had no idea what a life-altering occasion it was. As the underweight ex-racer jumped out of their truck and I met my new trembling, deer-like dog, I was struck by two emotions: first, delight that he was so pretty, immediately followed by sheer terror: how would I manage this horse in my house?

But over the next few weeks, as we adjusted -- he to his new home and me to my new dog -- we began to establish our life together, the one that I cherish today. I love that Elvis greets me at the door with a toy in his mouth, jumping with joy whether I've been gone 10 minutes or 10 hours. I love how he rests his head on my lap while I'm watching TV, wanting nothing more than to feel my touch. I love how he gobbles his food with gusto and then, with kernels of rice still on his nose, does a happy little trot as if to offer his compliments to the chef.

I love how he meanders over to my bed every night after I've turned out the lights and taps my face with his soft, wet nose before retiring to his La-Z-Dog recliner. I love caring for Elvis, stroking his knobby head, rubbing his velvety ears, observing him with other dogs, other people. Such as my neighbors' 15-month-old baby, the adorable Isabella.

When Bella sees Elvis, she flaps her arms like she's preparing for liftoff and -- having walked for all of three weeks -- stumbles unafraid toward the great big dog. Elvis, who towers over the tiny toddler by a good 10 inches, leans down and gently nuzzles Bella's cheek and she gurgles with unabashed joy. Talk about your Kodak moment.

Today, when I look at my beloved dog who will soon turn 8, I can't help but note his gray muzzle and eyebrows. Like his human, Elvis is showing signs of age. And unlike the life I might have enjoyed with the man I never married or children I never had, I realize, with an ache, that our time together will be much too brief.

That explains why I'm so fond of one particular "Twilight Zone" episode. Titled "The Hunt," it features a recently deceased man and his dog. As they amble down a country road in the hereafter, they come upon a gate. "Welcome to heaven!" the gatekeeper declares. Except for the dog, that is. "What kind of heaven won't allow dogs?" the old man asks. "If he can't come in, then I'll stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life. I can't desert him now."

So the old man continues down the road with his dog. Later, they come upon another gate. "Welcome to heaven!" the gatekeeper greets both man and dog. When the old man inquires about the previous gatekeeper's proclamation, he learns it was the devil. "He gets people who are willing to give up a lifelong companion for a comfortable place to stay," the old man is told. "They soon find out their mistake, but then it's too late." And man and dog pass through the gates, toward the light. Toward heaven.

When I cradle my dog's face in my hands and look into his liquid eyes, so full of unwavering loyalty and love, there's no doubt. Elvis is my faithful companion. My lifetime dog. And this is heaven.

Ask the vet

This month's guest veterinarian is Gilbert T. Robello of PetCare Veterinary Hospital, 1370 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa; phone (707) 579-5900; online at www.pcvh.com.

Q: My 9-year-old yellow lab has dysplasia in both elbows. He takes glucosamine and chondroitin daily and has since he was 6 months old. When he's a real devil dog and overdoes it, he gets a Deramaxx. Any updates on what can be done for this condition? We were told he would be lame by age 5.

A: Elbow dysplasia is an inherited, developmental, degenerative disease of the elbow joint that is more common in medium- and large- breed dogs. The condition starts at 4 to 6 months old, and causes lameness and arthritis. Diagnosis is made by a physical exam and radiographs. Early surgical intervention (arthroscopic or conventional) can provide relief and slow arthritic progression.

Treatment of arthritis secondary to elbow dysplasia includes rest and an anti-inflammatory drug until the lameness improves. Consistent, moderate, low-impact activities help to maintain muscle tone. Keep your dog lean -- obesity puts a great deal of stress on joints and causes more discomfort. Continue the glucosamine/chondroitin supplement. If medical management fails to provide relief, surgical options of elbow replacement or arthrodesis (fusing the joint) can be considered.