There’s a photo of Spice that always makes me smile. She’s wearing a Wonder Woman costume with her head held high, chest out, tail wagging like she owned the world. And honestly? She did. She commanded respect and honor everywhere we went. She claimed and ruled the wonderful world we created together. Spice was my Wonder Woman, or should I say Wonder Dog. My fearless, loyal, wild-hearted free spirit that could not be contained.
She always saw me only through the eyes of love. I was Spice’s entire universe, her “person”, her superhero. She believed in me on the days I didn’t even believe in myself, and trust me, she didn’t let me feel sorry for myself or tolerate my shenanigans. She showed me what “tough love” was. She could sniff out my drama from a mile away and believe me, Spice shut it down real fast. And the beautiful truth is, I respected her for that, needed that from her, and she was in fact my superhero for this.
We write this post for those waiting to be rescued, for anyone stuck in self-doubt, and those wondering if they’re strong enough to be their own superhero.
Through Spice's Eyes: I Was Enough
Spice never asked for my credentials or proof of capability when I adopted her. She didn’t care how “successful” I was (and I use this term loosely as it can be defined in many ways), what I looked like or how much I weighed, or what “mistakes” I’d supposedly made in life. To her, I was the incredibly delightful stratosphere that she basked in and loved to call home. Her safety. Her joy. Her world. Her protector. Her cook. Her maid. Her dog walker. Her entertainment. Her peace. Her love. I was it.
She followed me from room to room like a shadow. I never understood the term “Velcro Dog” until I adopted Spice. When I cried, she lapped up every last tear and stayed right by my side. When I laughed, she lit up and proceeded to continue doing whatever ridiculous thing made me laugh to begin with. Her love wasn’t just comforting. It was affirming. In her eyes, I was already a superhero, I just didn’t know it at first. We all are, we just don’t always recognize it.
That kind of love changes you on a very deep level. It teaches you to look at yourself differently and not how family, friends, co-workers, or others sometimes do. To stop chasing outside validation and instead see yourself through the lens of loyalty, trust, and love is transformative and liberating. That was one of the many gifts Spice gave me on our journey together.
Fearless & Fierce: Spice the Wonder Dog
Was Spice Fearless? Completely. Brave? Absolutely. Invincible in spirit? Without a doubt. I once watched her swim across an entire lake with her duck and swan friends at the park we frequented daily. No hesitation. Just a strong little body cutting through water with pure determination that she was no different than her friends and could do absolutely anything. There were no limits with Spice. She truly believed she was unstoppable and invincible.
She backed down to no dog and no one, no matter their size. In the woods, she once faced off with a fisher cat. Most would run. Spice? She held her ground, barked, and scared it off. Meanwhile I was petrified and had my mace in one hand and my phone in the other about to call 911.
She didn’t do these things because she had something to prove. She did them because she knew and trusted who she was: loyal, instinctual, unshakable and unstoppable. She reminded me that courage isn’t about being the biggest or the boldest. It’s about showing up, even when you’re afraid. And its about not backing down to anyone or anything. It’s about digging deep inside to find the warrior that is you, the superhero hiding underneath years and layers of false identity. But still there, waiting to be re-discovered.
A Mirror of Strength: She Was My Hero Too
In so many ways, Spice mirrored back the kind of strength I didn’t know I had. Her resilience and her ability to live fully in each moment was refreshing. Her ability to forgive and not carry anything over to the next day was inspiring. Watching her live with such heart made me want to do the same. She didn’t spend time doubting herself. She didn’t second-guess whether she was “ready” or “qualified.” She just was, fierce and determined.
This lesson helped me to show up differently too. Stronger. More confident and courageous. More stable and grounded. If Spice could face down a fisher cat, I could face my own fears too.
Spice's Lesson: No One is Coming to Rescue Us
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through life, through very difficult times, and through healing is this: no one is coming to save us.
We grow up with the fairytale we were sold that someone else will swoop in and save the day. That one day, when we’re “chosen” or loved or considered “worthy”, then we’ll step into our power. But the truth is, you are the one you’ve been waiting for. You need to hear this. You need to embrace this and ultimately accept this. You need to face that responsibility you have to yourself and others to show up each day as the greatest and best version of you. Because once you do, that is when the Superhero in you starts to come out and life takes on new meaning.
For years, I held back on things I didn’t believe I could do. Partly because others told me I’d never be able to do certain things, partly from laziness, partly from fear, partly due to procrastination, and also because sometimes life happens and distracts us. But once I let go of the waiting, and once I tuned in to Spice’s repeated messages to me, everything changed. I started lifting heavy weights at the gym, something I never thought my body could do. I landed my dream job and went from barely making ends meet to thriving financially. I built this entire website from scratch, without any technical background or training, simply because I was determined to honor Spice and share the lessons she taught me with others.
All of that came when I stopped waiting for a superhero and became my own (and Spice’s).
Be Someone Else's Superhero
When we step into our own power, we light the way for others to do the same. We don’t need a cape or a title. We just need to be willing and to act from our heart.
Every time I write a blog post and share Spice’s stories or a lesson learned from our time together. I’m trying to be that spark for you. If she could lift me through my darkest hours, maybe my words can do the same for you.
You don’t need to be perfect to make a difference. You just need to show up real, honest, and authentic. And keep showing up.
Her Cape Wasn’t a Costume—It Was Her Spirit
That Wonder Woman outfit wasn’t just cute. It was prophetic. It captured Spice’s essence and personality. She lived a life of integrity with bravery. She loved fearlessly, fully, and whole heartedly. She protected me, comforted me, challenged me, and inspired me to greatness. Since her passing I try to pass down Spice’s legacy with that same fiery passion. I carry her spirit forward in my own journey, sharing these posts and pictures with others.
Spice reminded me that being a superhero isn’t about being saved. It’s about saving yourself. About loving boldly, living bravely, and standing tall even when the world feels heavy. You already have everything you need. Dust your cape off. Reclaim what is already yours, waiting to be re-discovered. Be your own superhero. Spice and I believe in you and are here to support and help in any way we can!
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