Kisses for Zuma.
Early in this journey, we were advised that Zuma's isolated black dot on her head has a meaning. Some call it a "kissing spot", others call it "God's Thumbprint". Either way, she is blessed as people love to give her a kiss and it works because she subtly likes the attention. It's all good. But some days it's like walking around with Jennifer Anniston. Zuma has been labeled a "celebrity" and for no other reason than she is just a really darned nice dog.
What has amazed me the most about our journey (we've been on the road for seven months now) is the seriously genuine kindnesses we have witnessed and experienced. We're all gypsies in one form or another, just traveling through life. Doing our thing, whether it be a group gig or an individual experience. We've met and formed friendships with the most amazing people, from all nationalities, from all walks of life. We've met so many people thanks mostly, to Zuma, Good Will Ambassador for the Great Dane breed.
People we don't even know have been so kind to us, so generous, always ready to lend a hand. And we reciprocate. Because that's the right thing to do in whatever community you live in.
Zuma has received so much sincere love on this journey. The "kissing spot" on her head has been smooched by admirers of all ages and it brings a tear to my sappy ole self to see her express sheer gratitude for every peck.
She's just that kinduv gal, she appreciates the affection but she is the most humble of canines and doesn't even realize that her beautiful, sweet nature makes people want to hug and kiss her. At night, when we put her to bed, I swear she asks, "WHAT is all the fuss about?". I can't answer that, Zu, you're just a big ole cool dawg and people like you.
She takes it all in stride. And she reciprocates. She likes to sniff faces. That's what people love about her and so do we; we are so proud of our big dawg.
She just loves everybody. WHAT will I do without this dog?
Please book a room at the asylum NOW.
Here she is with a sweet 13 year old girl who couldn't resist sizing herself up to Zu's large size. We never have to worry, Zuma loves everybody and would never be grumpy. Danes are such humble, sweet creatures. Thank you Tim for this great photo!
We miss you! Thank you for the great times with you, Missy and Van! Safe travels, Tim.
One day last week we were in a mountain town and a little boy begged his Mom to let him pet Zuma. Zuma loves children and gets upset if a baby is crying. She wants to go it and when she is welcomed, the baby stops screaming; I warn the mom she will lick, the mom is fine with it, then the baby becomes amused as Zu inquires about him/her. 'Babysitting Angel' we've been told. The mom is floored at the gentleness confined within this massive body. Hence, the seed is planted. Fear no dog if people are there to watch after you, little baby. That is where kindness begins.
So, anyway, there was a little boy in the town we were visiting and he was begging to meet Zuma, who was all about it; we warned the mom she may lick him and she was cool with that (they have big dogs at home, she informed me). Then, when Zuma gave him a gentle slurp on his cheek, I explained to the little boy, "She likes you and trusts you and she's just giving you a kiss". Next thing we knew, the little boy started licking Zuma on her side. I could barely talk, it was the sweetest thing and it touched me deeply. He was expressing his affection for her as she did to him. The mom was fantastic and calmly explained to her son, ah, that's probably not what you would do to ALL dogs but with Zuma, that's cool.
I never hand the leash over to ANYONE but little 4 year old Maisie is gentle and has great animal karma and Zuma was fine with it:
A pocket full of memories. Thank you, Zuma.
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