As noted in earlier posts, Laika and Missy's pup Ramona were good friends. They met during the time before I even knew Laika, after Missy's boss found Baby Girl on the street! Their relationship was not all fun and games, though, as Laika could be a little bit too overzealous about things and constantly tried to steal toys or attention from Ramona. This caused Laika to receive some discipline at times, but in a good-natured way.
It's also pretty safe to say that Ramona was the only living witness to many of the insane things that Laika did at Missy's houses...to which we were only the audience to the unbelievable aftermaths. I assume this might have made her wary of being anywhere alone with Laika, but since most mischief was obviously not her fault, she seemed ok with it. Also, given her own struggles with separation anxiety as a puppy, she might have been a positive force on Laika's own mellowing-out.
Watching them run and play together was great, though. You could tell that Laika treated Ramona like and older sibling, by teasing and annoying her for attention and then submissively offering apologies after at was all said and done. Laika loved to steal Ramona's toys and her spot as soon as she would move. All the while, wagging her tail and waiting for Ramona to respond. Missy and I would constantly love watching the ongoing, goofy games they played.
Sadly, Ramona lost her battle with mast cell cancer several years ago. She fought hard and Missy supported her throughout it all. As one of Laika's better pals, the loss was hard on many levels. I remember being very sad to hear the news and sadder for Laika that they would never play together in this life again. Through Ramona's unfortunate illness, though, Missy gained very valuable perspective on the effects of the treatments and her role in decision. Talking to her about Laika's cancer was, therefore, extremely helpful and endlessly supportive.
This photo of Laika and Ramona is one of my favorites, taken by Missy at her old house. It looked nostalgic when it was taken and even more so now...like a famous 19th century portrait of two stately, distinguished generals or politicians. In real life, however, that couldn't be further from the truth. Still, this moment in time shows to old friends, enjoying a late summer afternoon in Missy's garden, waiting patiently together for the cool evening breeze.
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