Tag: BOO markings

Smudge Part 2

If you’ve been following Fuega’s story elsewhere, you know she’s our tiny tornado—17.5 inches of pure whirlwind energy; you will see more here soon. Smudge is her complete opposite in almost every way. He’s what I like to call our gentle giant, though “giant” is relative when you’re talking about whippets. He’s not oversized according to Lennah (and she should know), but he’s built like a bodybuilder who happens to be the same height as you but somehow takes up three times as much space.

Standing next to Fuega, Smudge looks like a small Greyhound. We’ve actually had people ask what track we rescued him from, which always makes us laugh. This boy has never seen a racetrack in his life, but he certainly has the presence of a retired champion.

Born for Halloween

The universe has a sense of humor about timing, and Smudge is living proof. Born on October 20th—just eleven days before Halloween—he came into this world with markings so perfectly themed for the season that you’d think someone planned it.

If you look at him from one side, his black markings spell out the letter “B.” Turn him around, and the other side clearly shows “OO.” Put it together and you get “BOO”—literally the perfect Halloween dog, marked from birth for his spooky season debut.

But the Halloween theme doesn’t stop there. When Smudge stretches out in that classic whippet sphinx pose, his markings look remarkably like the mask from the movie “Scream.” Though Sage’s friends see something entirely different when he’s pining at the window for me to come home—they think he looks more like a swish (I swear he has a head, he’s looking out a window), which honestly might be more accurate given his gentle nature.

The Fading Mustache and Other Charms

At almost seven years old now, Smudge is starting to show his age in the most distinguished way possible. His muzzle is beginning to grey, and he’s slowly losing what we’ve always called his “one-sided mustache”—a charming little marking that gave him an air of sophistication from puppyhood.

The changes are subtle but noticeable, like watching a favorite book fade gently over time. Each grey hair is a reminder of all the years we’ve shared, all the quiet moments of companionship, all the times he’s been exactly what I needed without even trying.

My Mental Health Anchor

Here’s where Smudge’s story becomes more than just amusing anecdotes about markings and size. He’s not just my companion—he’s my mental health anchor, my physical limitation reminder, and my steadfast good boy all rolled into one substantial whippet package.

During my migraine journey, when the world felt overwhelming and uncertain, Smudge was my constant. My migraines are gone but I have some very heavy mental health injuries from that time and Smudge is here for me to just “be” with. He doesn’t try to fix anything or demand attention when I’m struggling. He just exists, solid and reassuring, taking up his considerable space in the most comforting way possible.

He’s also become my gentle reminder about physical limitations. Not in a pushy way—Smudge doesn’t push anything—but in his quiet, observant manner that seems to say, “Maybe we should take this a little slower today.” He reads my energy better than I do sometimes, adjusting his own needs accordingly.

The Devotion That Defines Him

Since that day in February 2020 when Rex and I picked him up from our friend’s house (post-bath and looking like the handsome boy he was destined to become), Smudge has been my shadow. Not in the energetic, bouncing way that some dogs follow their people (though he has his moments), but with the steady, unwavering presence that only a true companion provides.

The only time we’ve been apart since he came home was this past March, when he made his trip back north to be neutered. It was a necessary journey—after Fuega’s surprise motherhood adventure, we decided it was time to prevent any future unplanned litters and let her grow up without the responsibility of more puppies.

Even that separation was brief, and the reunion was everything you’d expect from a dog who’d found his person and had no intention of leaving them again.

Size, Presence, and Heart

When people see Smudge, they’re often surprised by his substantial build. Whippets are supposed to be lean and elegant, and he certainly has the elegance part down. But he’s also got the kind of presence that fills a room, the way some people do without trying.

It’s not just his physical size—though he definitely has that bodybuilder quality that makes him seem bigger than his actual measurements. It’s his calm confidence, his steady gaze, his way of settling into a space like he belongs there completely.

Next to Fuega’s constant motion and strategic dramatics, Smudge is like a peaceful lake next to a rushing river. Both have their beauty, both serve their purpose, but one invites you to sit quietly and just breathe.

The Good Boy Extraordinaire

If Fuega is our con artist with her strategic limping, Smudge is our straight shooter. He doesn’t play games or put on performances. He’s just consistently, reliably, perfectly himself—my one and only good boy who helps keep my world stable when everything else feels uncertain.

Whether he’s sprawled across the floor in classic whippet fashion, keeping me company during a difficult day, or just being his solid, reassuring self in whatever corner of the house he’s claimed, Smudge represents something I didn’t know I was missing before he arrived: unwavering, uncomplicated devotion.

The timing of his arrival—delayed by weather but perfect for my needs—feels more prophetic every year. 2020 threw everyone’s world into chaos, but I had Smudge. My birthday present, delivered exactly when I needed him most.

Next time, we’ll talk about what 2020 gave and took away, how Smudge went from show prospect to perfect companion, and what it’s like watching your gentle giant grow into his golden years.

---

Every dog teaches us something different about love, loyalty, and living in the moment. Smudge’s lesson has been about the quiet power of simply showing up, day after day, exactly as you are. We’re grateful he chose to show up for us.