Roxy Kallfelz, a Miniature Australian Shepherd, and resident of Easton, MA, is a living legend. She is also my dog so I may be a little biased, but I have never met anyone who didn’t like her.
Whenever someone meets her for the first time, they gasp at her striking blue eyes and overall fluffy cuteness. When my older sister was in high school, one of her friends even made Roxy her own Facebook account. Our next-door neighbor will sneak into our backyard sometimes just to play with her and even gave her the nickname, “Roxyliscious.” Roxy is basically a celebrity among anyone who knows her.
When I was the ripe age of four years old, my parents drove my siblings and me up to a breeder in New Hampshire. We had already chosen which puppy we wanted but when we arrived, a different puppy with a spot on her head came right up to us and immediately started playing with us. That sweet, friendly pup was Roxy. We didn’t choose her, she chose us.
I know everyone thinks that their dog is the best dog ever, but they’re wrong because Roxy is the best, there’s no doubt about it. To prove it, I decided to ask my dog some questions while I was home recently.
Me: What are your favorite pastimes?
Roxy: Going for walks! Also, when I was a younger pooch, I loved when my people made agility courses for me outside. Running! Jumping! It was all so fun. And meeting new people! The sound of the doorbell is my favorite sound. I almost forgot – I used to climb up the ladder on my people’s treehouse and slide down! That was the best. But lately I’ve been so tired, so I love to sleep.
Me: I’ve heard you have some weird habits. Can you elaborate?
Roxy: I wouldn’t call them weird, but I guess I have some habits. I sleep in the bathtub…. and when I want to go to bed but my people are still up, I toss a ball downstairs to say, “Come on people! Time for bed!” I also like to lick the floor. What?! There are crumbs down there!
Me: What’s your biggest fear?
Roxy: Thunderstorms – or when the clouds are just gray in general. I also hate being in one of those machines – what are they called again? – oh yeah, cars.
Me: What’s your opinion on national health care?
Roxy: Well, I tend to go to the vet quite often lately, so I think that—is that a squirrel outside?!
Roxy is a people dog. She has a couple of dog friends, but usually, she couldn’t care less when she encounters other dogs on a walk. Australian shepherds are herding dogs and Roxy has lived up to that title since she was a puppy. When I was a child and my dad would pick me up, Roxy would go berserk – she was so protective of me. She’s at her happiest when all of her people are in one room together because that means she has done her job and herded us all together. Nudging our hands for pats is also one of her favorite hobbies.
Everyone deserves to meet the smart, friendly, sassy dog that Roxy is. Last summer, my family found out that she has an enlarged heart, and although it does not severely affect her now, it could lead to further complications in the future. She’s just got too much love to give – a normal-sized heart wasn’t enough.
Roxy is 14 ¾ now and I try not to think about the day that will inevitably come. She is part of our family as well as my best friend. I just have to remember to show her as much love as possible in the time we have left. Roxy truly is a special dog.
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