Your very own Carmen Jones is usually such a happy girl, hopping around the city discovering all kinds of adventures, but over the weekend I received some news that really slowed me down, and hit me hard.

Lefty, one of my favorite dogs in the universe, had to be put down last Saturday.

Lefty belonged to Best Friend Colin, and throughout the time that I’ve known this gorgeous, perfect, silver Neapolitan Mastiff, I’ve always said that he’s the only man who will ever capture my heart.

If you had met Lefty, you’d feel the same way.

I’d like to dedicate this week’s column to all of you out there who have had pets in your lives that you’ve lost — the ones that loved you so selflessly, cared for you when you were ill, snuggled with you when you were alone, and simply made the world a better place to be while they were here.

I’m so sorry that Lefty had to leave you, Colin, and this column is specifically for you,
too.

If you will, dear readers, please allow me to share with you some of the many things that I’ll miss so much about my beloved silver monster.

Lefty was such a good guard dog, in all of his ginormous majesty, and he was so smart. Even when I’d enter Colin’s house solo, Lefty would instantly recognize me. He’d never snap at me, he’d just run up to me for the love that he knew he’d get.

I’m so sad that I’ll never get to hear his big tail thumping on the floor right before he got up while Colin would say, “Look who’s here, Lefty!”

I would give anything to hear Lefty speak again because he’d sing some of the best growling and barking songs that always made Colin and me laugh.

I’ll greatly miss his relaxed and patient nature.

But one of my fondest memories of Lefty will always be cuddling with him. Colin told me that Lefty would only get up on the bed if I was there. Whenever Colin and I shared the bed (yes, we’re just friends), Lefty would barge in, put his back into me and while I hugged him, he’d slowly stretch his legs out and push Colin out of the bed. I’d always smile, give Lefty a kiss and tell him that’s how we do.

Lefty lived a wonderful, long life, but that doesn’t make his exit any easier. I know the last couple of months he spent on this planet included pain, but I still wish I could have him back before all of that so I could say goodbye one last time.

But since I won’t get to have that opportunity, all I can offer is:

Rest In Piece, Lefty, I’ll always miss and love you.

Prior to finding out about Lefty’s passing, my weekend rolled forward, as usual.
Friday I drove straight to Sixth Avenue after work for some Asado reprieve. Their roasted corn and the hanger steak appetizer started my weekend off just right.

After, I headed to Masa for a drink and wound up sitting between Bill and Bud Rob, the latter of whom was loudly reenacting lines from “Silence of the Lambs” like “Ohh, is that that fat girl?” and “Would you f*** me? I’d f*** me.” After several laughs with those fun guys, I headed out for the night.

Saturday I slept in, relaxed and briefly stopped into Rosie’s birthday party, but I had to make my sudden exit when I received the news about Lefty so I wouldn’t break down in front of people.

After crying it out a little, I pulled myself back together and met up with Lady Emmalee who cheered me up with some fun at the Parkway, Cans and then Doyle’s.

While at Cans I got to catch up with an old college friend I hadn’t seen in FOREVER, Workman, and I ran into the dreamy Ryan who is in town from Costa Rica for a month (hooray!).

Sunday I thought a lot about Lefty, I cried some more tears, and I found solace in the fact that I know he’s so much happier, peaceful and better off in doggie heaven.